I have a USB "easy button"- is a USB cable attached to a large button. It appears as a keyboard to the computer. When I push the button, it sends the keys Start+R and then quickly types in a pre-configured URL. I am fairly certain that the company that produces these buttons sets the URL via some sort of software over USB. How could I reprogram the button myself? What sort of software would I need?
Here is a link to the website: http://www.usbsmartbuttons.com/
Or this site too http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-hack-staples-easy-button-18413/
I saw something, somewhere, awhile ago, that I can't now find about someone repurposing it to start a build.
The "Easy button" is most likely a USB Human Interface Device (HID) keyboard class. By conforming to strict HID specifications the firmware programed into the micro controller the button can function without installing any drivers much like a USB mouse, keyboard or any other USB device that instantly recognizes after immediately plugging in. If you're interested http://www.lvr.com/hidpage.htm is a great start.
Just in case Someone else finds this thread: If you are looking for ways to integrate such a button with your own application, the easiest approach would be to have them trigger a very uncommon keyboard combination (something like Alt-Ctrl-Shift-O) and catch with a system-wide keyboard hook in your application.