Apparatus and methods for providing function specific access to a mobile terminal via an external device

A method of providing customizable interaction with a mobile terminal using a plurality of external input devices, the method comprising:

• receiving, into the mobile terminal, a first activation signal that corresponds to a first function in the mobile terminal from a first external input device of the plurality of input devices that is removably attached to the mobile terminal and is configured to receive a first activating input from a user;
• activating the first function in the mobile terminal responsive to receiving the first activation signal;
• receiving, into the mobile terminal, a second activation signal that corresponds to a second function in the mobile terminal from a second external input device of the plurality of external input devices that is removably attached to the first external input device and is configured to receive a second activating input from the user;
• and
• activating the second function in the mobile terminal responsive to receiving the second activation signal.

A system for providing customizable interaction with a mobile terminal, the system comprising:

• a plurality of external input devices that correspond to a respective plurality of functions in the mobile terminal, the plurality of external input devices configured to transmit a respective plurality of activation signals to be received by the mobile terminal, the plurality of external input devices configured to be arranged in a serial arrangement that is removably attached to the mobile terminal, and the plurality of external input devices are communicatively coupled to one another and/or the mobile terminal;
• wherein respective ones of the plurality of external input devices comprise:
• a user input component that corresponds to a respective function in the mobile terminal and that is configured to receive an activating input from a user;
• a communication component that is configured to send a respective activation signal to the mobile terminal that corresponds to the respective function in the mobile terminal and that causes the mobile terminal to activate the respective function;
• a first fastening component that is configured to engage the mobile terminal and/or another one of the plurality of external input devices and to removably attach the apparatus to the mobile terminal and/or the other of the plurality of external input devices;
• and
• a second fastening component that is configured to engage a first fastening component of another one of the plurality of external input devices.