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Show HN: Bluetooth USB Peripheral Relay – Bridge Bluetooth Devices to USB

(github.com)
233 points bahaaador | 3 comments | 13 Nov 24 13:24 UTC | HN request time: 1.396s | source

Hi HN! I built Bluetooth USB Peripheral Relay, a tool that lets Bluetooth devices (like keyboards and mice) connect to USB-only hosts using a Raspberry Pi Zero W.

Why? My friend needed a way to use his Bluetooth mouse and keyboard on a PC with Bluetooth disabled due to policy restrictions. This tool acts as a bridge, relaying Bluetooth input over USB. It also lets you use Bluetooth peripherals with older devices that only support USB input.

Tech: Written in Go, optimized for Raspberry Pi Zero W.

I love HN’s community and often lurk here—I’m hoping this project is useful or at least sparks some interesting discussions. Feedback and contributions are welcome!

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ChrisMarshallNY ◴[13 Nov 24 15:12 UTC] No.42126707[source]▶
> This project was born out of a desire to help a friend who couldn't use his favorite Bluetooth mouse and keyboard due to Bluetooth being disabled on his work laptop.

Protip: If their company's IT section is like the one at my old company, they are quite unlikely to like this solution, either.

But it's very clever. Kudos.

replies(5): >>42126815 #>>42126875 #>>42127410 #>>42127461 #>>42127923 #
1. bongodongobob ◴[13 Nov 24 16:23 UTC] No.42127410[source]▶
No, it's just a USB device at that point. Unless they are against USB mice and keyboards, it's fine.
replies(2): >>42127666 #>>42128263 #
2. tiagod ◴[13 Nov 24 16:50 UTC] No.42127666[source]▶
It's a USB device that types stuff sent through the air into the computer. For example, if the BT keyboard is vulnerable, you just opened a door for an attacker to remotely type things into the company laptop. I don't think it has the same risk profile as a wired keyboard
3. ChrisMarshallNY ◴[13 Nov 24 17:47 UTC] No.42128263[source]▶
Our IT would not allow any USB that wasn't purchased through them, to be connected to the machine.

This was especially true for memory sticks, but keyboards, and even bus-powered things like fans (or nerf turrets) would get banned.

They had the power to get you fired, if you crossed them.

They did not like my team, because we were the only ones in the building, that knew what bullshitters they were.