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All:
I have been using Gyrator 2. So far so good. But if the keyboard doesn't increase in size when you rotate the screen I don't see a huge advantage other than reading text or email on wider screen.
With the iPhone, yes I said the bad word, when you rotate the screen your keyboard changes making it easier to type on. That's what I'm really looking for. Something that will change the keyboard to a more finger friendly keyboard when rotated to landscape. Anything out there that can do that?
Also, any way to shrink those huge black bars when you rotate the screen at the top and bottom? I was noticing the top title bar (black bar 1) and the bottom soft menu bar (black bar 2) are HUGE in landscape mode and take up way too much real estate. It would be nice if those screen disolved and only appeared if you tapped the header/footer in a screen. I hope that made sense. Anythign apps than can do that? Or am I wishing on star.
Make sure you're using the default HTC keyboard, not the WM original one. The HTC keyboard (called full QWERTY in the input picker) does change and fill the entire screen widthwise when the screen is rotated.
shueflie, I am. And you're right. It does fit the entire screen but for some reason it sure doesn't seem bigger. Maybe it's just me. I guess it has to be getting bigger...but for some reason it still seems like too many keys squeezed in.
Are there any replacement keyboards, say something like a standard letter only keyboard, and then you press something for numbers only, and then something for special characters only? My fingers are too big.
Try the phone keypad in portrait mode (either with or without T9) and see if that suits you better. There are other keyboards available but I haven't tired any of them
Will give it a shot. If you can direct me to a link with more keyboards I'd appreciate it, in the meantime I'll use the almighty search and see what I can dig up.
derrickonline said:
Will give it a shot. If you can direct me to a link with more keyboards I'd appreciate it, in the meantime I'll use the almighty search and see what I can dig up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of keyboards out there. Do a quick search in Themes, Applications and Software and you'll find what your looking for!!!
EDIT:
May also want to check Wiki to ensure keyboard software works ok, Programs/Utilites & Games working on the Touch HD (1 - M) & Programs/Utilites working on the Touch HD (N - Z)
Wow an entire wiki, that's what I'm talkin' about. Thanks!
derrickonline said:
Wow an entire wiki, that's what I'm talkin' about. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all software is shown on these lists. Best option is to do a search for keyboard in Themes, Applications and Software.
If your unsure about anything, refer to this and it should answer most questions you have!
I just wanted to point a few things about the Samsung Vibrant everyone is complaining about how this phone does not have a D-Pad and i just wanted to clear this up.
In fact this phone has a d-pad, select the samsung keyboard if not already in use hold down the key on the keyboard that is use to select numbers and symbols you will see a d-pad appear with copy, past select text options.
Also to easily dim your screen or to brighten your screen, slide your finger across the top of the screen where the notification bar is and you will notice your screen brighten or darken according to which way you slide your finger. (Note you may need to disable auto brightness for this function to be activated.
Heres a pic of the dpad
The Swype keyboard also has a really nice d-pad. Just swype from the tutorial icon right to the SYM key and it will show up.
Sent from my Vibrant, using the XDA app.
Thank you very much for the brightness slide tip!!!
Anyone else accidentally changing the brightness a lot? I swipe the bar with my left thumb, and if it's too angled of a swipe, my screen brightness goes to 11. I never thought I'd complain about a screen being too bright, lol.
can we activate the d-pad when not in a text entry field? I used the trackball on my G1 to select html anchors to get at small links or hovering elements
Wow I did not know this thanks for the info.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
cbisquit said:
can we activate the d-pad when not in a text entry field? I used the trackball on my G1 to select html anchors to get at small links or hovering elements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be used on a web page, but I've only gotten it to come up by hitting a text box first. For that, even the addresses bar works.
-bZj
_____
-sent from my Samsung Vibrant via XDAapp
Awesome. Thanks for sharing this info.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
keyboard almost always pulls up with a long press on menu. but in the browser this also pulls up the URL bar so no can do. also what is 'keyboard sweeping' in the samsung keyboad options?
cbisquit said:
can we activate the d-pad when not in a text entry field? I used the trackball on my G1 to select html anchors to get at small links or hovering elements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes all you have to do is hold down the menu key they keyboard will pop up and then you just have to do the process up top..
What about when you need to see text in a menu selection that is truncated to the side?
For example, if you go to Market -> Apps, under Finance and Health, you can see there are text that runs off to the right edge you can't read. In my old phone MyTouch, if I highlight Finance, the text will scroll across so I can read the rest of the line. Can't do this right now with the Vibrant.
jkcheng122 said:
What about when you need to see text in a menu selection that is truncated to the side?
For example, if you go to Market -> Apps, under Finance and Health, you can see there are text that runs off to the right edge you can't read. In my old phone MyTouch, if I highlight Finance, the text will scroll across so I can read the rest of the line. Can't do this right now with the Vibrant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent ran across this problem. i am pretty sure when 2.2 comes out it will fix alot of the small issues, like on my nexus
soklean said:
yes all you have to do is hold down the menu key they keyboard will pop up and then you just have to do the process up top..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not seeing that option since holding down menu opens the url bar which can't be closed independently of the keyboard.
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA app
Awesome post, thanks.
Anyone figure out a better way to auto-fit text on the browser? I find tilting my phone to change the orientation and tilting it back makes it auto-fit. Phones like the Incredible do it as you're doing pinch to zoom--no need to flip the phone around.
blueman9 said:
The Swype keyboard also has a really nice d-pad. Just swype from the tutorial icon right to the SYM key and it will show up.
Sent from my Vibrant, using the XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excellent! I didn't realize that was a d pad lol.. i always thought of a d pad being like a trackball or flat button like on the blackberry bold 9700
thanks to you and the original poster for the tip. I found out about the swipe for screen brightness by John on droiddog dot com
very nice but in swype you can do the same thing just swype from the swype key at the bottom left to the SYM key right beside it and you get arrows and some other goodies.
Oh wow! This was my biggest complaint about the Vibrant. Thank you very much.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
For those saying "o wow", check the sticky. Surely some other things you've missed.
Dougefresh91 said:
Awesome post, thanks.
Anyone figure out a better way to auto-fit text on the browser? I find tilting my phone to change the orientation and tilting it back makes it auto-fit. Phones like the Incredible do it as you're doing pinch to zoom--no need to flip the phone around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hit the - or + buttons back and forth to get the text to wrap, yeah it's a bummer they don't wrap using the pinch zoom. Also you can double tap the screen to initiate zoom, that method also auto-fits the text.
A few hours ago I updated to the 2.1.
The main thing that is far worse is the keyboard. It seems far less accurate, I'm making many more mistakes than before, sometimes I have to press the same button twice, it seem's unresponsive and slow, if you rush it you make mistakes.
It's like it's running slow and there is no num pad, the keyboard is much worse than 1.6
Is there ANY way I can use the old keyboard? I wish there was a way I could use the previous full sized keyboard, quicker and more responsive...
Matter of fact, what does everyone think the best keyboard for the streak is?
Not sure if I am doing something wrong , but I have been unable to use any other keyboards , they install OK , and I can select them , but when I go to select it , it's still the Dell one that pops up . I used Better Keyboard on 1.6 and preferred it.
With the new one , I seem to "miss" the top row of keys for some strange reason ! , usually I'll notice I have missed an "e" in a word .
Same, at first kept missing the top row of keys, you just need to hit a little bit lower.
Or use a multitouch keyboard like smart keyboard, just annoying that it takes up the whole screen.
I'm using the SWYPE keyboard. Works great for me on 1.6
dairymasta said:
Same, at first kept missing the top row of keys, you just need to hit a little bit lower.
Or use a multitouch keyboard like smart keyboard, just annoying that it takes up the whole screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I'm getting and it's really pissing me off. I now dread to use the internet or type message as nearly every word I type has a mistake...
zoidster said:
Not sure if I am doing something wrong , but I have been unable to use any other keyboards , they install OK , and I can select them , but when I go to select it , it's still the Dell one that pops up . I used Better Keyboard on 1.6 and preferred it.
With the new one , I seem to "miss" the top row of keys for some strange reason ! , usually I'll notice I have missed an "e" in a word .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, crappy keyboard, I hate using the internet/sms messages now.
I really wish to have the same keyboard as 1.6, also with the numpad, saves me everytime clicking on the ?123 button to type in a number and then click it off, more slow
Funk2641 said:
Matter of fact, what does everyone think the best keyboard for the streak is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original of course, from 1.6!
kanej2006 said:
Exactly what I'm getting and it's really pissing me off. I now dread to use the internet or type message as nearly every word I type has a mistake...
Same here, crappy keyboard, I hate using the internet/sms messages now.
I really wish to have the same keyboard as 1.6, also with the numpad, saves me everytime clicking on the ?123 button to type in a number and then click it off, more slow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't upgraded to 2.1 yet as i rather wait for the official OTA, I am also using swype keyboard I find it quite good too. I also found a stock one a bit difficult to type on with out making typo's but it was nice idea having the number pad. But I heard many people were crying about it being rubbish.
Funny now seeing people who have upgraded to 2.1 and with the new dell stock keyboard people are also making noise about how poor it is. Looks like dell can't get the keyboard right. I think dell should left the original keyboard and pre-install swype for people. This give users best of both worlds I think.
The original keyboard was rubbish, agreat idea but impossible to type accurately. The new keyboard is better but still not great. Swype is be rest so far even as a touch type.
Ps to get keyboards to work (ie instead of the default), first enable it in the settings then hold you finger in any typing box until the options appear then choose input, then chose desired keyboard.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Ps the best keyboard will be this one......
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...-phones-screen-even-with-no-keyboard-present/
Hopefully!
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Agreed. Stock keyboard + swype keyboard combo on 1.6 works best for me.
Fazziebear said:
Ps the best keyboard will be this one......
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...-phones-screen-even-with-no-keyboard-present/
Hopefully!
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a good idea that and swype would be handy yet i prefer the 1.6 keyboard my only issue is that it isnt multi touch. Which cause me to make errors so for the time being its swype maybe not as fast but hey its effortless.
I use SLIDE IT has more features than SWYPE
Just to balance the argument a bit - I much prefer the 2.1 keyboard to the 1.6 version.
I have big fingers and my accuracy has improved enormously -I haven't even bothered re installing swype.
So i guess it is all down to personal preference.
I prefer the old one....just cause it had the FN key shown and also the arrows that are useful when i want to go back in typing.
I also agree with those who tell that the new one is not accuracy like in 1.6, i noticed that when i type delete it often type "L" letter. For this i would like to ask if the re-calibration may work....
Enabling Swype Keyboard
Fazziebear said:
The original keyboard was rubbish, agreat idea but impossible to type accurately. The new keyboard is better but still not great. Swype is be rest so far even as a touch type.
Ps to get keyboards to work (ie instead of the default), first enable it in the settings then hold you finger in any typing box until the options appear then choose input, then chose desired keyboard.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have installed swype, but it isn't listed as an input option. Where do I find the settings menu to "enable" swype? It's not in the main settings menu. Thanks!
enne91 said:
I prefer the old one....just cause it had the FN key shown and also the arrows that are useful when i want to go back in typing.
I also agree with those who tell that the new one is not accuracy like in 1.6, i noticed that when i type delete it often type "L" letter. For this i would like to ask if the re-calibration may work....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new keyboard is just terrible. Nearly eVERY word I type theres a mistake and it's slow and cannot keep up with the original.
I also noticed the keyboard is TOO LOW and that is why I'm making mistakes, the old keyboard was higher and in line with the fingers, therefore easier and I miss the NUMPAD!!!
STraver said:
I have installed swype, but it isn't listed as an input option. Where do I find the settings menu to "enable" swype? It's not in the main settings menu. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you go to send a text message, in the box where the cursor is and where you type, hold it for a second and it should give you the option to choose a different keyboard.
Horrible keyboard in 2.1
Guys i want 1.6 keyboard i prefer much better than 2.1. any way to get it?
enne91 said:
I prefer the old one....just cause it had the FN key shown and also the arrows that are useful when i want to go back in typing.
I also agree with those who tell that the new one is not accuracy like in 1.6, i noticed that when i type delete it often type "L" letter. For this i would like to ask if the re-calibration may work....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with the arrows and the FN key is a most
I know some of you might think this is a stupid question. I would like to use any on screen keyboard while the hardware keyboard is open and disable hw kb until I want to use it. Let me see if I can explain this to you why.
I am starting to like typing in landscape mode with on screen keyboard. I am getting pretty good at it and definitely think my speed is faster that way than a hardware keyboard. Have any of you tried typing in landscape for any extended length of time? I don't know about you but my fingers really start cramping and hurting because I have to hold the phone with the rest of my hands and fingers while typing with my thumbs. When the hw kb is open, this could give me more area to hold the phone a little more comfortably while using a fast software keyboard. My thumbs wouldn't be at funky downward angles to hit the keys, they would be extended straighter and upwards and might be less prone to getting crampt up and carpel tunnel.
Am I crazy to think this might be useful? Has anyone heard of it being done or an app or hack that could achieve what I'm trying to do?
I do understand where you are coming from, having big hands and fingers can suck sometimes, but I don't think its possible. I've tried to see if I could pull up the virtual landscape keyboard with the hw one open but no luck.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
Why'd you get the Shift and not the Evo if you would prefer an on-screen keyboard?
cosine83 said:
Why'd you get the Shift and not the Evo if you would prefer an on-screen keyboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not complaining or whining, I'm just asking for help with something that I might like to do.
to answer your question, yes, it is possible.
i just tested this on skyfire, ebuddy, and gmail. if you simply leave the keyboard in, aka don't slide the screen, and rotate the device, the screen will turn and whatever app you are using will also turn (if it supports it). then just click in the text box you want to type in again, and the onscreen keyboard will come up. I'm using better keyboard atm, so didn't test it with the HTC or any others. but i'm fairly positive that if it works with that one, it'll throw up whichever keyboard you are currently using in the same situation.
viperv303 said:
to answer your question, yes, it is possible.
i just tested this on skyfire, ebuddy, and gmail. if you simply leave the keyboard in, aka don't slide the screen, and rotate the device, the screen will turn and whatever app you are using will also turn (if it supports it). then just click in the text box you want to type in again, and the onscreen keyboard will come up. I'm using better keyboard atm, so didn't test it with the HTC or any others. but i'm fairly positive that if it works with that one, it'll throw up whichever keyboard you are currently using in the same situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed what he was trying to say. he was asking if it's possible to use the on-screen keyboard with the physical keyboard open.
OP, here's an android tip (it works with any android phone): if you hold down the menu button with your cursor in a text field, it forces the on-screen keyboard to come up. You could try selecting a text field, then holding down the menu button.
viperv303 said:
to answer your question, yes, it is possible.
i just tested this on skyfire, ebuddy, and gmail. if you simply leave the keyboard in, aka don't slide the screen, and rotate the device, the screen will turn and whatever app you are using will also turn (if it supports it). then just click in the text box you want to type in again, and the onscreen keyboard will come up. I'm using better keyboard atm, so didn't test it with the HTC or any others. but i'm fairly positive that if it works with that one, it'll throw up whichever keyboard you are currently using in the same situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about what you are explaining, that's normal usage. What I'm interested in is using the open physical keyboard as additional area to hold the phone with while in landscape and using the on screen keyboard. I'm thinking there needs to be something to trick the phone into thinking the keyboard drawer is closed when it's actually open.
It seems, as usual, that I am coming up with lame brain ideas and haven't a clue as how to making them happen. I emailed one keyboard dev a few days ago and haven't heard anything back yet. I guess I could shoot out emails to all the devs of the keyboards I have bought and see if I get a response.
SirRipo said:
I think you missed what he was trying to say. he was asking if it's possible to use the on-screen keyboard with the physical keyboard open.
OP, here's an android tip (it works with any android phone): if you hold down the menu button with your cursor in a text field, it forces the on-screen keyboard to come up. You could try selecting a text field, then holding down the menu button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried that with the drawer open and it is not working. I tried switching to the stock keyboard too and still nothing. Thanks for the suggestion.
herbthehammer said:
I just tried that with the drawer open and it is not working. I tried switching to the stock keyboard too and still nothing. Thanks for the suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here, The flex or ribbon cable from heyboard to PCB is broken, so my device is perm on landscape and I can't use any onscreen keyboards.
wickedpenguin said:
Same issue here, The flex or ribbon cable from heyboard to PCB is broken, so my device is perm on landscape and I can't use any onscreen keyboards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn dude! That really sucks. You have insurance? Can you take it to a repair center?
wickedpenguin said:
Same issue here, The flex or ribbon cable from heyboard to PCB is broken, so my device is perm on landscape and I can't use any onscreen keyboards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects, regardless of insurance standing or the 30-day return policy? Certainly sounds like a manufacturing defect to me, unless it's broken from misuse
this isnt the place for talking about warantee issues. start a different thread. this is about answering the question in this thread.
have you tried any other keyboards from the market or like the swype beta or anything? idk if it would make a difference. i doubt you can disable it while its open. if you want to use the soft keyboard close the phone? Its probably best practice to keep the phone closed when you arent using the hardware keyboard anyways?
t0esh0es said:
this isnt the place for talking about warantee issues. start a different thread. this is about answering the question in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and I was pointing out a potential fix for someone with an issue in this thread, try to keep up.
Looks like smart keyboard pro has that feature. Its buried in the advanced menu.
Yes sir it is I just downloaded the trial to give it a shot one thing I notice is when you open the keyboard on the home screen they keyboard pops up over all your icons I'm gonna play with the settings somemore and see what I can do about it
*EDIT* if you are on a text box and hit home the keyboard don't open over home screen but if you just open the phone to put it into landscape on the homescreen they beyboard will pop up just hit the search button then back and you have your whole home screen
herbthehammer said:
Looks like smart keyboard pro has that feature. Its buried in the advanced menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App
Does anyone know how to move the cursor when using the keyboard, needing to add/delete a characters in the middle of a msg or text and repeated stabbing on my screen to get it in the right place is extremely frustrating anyone know a better way
I'm glad it's not just me, it must be hell on one of the lower end small screen devices. I have enough trouble on the X5!
btw langers, a little off topic but... have u tried 2degrees free facebook "zero" service??? when i try i get an error saying its not available from my carrier?? Just wondering whether its cos i'm not using my original stock rom
Facebook 0 works for me so you could be right
k thanks for that
Hey guys,
The reason you cant get onto FB 0 service is because you are using the APN internet.
This does not require a proxy and therefore o.facebook cant parse your mobile number to confirm you are indeed with 2degrees.
Try editing you APN and throwing 118.148.001.118 in the proxy and 8080 in the port.
If that doesn't work activate your WAP profile (it'll be called '2degrees') and see if that works.
If youre still having trouble give 2deg a call on 0800 022 022 and they'll sort you.
hope this helps
I'm using internet API and it works fine with no intervention/editing from me
YES!!!
cheers for that, worked a treat, didnt even realise those settings were even there, lol fairly new to the smartphone thing!!
i was using the internet apn as you said and once i switched it to 2deg all was good
Aren't we talking keyboard cursor?
I have been seeking for an app to have the little arrow text selector in our vanilla froyo, I mean that selector in gingerbread and HTC and Samsung machines.
Anyone know if there's such an app?
simplistian said:
Aren't we talking keyboard cursor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhmmm yeh...i did say it was a little off topic, lol...finding other kiwis on here was just too good of an opportunity to miss...sorry bout that....
dibb_nz said:
ahhmmm yeh...i did say it was a little off topic, lol...finding other kiwis on here was just too good of an opportunity to miss...sorry bout that....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not a complaint
Just too eager for a solution of the keyboard cursor mover
Well the good news is, after hours of searching finally found a solution of sorts...the bad news is, it ain't free $3.75. BUT there is a free trial version, with nag screen. I'm using it now and have only been nagged once.
The cursor can be moved via arrow keys which are enabled thru the extensive settings menu.
The arrow keys up, down, left, right sit at the bottom of the keyboard and make editing easy peasy. As u can imagine it does take up a fair bit of yr screen and the keys are slightly smaller but I think there is a calibration setting 4 that.
What I do like is upper case numbers and symbols, so no need to change screens.
Prediction works really, really well 2.
A heap of languages are also supported.
All in all not a bad little k/b, so head 2 the market an check it out. Smart Keyboard Trial.
Oh, btw swype also has arrow keys 4 cursor control if that spins ye wheels!
Sent from my IDEOS X5 using XDA Premium App
Smart Keyboard Pro has arrow keys and it can be configured to use the volume buttons to move the cursor.
e. lol a minute late
No luck for me as I have to stick with Chinese keyboards. I am looking for another app which adds a slider for text selection like how gingerbread implemented.
@pezzku - hehehe yeh, after I submittted the post i checked my email and saw your post and thort why didnt i check earlier!!! never saw the time u posted it tho...great minds...
@simplistian - oh thats a real bummer m8 maybe u could start a new thread and hopefully someone out there may be able to help out?
Test this keyboard https://market.android.com/details?id=com.moo.android.inputmethod.latin.free
It has several seperate language packs and you access the arrows by sliding the space button up.
dibb_nz said:
Oh, btw swype also has arrow keys 4 cursor control if that spins ye wheels
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where? I use Swype but have never seen arrow keys
Also from NZ
mejobloggs said:
Where? I use Swype but have never seen arrow keys
Also from NZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kiaora mejobloggs good 2have u on board!
swipe the bottom left 2 keys from memory the onewith the blue s thingy on it and 123 key.
Couldn't get my head round swipe tho I like the concept. I gotta say tho the more I use smart keyboard the more I'm liking it .com key alwaysshowing an longpress auto enters uppercase symbols/numbers, no screen switching at all lottsa options, skins and well supported,,forum,wot morecould u want ???
mejobloggs said:
Where? I use Swype but have never seen arrow keys
Also from NZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get arrow keys in swype...
swype from uppercase key to the swype key and then SYM key.
This is what we want, guys:
padkite
Please google, as I'm not allowed to post links, new user and all. For use in browsers only, at this stage, and in development, so not yet in the marketplace.
Please post your experiences!