Hardware buttons on phones can have a big effect on users. Take, for example, handsets with dedicated camera buttons: Fans of mobile photography swear by them because they let you quickly do what you want to do. What if you could add three hardware buttons to your smartphone simply by using a specific case? To take things even further, what if you could dictate what those three buttons do? Now we’re talking! I love the idea behind this product, which is a Kickstarter currently in progress. Instead of handset makers deciding which buttons to add — or not include, as the case may be — Cliq puts you in control. The three buttons can be programmed for various one-touch tasks of your choice and you can change those tasks whenever you like. The secret sauce lies in NFC, or near-field communications.