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
Related
I'm trying to understand why during sms or email typing I do a lot of typing errors. I saw that so many times I touch the keys on the on screen keyboard in the right place but I release it in the wrong one. So I can see there is a little movement of my hand and thinger that causes keyboard misunderstanding.
I tried a lot of tweaks but what I wantto try now is the possibility to configure the oem htc on screen keyboard to accept keys on press and not on release.
Can anyone help me finding registry tweaks about?
thank you!
Bisis said:
I'm trying to understand why during sms or email typing I do a lot of typing errors. I saw that so many times I touch the keys on the on screen keyboard in the right place but I release it in the wrong one. So I can see there is a little movement of my hand and thinger that causes keyboard misunderstanding.
I tried a lot of tweaks but what I wantto try now is the possibility to configure the oem htc on screen keyboard to accept keys on press and not on release.
Can anyone help me finding registry tweaks about?
thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It needs to accept on release because a long press has a different effect to a short one.
I know what you're saying, and I sympathize. I had problems at first, but I simply changed my typing style to suit the screen and now I'm very fast, and only make as many mistakes as I would on a real keyboard. Just get used to hitting the keyboard and lifting your finger, without moving it on the screen. It works - you just have to get used to it. It doesn't take long
johncmolyneux said:
It needs to accept on release because a long press has a different effect to a short one.
I know what you're saying, and I sympathize. I had problems at first, but I simply changed my typing style to suit the screen and now I'm very fast, and only make as many mistakes as I would on a real keyboard. Just get used to hitting the keyboard and lifting your finger, without moving it on the screen. It works - you just have to get used to it. It doesn't take long
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know this. But testing can be a good starting point.
I can also imagine that a "new keyboard" can accept keyboard on press and change pressed keys if I don't move my finger for a long time. If I don't remember bad I already saw a keyboard that works in this way... if I press a key it writes the key, then if I don't remove the finger from that key it changes the pressed key with the additional one.
So, there is not any way to change working way?
I think the thing is that if you can't get used to the HTC keyboard, just use another SIP if a good one is available, or wait until someone makes a new one...
The one in opera mini beta 5 seems good, would be great ig they could make a similar one system-wide...
kilrah said:
I think the thing is that if you can't get used to the HTC keyboard, just use another SIP if a good one is available, or wait until someone makes a new one...
The one in opera mini beta 5 seems good, would be great ig they could make a similar one system-wide...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, there's plenty of alternative ones out there. Fingerkeyboard, for example, seems very popular.
johncmolyneux said:
Yeah, there's plenty of alternative ones out there. Fingerkeyboard, for example, seems very popular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used FingerKeyboard a lot with Blackstone but with Leo I don't like it so much... I prefer to have bigger keys and HTC sense integration with the original keyboard.
The problem to change keyboard is also this one.. you can loose some integrations.
So all of you can confirm me that original keyboard is not modificable? So there are not registry configurations?
is there any help for my request?
Hit instead of release !
I do agree with you. I have tried the keyboard on the iPhone a lot, and I don't think anyone would disagree that it is much better. And the only difference is like you say that the iPhone registers where you hit the screen, instead of where you release the screen. Fast typing means you have to move your finger sideways all the time. Can it be so hard to make a keyboard that registers hit instead of release ?
Have tried several keyboards to the LEO, including Fingerkeyoard, but they all seem to have the same problem when used on the LEO.
It's a shame since the rest of the phone is genious. Let us hope someone who is capable of modifying or rewrite a complete keyboard take the challenge.
I'm asking this just from when I was using Blackstone but it seems that developers don't like to make keyboard sensible to press and not release.
Please help us!
ok, so i enjoy the swype keyboard but realized there is no voice input button for it. Am i pretty much out of luck with this unless i want to use my old keyboard or is there a way i can use voice input somehow with this like with a long hold of something.
for speech to txt you have to use the stock keyboard for now... Swype will probably have that option in the future but for now, no such thing
So grabbing the official version is no better than using any of the of swype apk download links floating around?
It is tough to ask us to switch to a different keyboard when that keyboard takes away the voice input option that Android has given us.
no- just check the version #. (Current as of today: 1.56.30.7625.t100)
The 'official' version is the same just handed out by Swype
i think swype blows anything else out of the water when using the keyboard itself. I never really used the speech to txt unless driving so I just switch back when I need it.... a long press in the text box, then select the original keyboard.
anothen said:
i think swype blows anything else out of the water when using the keyboard itself. I never really used the speech to txt unless driving so I just switch back when I need it.... a long press in the text box, then select the original keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm just being difficult today.
I do really like the Swype keyboard. I'm not a big texter, I barely text - but I'm a big fan of technology and am a programmer so I definitely can appreciate the Swype keyboard app. I just want that damn button.
yeah, I hear ya. I'm sure it will come eventually.... They say in their forums on their website that they are aware of the demand and that's basically it. At least they've acknowledged it so I'm sure it will come.
Wow I've using swype today for the first time and its amazing!
When using swype, instead of swyping hit menu from there you have a speak button for talk to text
If we wanted to add in multiple button presses to get to things we'd get an iPhone ... lol
j/k .. obviously we have to live with it for now, but at least they are "aware" of it. Not that they're going to change anything though.
I just found the arrow button screen by swyping from swype menu button to alt button, there's open spot there for it.
superflysmith said:
When using swype, instead of swyping hit menu from there you have a speak button for talk to text
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn. My version doesn't have that.
rfarrah said:
Darn. My version doesn't have that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine either :/
I think he means hold down the Search the physical button on the phone that however only uses the google search integrated in your phone it cant be used for inputing text into specific entry fields
I use handsent, and yes when you hit menu with swype keyboard on screen you have option of "speak" and it enters into the message area.
waynester said:
I use handsent, and yes when you hit menu with swype keyboard on screen you have option of "speak" and it enters into the message area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tested and mine doesn't do that. What version of Swype are you using?
mtxpert said:
I just found the arrow button screen by swyping from swype menu button to alt button, there's open spot there for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my inc, I get to the same menu by swyping form the swype menu button to the SYM button right next to it. Hope that helps others that can't find it, it may be difference on your hardware version.
superflysmith said:
When using swype, instead of swyping hit menu from there you have a speak button for talk to text
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see a microphone. Could you explain how this works?
What app are you in at the time?
The "speak" option is part of Handcent, not a function of the keyboard. I think a lot of people have been confused by the lack of clarity there.
There is no way to use speech input with Swype itself without switching to the stock keyboard. Any option to speak while the Swype keyboard is selected is purely a function of the application you happen to be using at the time.
rmk40 said:
The "speak" option is part of Handcent, not a function of the keyboard. I think a lot of people have been confused by the lack of clarity there.
There is no way to use speech input with Swype itself without switching to the stock keyboard. Any option to speak while the Swype keyboard is selected is purely a function of the application you happen to be using at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are partially correct. I DO have the "Speak" option when using Handcent and Swype. I DON'T have it when using K-9 and Swype, though.
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 am new to Android and loving my Aria so far. The only thing that is really bugging me is the text input. I am having a little separation anxiety from my keyboard and it seems like I must be missing something. First I am using the swype keyboard but I don't think that is related to my question.
When you enter text into any input, say the body of an email in the gmail app, is there an easy way to go back and edit that text? I often find myself tapping 5 or 6 times to try to get the cursor back to the exact place that I need to edit and it gets really frustrating? On the iPhone when you want to edit text a search window pops up where your finger is and you can slide it back and forth to find the exact spot that you are looking for. Is there anything like this for Android?
Thanks for any feedback.
cj
Slide your finger over the little track pad between the menu and back button at the bottom of the phone. (Its the small silver circle). I think some people think that is the microphone but its not.
Ki77erB said:
Slide your finger over the little track pad between the menu and back button at the bottom of the phone. (Its the small silver circle). I think some people think that is the microphone but its not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaah. I did know that was an optical input but I did not even think of it. I rarely use it since scrolling and selecting is so easy.
Thanks,
cj
chrisjaffe said:
I am new to Android and loving my Aria so far. The only thing that is really bugging me is the text input. I am having a little separation anxiety from my keyboard and it seems like I must be missing something. First I am using the swype keyboard but I don't think that is related to my question.
When you enter text into any input, say the body of an email in the gmail app, is there an easy way to go back and edit that text? I often find myself tapping 5 or 6 times to try to get the cursor back to the exact place that I need to edit and it gets really frustrating? On the iPhone when you want to edit text a search window pops up where your finger is and you can slide it back and forth to find the exact spot that you are looking for. Is there anything like this for Android?
Thanks for any feedback.
cj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i hate trying to get the cursor back to edit a word glad someone asked
never thought about using the trackball sure makes things lot easier
Optical TrackPad FTW!
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
Even better than the optical trackpad, Smart Keyboard has an arrow layout option that let's you navigate text way faster. The board is real nice too.
Ok, this is going to probably sound really dumb, but it's driving me nuts.
I've used Android for a few years now, and I've never sorted out if there's a way to scroll left and right in a text area.
No matter what keyboard I've used, I just end up deleting the whole dang thing, and typing from scratch, if it's text in a small window.
For example, if I typed a long url, and I realized after hitting enter that I must have made a typo. I'd like to go left to right in that bar and look for it easily.
I guess this has plagued me on every Apple and Android device I've owned. On RIM it was easy enough, and on older Symbian it was fine.
What the heck am I missing here?
Thanks!
Tap anywhere on the entered text - wait - there will be a blue arrow cursor below the text. Drag it whenever you want to start typing from.
/thread
Fatal1ty_18_RUS said:
Type anywhere on the entered text - wait - there will be a blue arrow cursor below the text. Drag it whenever you want to start typing from.
/thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nifty. That works in the URL bar, but what about other input areas?
I can't seem to make that work in say the google search input window.
bladebarrier said:
Nifty. That works in the URL bar, but what about other input areas?
I can't seem to make that work in say the google search input window.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works for me.
Fatal1ty_18_RUS said:
Works for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, it's a Firefox issue then. I tried chrome and it works in that (though I never really use chrome).
Ok thanks.
I was hoping there would be a convenient left and right key option on the keyboard itself, so that it wouldn't matter what app I'm using, but I guess it's tied to the app itself. That kind of stinks. It's rather awkward in design.
Do you know of an alternative keyboard that supports that type of functionality? I like the "Swpe-like" setup in the stock keyboard, but I'd much rather have an easier correction method built in.
You can enable the function to move the cursor using the volume rocker. It's in Settings - Language and Input - and that option will be down below the input methods
I miss the big keyboard with arrows from HTC Flyer though - it's pretty awesome to use in portrait mode, though not as useful in landscape since it takes much more space than N7's does
And no, I don't know about other keyboard since I don't use them, I prefer stock
Fatal1ty_18_RUS said:
You can enable the function to move the cursor using the volume rocker. It's in Settings - Language and Input - and that option will be down below the input methods
I miss the big keyboard with arrows from HTC Flyer though - it's pretty awesome to use in portrait mode, though not as useful in landscape since it takes much more space than N7's does
And no, I don't know about other keyboard since I don't use them, I prefer stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. That will work just fine.
Thanks a bunch for your help!