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Dear developers,
Do you have examples (source code) that could be used / modified to create custom on-screen keyboard (SIP)?
Inspired by the iPhone keyboard and the latest HappyTappingKeyboard:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296455
I created my own design (attached) that I believe could be a better on-screen keyboard for our beloved WM device:
- It has a clean layout
- Maximized towards 240 pixels wide
- Relatively good looking
- Have the most important keys in the main layout
- Plan to have "custom keys" in the 3rd layout (the "..." button)
What do you think?
But as you probably know, I am not a WM coder/developer.
So, I am just wondering if someone can provide an example or even better to pick up this project.
gogol, I really like the look of your keyboard design/layout! I've been trying to get HappyTapping to work (well, it "works" but can't be skinned) for the past week on my Axim X50v. Anyway, I don't see much hope for HappyTapping, so naturally I'm excited to see someone looking to develop a keyboard similar to it (and hopefully in the English language). I have no experience developing SIPs for Windows Mobile, but I do have Visual Studio 2005 and have done some WM apps before.
I hope some others with knowledge of SIP developement can chime in and help this thing take off!
cavyman said:
gogol, I really like the look of your keyboard design/layout! I've been trying to get HappyTapping to work (well, it "works" but can't be skinned) for the past week on my Axim X50v. Anyway, I don't see much hope for HappyTapping, so naturally I'm excited to see someone looking to develop a keyboard similar to it (and hopefully in the English language). I have no experience developing SIPs for Windows Mobile, but I do have Visual Studio 2005 and have done some WM apps before.
I hope some others with knowledge of SIP developement can chime in and help this thing take off!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's a link to HappyTapping keyboard skins (but in Japanese)
http://briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/bc/tf_....src=bc&.done=http%3a//briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/
NNagendran said:
here's a link to HappyTapping keyboard skins (but in Japanese)
http://briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/bc/tf_....src=bc&.done=http%3a//briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I have about every skin out there for Happy Tapping and have tried them all. For some reason, the skin is just never applied to my keyboard. I don't know if it's a conflict with my ROM or with WM5. I know it is skinnable and many have done so successfully without any problems...it pretty much just hates me. Thanks anyway for the link!
Here you got a link about Soft Input Panel. You get a code example when you download the SDK for mobile 6. I'm still working on trying to learn my self C++ and mabye manage to make on my self. But we will se what i manage in the end .
I love Blimkeys. Unfortunately, there has not been an update of it that uses predictive T9 like the T9 SIP pad that's built in into many phones. Maybe you can do something similar to Blimkeys, but w/ 9 and skinnable keyboards?
ialu, thanks for that, I will try to get my hand dirty as well (I am not familiar with C++, but I know other Windows programming language to help me learning).
People are complaining that WM phone is difficult to use, iPhone owners brag their UI.
But I saw a lot of progress on improving the WM user interface.
The finger friendly contact from "tene" is one example (very nice app!).
However, I still cant find a good on-screen keyboard, until we found that HappyTappingKeyboard. But again, I think it can be improved. That's why I started this project.
ialu, please let me know if you can compile that example and then use it in the emulator.
ialu said:
Here you got a link about Soft Input Panel. You get a code example when you download the SDK for mobile 6. I'm still working on trying to learn my self C++ and mabye manage to make on my self. But we will se what i manage in the end .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gogol said:
ialu, thanks for that, I will try to get my hand dirty as well (I am not familiar with C++, but I know other Windows programming language to help me learning).
People are complaining that WM phone is difficult to use, iPhone owners brag their UI.
But I saw a lot of progress on improving the WM user interface.
The finger friendly contact from "tene" is one example (very nice app!).
However, I still cant find a good on-screen keyboard, until we found that HappyTappingKeyboard. But again, I think it can be improved. That's why I started this project.
ialu, please let me know if you can compile that example and then use it in the emulator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i have managed to run it on the emulator
This is also a good example:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms881221.aspx
And this :
http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsmobile/archive/2005/02/10/370355.aspx
http://www.marcusperryman.members.winisp.net/BlogStuff/NewSIP.zip
Thats the example that follows the SDK for mobile 6
gogol said:
Dear developers,
Do you have examples (source code) that could be used / modified to create custom on-screen keyboard (SIP)?
Inspired by the iPhone keyboard and the latest HappyTappingKeyboard:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296455
I created my own design (attached) that I believe could be a better on-screen keyboard for our beloved WM device:
- It has a clean layout
- Maximized towards 240 pixels wide
- Relatively good looking
- Have the most important keys in the main layout
- Plan to have "custom keys" in the 3rd layout (the "..." button)
What do you think?
But as you probably know, I am not a WM coder/developer.
So, I am just wondering if someone can provide an example or even better to pick up this project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks very good, thanks for sharing.
But I would like to use this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=427913
Basically I need the bigest keys possible. And only letters.
Anyone can help?
Thanks.
Howdo,
I'm just going to try and build my first gesture program in Visual Studio 2008 using VB. Can anyone give me some pointers on how I get this going. I've been looking at Inkcanvas but I'm not sure if this is right?
Many thanks
TheNecroscope said:
Howdo,
I'm just going to try and build my first gesture program in Visual Studio 2008 using VB. Can anyone give me some pointers on how I get this going. I've been looking at Inkcanvas but I'm not sure if this is right?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I would like to learn that too...
Google is your friend:
http://www.vbaccelerator.com/home/NET/Code/Libraries/Windows_Messages/Mouse_Gestures/article.asp
Fantastic! Looks like a good starting place. Is there much advantage of using C# compared to VB out of interest?
Just found this as well
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/mobile/MouseGestures.aspx
I'm currently finishing to write a simple proof-of-concept application launcher using simple stylus gestures (no neural nets, just eight directions supported - somewhat like in firefox mouse gestures plugin). Right now it works quite fine and the code is easy to port to any language as long as you can record last few locations of stylus.
I'll post it as soon as i find out how to launch an application from C level. The simplest way system() doesn't seem to work
Dziekuje!
I look forward to seeing it!
As promised:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=374375
That's just a proof of concept - the included program doesn't do anything but recognizing gestures as you draw them and reacting if the drawn gesture matches one of patterns defined in config file (still didn't have time to find out how to make it launch an app).
The demo application is in C, but once you understand the method behind it, it should be easy to port to any programming language. Of course that's probably not the best way to do it, and it's definitely not the only way to do it, but it's simple to implement (no neural networks required), supports eight directions (including diagonal - opposed to methods described in links above), and gesture can consist of many strokes (a single gesture may be drawn like: left, up, up-right, down-right, down, up-left, right...). There's still a lot of room for optimizations, but it's some starting point...
Thats really smart! Well done, thanks for coming back to me! I will investigate it over the weekend! . Thanks also for the information on the compiler thats also useful to know!!
I'm working on a new concept for a homepage for all touch devices.
I know it's not the greatest idea of all, but I really think it's good enough to have some value.
I wont release all details as I have a decent amount planned, but here goes...
http://neotelos.com/mobile/
Works great in opera beta and firefox, PIE is very underdeveloped and I've had issues...so no support at the moment, but may come in the future.
So far it's only a preview of what is to come, I'd like to know what you guys think so far.
I've even seen alot of touch PCs and Tablets emerging, and hope to aim towards that audience too!
Got it working with keys now
I can't wait to get this done...I'm also making this so I have something nice for even my own homepage.
nice idea...
what do you intend to put in there ?
I confess - I don't see the point in this, you're using an onhover effect wich won't be activated in a mobile - because theres no such thing as on hover on a touchscreen.
Sorry, I may be being ignorant.
interesting, the page is working on opera. in qvga mode, the font is oversize.
Napbree said:
I confess - I don't see the point in this, you're using an onhover effect wich won't be activated in a mobile - because theres no such thing as on hover on a touchscreen.
Sorry, I may be being ignorant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im no mobile web developer (although I've done my fair share of sites), but isn't the onhover property applied when the user taps the link? at least I think that's what is does in the iphone
Yes, is true.
The only issues that I haven't found a way to overcome:
1) Override context menu
2) Capture drag action
I plan on making a user-customizable CMS (Content Management System) and hope to just keep adding features over time.
My first goal is to allow users to setup accounts which they can customize links and content to their liking.
Like I said, it's nothing major, just something that might come in handy as there aren't many good web portals designed for mobile.
Edit:
Oh, yeah, it doesn't use hover, it actually grabs when the mouse moves and calculates actions...for a number of reasons I chose this method, may not be the most oiptimal but I find it to be more compatable.
When a user taps the screen, or even ends a drag, when the pressure is lifted mouse movement is activated. Not to mention it works with arrow keys and overrides the scrolling, so it can be used with devices w/o touchscreens.
Neotelos_com said:
Yes, is true.
The only issues that I haven't found a way to overcome:
1) Override context menu
2) Capture drag action
I plan on making a user-customizable CMS (Content Management System) and hope to just keep adding features over time.
My first goal is to allow users to setup accounts which they can customize links and content to their liking.
Like I said, it's nothing major, just something that might come in handy as there aren't many good web portals designed for mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think having the whole login account would be overkill, unless the user does not delete his or her cookies after each session
Neotelos, this is a very cool idea, but why don't you team up with whoever made Touch-innovation.com and develope it with him? he created it not a long while ago and it would be much more productive if you guys did that together instead of creating a whole new one (just a thought )
nir36: Not too bad of an idea, I've his site before and it's a nice start. Just that this is a web design geared for mobile devices, not resources for them. Maybe I'll shoot him a message and see if he wants to form an affiliation, who knows.
mbarvian: There's a few ideas I have, one would be just to use a simple URL for a basic start page, with configuration password protected. ex: somewebsite.com/somehomepage.php?user=myusername
nir36 said:
Neotelos, this is a very cool idea, but why don't you team up with whoever made Touch-innovation.com and develope it with him? he created it not a long while ago and it would be much more productive if you guys did that together instead of creating a whole new one (just a thought )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried contacting Nathan over there, but even though he remains active, I have yet to receive a response.
I don't see that his site is the busiest and if he can't even respond to messages as a courtesey, i don't think i'll be working with him. thanks for the advice though.
My team has been vigorously working on a CAD application for android. I will post some screenshots of the tool if anyone is interested, so please let me know.
It's currently being tested and developed using a Motorola Droid running 2.0.1. Although we can run the emulator and test different screens using it, we find great difficulty in knowing if the "feel" is nice on a smaller screen.
Anyway - current features that are working:
Objects: Line, Circle, Ellipse, Rectangle, 3 Point Arcs, Text Areas
Drawing Modes: Orthographic (including 45s), Grid On Off, Snap Mode On Off (Endpoints, Centerpoints, Midpoints, Quadrants)
Other Things: Undo, Redo, Erase, Modify (reshape & move), Pan, Layering System, Linetypes, Colors & Text Sizes.
In The Works: Zoom (Option for Pinch), Configurable Toolbar (Add/Remove Tools), Export to DXF & Linetypes.
We are looking for a few people that would be willing to get in on a "PRIVATE Beta" to assist us with the continued development. We have our day jobs, so this is a project that when we have time to work on, we do. However, we do spent quite a bit of time working on it .
Anyway - We want to be picky about the testers, simply because we need to have a nice round group of people. Not plumpy, just round. We need a couple guys that are good with input, finding problems, etc. And we also need a few that dont know anything about CAD and can help us to see if the average joe can figure it out.
We also need a couple good mathmeticians or programmers. Or even one would do. We are having some trouble computing certain boundaries (ellipses to be more precise) that we need to understand so that we can build in other commands like Trim or Extend. (Plus our select option on ellipses is a bit hokey, but knowing how to find an ellipse will solve that for us)
For now, the only assistance I can give you is through the board here, and help you get started. The tutorial will come soon, once we get the basics figured out as to how we want to make it really work.
Anyway - To make a long story even longer - let me know if you might be interested. I would be more than happy to post some screenshots if you like of its current state. So let me know if you are interested.
Thank you very much for sticking through the long a$$ read, or even for skipping through to the "thanks" is enough for me.
That being said - LMK! Thanks!
A capacitive touch screen doesn't seem a good candidate for controlling a smooth CAD experience. However on second thought, when coupling together this technology with a trackball, the possibilities really open up. Harness these well and I know you'll be onto something here.
Post some screens to show everyone the progress of your development and I'll let you know if I'd be interested in testing.
Cheers
Well if your looking for anyone with CAD knowledge, I have a degree in engineering with CAD, and Pro Engineer. I don't have much time to devote to beta testing, but I do have time every now and then. I run a ION with 1.6. Good luck on your software!
(Unfortunately - my account has not been enabled for posting outside links or images - so this is the best i can do for you until that is enabled)
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/11.jpg
Above is a screen shot with a couple drawn elements, and the right side of the toolbar tools.
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/09.jpg
Above is a screen shot with a couple drawn elements, and the left side of the toolbar tools.
There are a handful of more screenshots posted up on my site, the links are as follows:
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/01.jpg - Layer select screen
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/02.jpg - File Operations
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/03.jpg - Display Settings
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/04.jpg - Samle Help Screen (Line)
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/05.jpg - Snap Settings
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/06.jpg - Color Picker
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/07.jpg - Snapping to Midpoint
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/08.jpg - Selection of Ellipse
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/10.jpg - Text Input Screen
That should be plenty of screens to keep interest.
@Lancealot - Thank you very much, and I completely agree, that when we started this, there was some doubt as to how precise you could actually be using a "touch based" screen. The good news, through playing with it, and given ability to set tolerances based on the size of your "touch area" as well as snapping options, we found that you can actually be quite precise.
Ill fiddle with it a little today, put together a drawing and give you a nice example of something that can be made with this.
Keep in mind, this is a work in progress, and although much of the functionality that is currently built into the tool, is at a "finished" state, there is certainly room for input and comments from others that may find use in this tool.
Anyway - here are the screenshots as promised, let me know if you have any further questions.
(Again - sorry about the inconvenience on the links)
(edit to update image types to jpg instead of png)
@zul8er - we are certainly interested in your input. Check out the screenshots and let me know if you are still interested. We dont need a huge commitment, but anything that you might be able to provide would certainly be a big help.
Android 1.6 is the minimum OS currently supported. We need to do some work on the graphics to go as far back as 1.5 to compensate for screen size, and we intend on doing so.. Just not at this current time.
I would be interested in trying out your CAD program. I've been doing CAD for ove 10 years now, started with AutoCAD but have been using Solidworks for the last 8 years.
In addition to using the touch screen for input, will you be able to enter X and Y coordinates using a keyboard or virtual keyboard?
What format will it save the files? DXF, JPG, or what?
Noob Squared said:
I would be interested in trying out your CAD program. I've been doing CAD for ove 10 years now, started with AutoCAD but have been using Solidworks for the last 8 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems there are more and more of us creeping out of the woodwork on a daily basis
Noob Squared said:
What format will it save the files? DXF, JPG, or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the file format is a proprietary format. But we are currently (today actually) working on saving out to a DXF format to be able to reload your files into AutoCAD or other supported softwares.
The ability to import is also in the works, but will require some massaging on the users end to make sure the DXF file is not binary etc. (MTEXT may not be supported either)
Noob Squared said:
In addition to using the touch screen for input, will you be able to enter X and Y coordinates using a keyboard or virtual keyboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have toyed with the idea of being able to put in specific dimensions on objects, and also work with x/y coords, but at this time, it only supports point to point drawing. We arent completely sure if we intend on building a "FULL ON CAD" application, or an application for people to use to simply get an idea of what they need to do for a job. The other key, is to keep the application at a price range that is reasonable for people. Most "PocketCAD" applications run around 50 bucks a copy - and rightfully so. To keep the tool at a reasonable range (below 10 or 15 dollars) it may need to be a bit lighter weight than those. Most people cringe at a 2.99 app..
IF we could devote our time 100% i am sure we could build a really nice full blown cad app Unfortunately as with most of us, the day job prohibits some of that time.
Its a WIP I'll put you on the list. Thanks for the input.
Are you looking for beta testers?
Hi, are you looking for beta testers. I'm a long year CAD user, and I'm sure I can help with the app development.
[email protected]
Have you tried using some of the java based cad software as a source for your project? There are many and some might be open source.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/ycad/
Yeah I am still interested. It will be neat to play with and see how it works. The coordinate input is a good idea, also, ever play with Pro Engineer? They have a cool way of building an initial drawing. You just sketch, regen, and then input your dimensions to make the object to your liking. Makes things a lot faster and easier to edit a shape if changes need to occur.
I dont know how in depth you want to go, or if that idea can be used.
My email is [email protected]
Nice
Give me a couple more days to get a good product out for you guys to test. Currently we are cleaning up a few little "we'll get that later" issues, and should be good to go by mid/late next week.
Thanks for providing the contact info, I will shoot you a message through email shortly.
Thanks agian for the interest.
@zul8er: nice. Look forward to hearing how you like the feel of it. I havent had a chance to play with ProE, as AutoCAD has been my forte for the last couple decades. Ill see if i can any kind of demo for ProE, and get an idea of how it works. Who knows Anything to make it easier for everyone is a good thing.
But yah - the indepth thing is the issue. We keep tossing with ideas and putting them "on the list" in case people start asking for them. I guess it just depends on how people really want to use this tool. (and of course, how much time we can continue to devote to it) - bah i hate day jobs
I enjoyed the screen shots that were posted. Any idea whether you guys will support rendering/raycasting, or physics with inverse kinematics? Either way it looks great; Sign me up!
haha Not sure if we are going to go the IK way. Maybe as a different project, something more suited to 3D, but for this app, we are only intending on running the 2D route.
My lack of knowledge about the OpenGL portion, really limits us with regards to 3D implementation. I spent a good 3 days just trying to get ahold of loading in a 3D model.. Still never got there (or would have probably released a 3D model viewer first).
At any rate, its hard to say where this will go. It mostly depends on the overall interest i suppose. Its certain that the sky would be the limit, if time were as available as the sky
But cool.. Glad I was able to keep your interest.
Currently (as I type even) I am finishing up all of the help documentation for the app, the inline tutorial, and what not.. A couple more days on the file handling (DXF in particular) and should be set to go for a BETA run. ('couple more days' - like we all havent heard enough of that)
@lancelot - can you send me your email address via private message? That way I can do the BETA communications through there (link to files etc). You are welcome to email me as well:
support AT talon-designs.net
cheers!
Hey, I'm a high school student that has just started learning CAD, does that count as average Joe? I'd love to help beta test, I really want android to overpower iPhone 3.0 lol. My e-mail is [email protected] I use g1 with cyanogenmod 1.6...so idk if that qualifies. But anyways, Good luck!
This really sounds promising. In the last few weeks, I really had the need for a good drawing software on my mobile device. But my Tytn II lacks of power. As I soon will get the Desire, I will hopefully have a quite powerful device for all day use (my Tytn II really sux atm). And because I have the re-occurring need of a drawing app, this could be it.
I mean I don't need it for simple drawing, but for constructing things CAD style and on the go Graphics of furniture or something with measures and all that stuff.
Hey guys.. just wanted to pass you an update on status (which is so much more than I seem to be getting from Verizon on the 2.1 update).
Small rant, but its done now.
Ok - status..
DXF Export is working now, supporting layers, linetypes, colors, and elements throughout the drawing. Am having some issues with getting ellipses to export via DXF (and im not alone - faulty specs are at fault), and that combined with the other issues regarding the math behind finding ellipse edges, we decided to comment out the ellipse alltogether for now. Not that it wont be back, but having so many rules with "you can do this to anything - except an ellipse" left us with no other choice.
It's coming back, just not right now.
We have saving and opening completed (simple proprietary ascii format, but it works for what we need it to do).
Zoom is currently partially working (difficult to complete the recalculation on the elements, but its really close) touch events for zoom are coming up as well. Maybe a pinch zoom even, considering that all devices are getting the 2.0+ upgrade - but we will see.. We dont want to keep anyone excluded from being able to use the tool.
@Balrog82 - we have definately taken this tool a long way since its initial conception. We hope to be able to bring more features that are more "CAD Specific" to the application, and will if it becomes a tool that gets used. We want to release it initially as a "basic" drafting tool, and see what kind of input we get. If we see that a lot of people are using it, and would like the ability to put in dimensions the same way that cad does (within limits) we will certainly look into it.
That being said - I hope the tool is still something you would be willing to try out. I find a lot of enjoyment with working with a tool at its early conception (started using paint shop pro at version 1.42) and now its on to version 14 or something and owned by corel. I just kinda get into that sort of thing, and hope that you all will do.
Good thing is, we hope its a draw to the tool, we plan on releasing it at the market both as a free version (no saving abilities) and a full version at a low price. As the tool grows, the price may increase a bit.. Keeping of course the original buyers at a place that they can keep updating the software at no cost to them. We think that will help the advancement and development of the tool quite a bit.
Anyway - It is right around the corner for initial testing. Please to all interested - send me a PM with your contact information (just an email would be great) I am going to see if i can start a private discussion here to invite you all to as well.
@Lancealot - i got your PM.. Am very happy that you are interested in helping. Expect to hear from me again soon..
Until we can see a working model of this app, I thought I would throw out an app that has some great drawing capabilities. The paid was is called "Picso" by Tiki Move, but I used the free version to try out; it's called "Picso Lite".
It's not a CAD app, but it's different from the other Paint apps on Android in that it has tools the other ones don't. It has the usual tools a CAD user would need, such as Rectangles/Squares, Circles/Ellipses, and Lines. You can change the colors and widths of these entities.
What I like about your program is that it has snaps, and the tools are on the bottom of the screen so they are easy to get to: /talon-designs.net/android/andcad/07.jpg
A feature Picso needs is a Zoom tool so you can zoom in to an area and draw whatever you need to and then be able to zoom full screen. It also needs a text tool. Since there is no dimension tool, you could put a text for the dimension.
P.S.,
I want to try your app, but I am only posting this to show how someone else has put these tools on their app and also to have a comparison on ease-of-use. One other thought, you mentioned the files your CAD app will create will be proprietary file types. Will you be able to save-as .jpg or .png so you can email or text-message a sketch to someone? That way if your on-site you will be able to send someone back at the office whatever it is to explain your ideas, and also they would not have to have an Android phone to view it.
Idea sounds great. Good luck with it!
Sorry for being away for so long.. but we had something going on that we had to attend to..
http://developer.att.com/developer/index.jsp?page=event&id=6.3_v1_9700324
More news as it allows.
Android Category Winner
Talon Designs, AndCAD
This application allows users to create simple geometric shapes, combined with notes, to describe plans associated with the art, architecture, engineering and manufacturing industries. Many of the tools familiar to CAD users are incorporated into this utility, meaning that fluent CAD users will feel right at home using this tool. However, the interface for this tool is simple enough for even the most novices of users to understand. This enables certain users (Contractors, etc) to be able to take notes while on a job site and associate them with vector elements within the drawing.
talondesigns said:
Sorry for being away for so long.. but we had something going on that we had to attend to..
More news as it allows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T Open Call-Apps for All! Contest
Thank you to all the participants in the 2010 AT&T Open Call—Apps For All! Contest. This year's contest was filled with many great entries. AT&T reviewed over 90 applications this year ranging from games to business applications. The winners from each category will receive $10,000 and co-marketing opportunities with AT&T.
Click to expand...
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Did you get $10,000?
Hi all. I was asked by a family friend to prepare a tablet for use by a person who is confined to a hospital bed. He has limited mobility, I think only one side of his body. Additionally, he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor. I have not met with him yet, so I don't know all of the details, but I'm trying to prepare myself with some knowledge about what I can do when I meet him.
So, here I am asking for suggestions. I have a plan for mounting the iconia, so I'm good there; what I need is software suggestions for programs that he can use. His interests are:
1) web browsing
2) email
3) writing
The other thing I need help with is finding programs that will make the iconia easier to use generally: larger text, brighter icons, ?
For web browsing, I think Dolphin for Pad will be best, but I'll install opera too, just to see which he likes. Anyone know if there is a browser that would be particularly easy to use? Also, I don't know what news sources will be best, but as far as I can tell, the CNN app is the best for the tablet (even though I detest CNN. The NYtimes app has tiny text and is not fun to navigate...)
For email I think the default email client will work. If he uses gmail, I'll do that, if he has more than one I'll aggregate them in the gmail client. If he's stuck to hotmail (he's old...) I'll use the regular email client unless someone has a better suggestion.
For writing I have Docs to Go full and Quickoffice Pro. I also have the Flex T9 keyboard. Anyone have better suggestions? \
Thanks all in advance! I know this is going to be a challenge: I don't think he's ever even used a tablet, so the learning curve here will be steep. If this doesn't work, we may try an iPad (gasp!) just because it's harder to **** up, but I'd prefer to stick to the android so I can provide remote support (I'm keeping my galaxy 10.1!)
You've got yourself quite a hard task ahead of you. Mostly because there are almost no accessibility functions or applications available for Android devices at all. And you say that he's physically disabled, possibly not being able to use the other side of his body... so, how's he going to hold the tablet up and use it at the same time?
I personally feel a regular laptop would be a better choice. Sure, it's heavier, but there's far far more software for accessibility uses and it can easily be used even one-handed.
you can also try the w500. windows contains a lot of disabled functions.
Thanks for the two suggestions. In my original post I omitted the part about it being mounted above his head (the post was getting pretty long). He will not have to hold it, nor could he. We have already determined that a laptop will not work. I already have the iconia, and I'd like to try to make it work. Again, thanks for the suggestions, but what I'm really looking for is software for android or settings withing android that will make this work.
slack04 said:
Thanks for the two suggestions. In my original post I omitted the part about it being mounted above his head (the post was getting pretty long). He will not have to hold it, nor could he. We have already determined that a laptop will not work. I already have the iconia, and I'd like to try to make it work. Again, thanks for the suggestions, but what I'm really looking for is software for android or settings withing android that will make this work.
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Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Bump. I know that some of you have some real ideas, not just naysaying. I didn't mention before that I'm not rooted but would be happy to root if there would be any advantages...
(please - no more discouraging responses. I have some ideas on how to do this, and it will probably work, I'm just looking for other ideas that maybe I hadn't considered yet).
Bull**** spotted!
WereCatf said:
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
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You are sooooooo wrong.
Many Android users have disabilities that require them to interact with their Android devices in different ways. These include users who have visual, physical or age-related disabilities that prevent them from fully using or seeing a touchscreen.
Android provides an accessibility layer that helps these users navigate their Android-powered devices more easily. Android's accessibility services provide things like text-to-speech, haptic feedback, and trackball/d-pad navigation that augment the user experience.
Your application should follow the guidelines in this document to ensure that it provides a good experience for users with disabilities. Following these two basic rules will solve most access-related problems:
Make all of your user interface controls accessible with a trackball or directional controller (d-pad).
Label your ImageButton, EditText, and other input widgets using the android:contentDescription attribute.
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ANDROID DO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO DO IT SO...
tsss.
@slack04
he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor.
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check this websites.
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/index.html
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/enabling.html
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/apps.html
Good luck
You can use Desktop Visualizer to make the on screen icons larger
try to change the LCD dpi in build.prop. use a Bluetooth mouse as a pointer or a those ipad pens. The rest is trying to use the voice for launching the most important applications. I think it can be done and he will enjoy the tablet.
Good Luck
kekinash said:
try to change the LCD dpi in build.prop. use a Bluetooth mouse as a pointer or a those ipad pens. The rest is trying to use the voice for launching the most important applications. I think it can be done and he will enjoy the tablet.
Good Luck
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Can anyone confirm that this will make the screen icons larger? I don't think he's blind to the point where talkback will be useful, but I do think that larger type/icons would definitely be a positive. I have a few cheap soft-tip styluses; is there a real difference between them? I will get one of the $20 ones if that will really make it easier to use.
Also, looks like I need to root this thing. I'm comfortable with that; I have rooted more than a few gizmos in my life; anyone have a suggestion for a good ROM (or anything else root related specific to my question)?
Wtf?
WereCatf said:
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
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Don't you love how the Internet makes everyone an instant expert?
Tried going to settings accessibility screen reader?
Android may not have a lot available yet, but accessibility is definitely in mind
Slack, first off I commend you for helping him, your a good man. For News try News 360 & World News papers. Each one you can touch zoom what your reading & the latter formats what your reading on the page. CNN,AGREE ! Don't forget a stand for him to use on his bed side roller table.
Good luck,
Bob
I forgot, Fox News just came out with an Android app. Not bad.
eglathangion said:
Don't you love how the Internet makes everyone an instant expert?
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sanaell said:
Bull**** spotted!
You are sooooooo wrong.
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Hey guys, WereCatf is pretty good as far as helping people out around here. I understand how she sees the current accessibility options. They are pretty weak at this stage. For instance, if someone wanted to change their font size globally, without root and slack04's spiffy trick they would have quite a time. There are no contrast controls that I know of in the accessibility options, or anywhere else. That seems to me that it would be included for the visually impared if much thought had gone into it at all. There looks to be a huge absence of apps for the disabled. Ripe and waiting for some developer to tap into.
Maybe you fellas should consider taking a look around at some of her posts. Perhaps you might rethink the comments.