Update: The functionality of camkeyd has been integrated into shortcutd.


I have created an application called 'camkeyd' which allows the camera button (focus) to be used to access the dashboard from fullscreen applications. I find it especially useful with the web browser when I have the hardware keyboard closed.

Currently there are no configuration options whatsoever, installing the package enables the daemon and removing the package disables it. Light press (focus) accesses the dashboard (only when the lens cover is on, so it does not interfere with normal camera operation). Unfortunately it does not work on desktop and it does not resume last application on second press (I don't know if that's possible at all).

Camkeyd is currently available in extras-devel (user/system). I'm not sure if its user-friendly enough to enter extras(-testing) just yet, but it works for me.

If you try it, please give some feedback. The usual warning about extras-devel applies (do not enable/use it if you're not ready for a reflash etc...)

About adding features:
- I do not know if previous application can be easily resumed, XSetInputFocus had no effect
- I am unsure whether the default action of launching the camera with full button press can be overridden, so there is not much reason for any configuration options