Exactly that, proprietary hardware will limit usefulness for anything beyond specially developed Windows functionality.

And, even if the hardware can be hacked for Linux the question becomes, how can it be made functional in a desktop environment independent way?

Been doing R&D for a similar concept for several years, a detached video enabled trackpad. The key functionality which all concepts to date lack, is being OS agnostic and allowing end-user customization of functionality.

It's a good effort, but is likely only the beginning...