Wanted: Keyboard with arrows/directional keys - HD2 Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting and Genera

Well since all Android phones have trackpads, arrow keys is not needed. But what about us using HD2? It's annoying when you have to correct a mistake in the previous words. So, any keyboard (better free) that's able to do this? Thanks

Get Ultimate Keyboard. I dont think it's free, but its sooo well worth the dollar or two. Not only does it have arrows, but you can show/hide them and a really great toolbar via gestures. Not only that, but you can customise it to no end, color, key size, layout, it has swype style tracing that you can use if you want to, and when you get it all set up, you can save and export the setup, and restore it on the other builds on your sd card, so you only have to set it up one time. It really is the best, try it and you'll love it. It has every single thing you could possibly want in a keyboard

huggs said:
Get Ultimate Keyboard. I dont think it's free, but its sooo well worth the dollar or two. Not only does it have arrows, but you can show/hide them and a really great toolbar via gestures. Not only that, but you can customise it to no end, color, key size, layout, it has swype style tracing that you can use if you want to, and when you get it all set up, you can save and export the setup, and restore it on the other builds on your sd card, so you only have to set it up one time. It really is the best, try it and you'll love it. It has every single thing you could possibly want in a keyboard
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Click to collapse
didn't find it in the market, nor in google.

dan138zig said:
Well since all Android phones have trackpads, arrow keys is not needed. But what about us using HD2? It's annoying when you have to correct a mistake in the previous words. So, any keyboard (better free) that's able to do this? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried swype?
You can quickly access the directional keys & editing options by swyping from the 'swype' key to the 'SYM' key.

dan138zig said:
didn't find it in the market, nor in google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? What region is your market set to? Mine is USA, should be there.
If it wasnt a paid app, I'd grab the .apk outta my phone n post it for ya.
Sorry

huggs said:
Really? What region is your market set to? Mine is USA, should be there.
If it wasnt a paid app, I'd grab the .apk outta my phone n post it for ya.
Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah, so it's a paid app. no wonder it doesn't show up in my phone. because i live in indonesia.

dan138zig said:
ah, so it's a paid app. no wonder it doesn't show up in my phone. because i live in indonesia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really want this keyboard, and find it worth spending a US Dollar or two (sorry, don't know what that converts to in Indionesian curency), you can install 'Market Enabler' and set your market's region to USA.
Probably not worth all the fuss, if all you want is arrow keys.
I'm pretty sure there are Sense builds available with the HTC IME keyboard that have the arrow keys by default.
But I figured I'd tell you all the options.

Related

SWYPE for Android

I wondered if anyone has tried SWYPE on the Desire and if there are alternatives to it? The videos of Swype look fantastic.
yep have it running on mine and it is perfect, much better than shapewriter, it does however stop the pinch zoom from working, this only seems to work with the stock keyboard.
zomig said:
yep have it running on mine and it is perfect, much better than shapewriter, it does however stop the pinch zoom from working, this only seems to work with the stock keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean the pinch zoom doesn't work at all on the phone or just to enlarge the keyboard?
Where do you get swype for the android by the way?
Bandare said:
Do you mean the pinch zoom doesn't work at all on the phone or just to enlarge the keyboard?
Where do you get swype for the android by the way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=644536&highlight=swype
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandare
Do you mean the pinch zoom doesn't work at all on the phone or just to enlarge the keyboard?
Where do you get swype for the android by the way?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...ighlight=swype
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Click to collapse
That didn't work for me, just came up with expired when installed, got another version
Anybody wanting a working version then link is Here Not sure how long this lasts but it is currently working.
Hell yeah,
finally this one worked for me on my N1 and supports foreign languages!
Thanks for that.
sorry to ask but how do you install it?
Bandare said:
sorry to ask but how do you install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As my android is german, I don't exactly know what the menu items are called, but it should be something similar:
1. Download the .apk file and copy it to your phone's SD card
2. Go to Settings -> Applications -> Check "Unknown Sources"
3. Use an app like ApkInstaller, browse the apk and install it
4. Settings -> Language and Keyboard -> Check Swype
5. In an input field, long-press the field, choose "Input Method" and "Swype".
6. If you wish, change the Swype settings in Settings -> Language and Keyboard -> Swype.
That's it.
thanks for the comment. I am looking for apkinstaller in the marketplace but it's not coming up. I tried installing a couple of other apk installers but they both failed....
I'd post the QR code, but as I am a noob, I'm not allowed to.
So google for "apkinstaller" and you'll find it.
If not: What's the error message you get?
Wydi said:
I'd post the QR code, but as I am a noob, I'm not allowed to.
So google for "apkinstaller" and you'll find it.
If not: What's the error message you get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... I used an EoE installer in the end and that worked like a charm... Got Swype working but it's been crashing quite a few times..... I wonder when they will open the beta or release this as it does look fantastic.
I use Astro, just do a search for this app, very easy once installed.
zomig said:
That didn't work for me, just came up with expired when installed, got another version
Anybody wanting a working version then link is Here Not sure how long this lasts but it is currently working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
huh. odd. glad you found a version that works for you
I managed to get in while the beta was still open so I was just trying to link you to the topic that seemed most relevant to your ask.
Bandare -
You can always use adb to install if you are hooked up to a pc...
Code:
adb install package.apk
does anyone tried using in landscape? i tried to install it in the emulator, it doesnt work on landscape mode.
also when will this beta expires?
irkan said:
does anyone tried using in landscape? i tried to install it in the emulator, it doesnt work on landscape mode.
also when will this beta expires?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anyone? just want to know wither its for a limited time
Swype for the Desire - Just get it.
Sorry if this is an old thread, but just cottened on to swype thanks to the Mobile Buzz widget informing me. I'm new to Android and only had my Desire 2 months.
It is app nirvana! I'm running the beta now (1.56.30), and I must say, when it runs out and I have revert back to the stock keyboard and tapping away, I'm gonna cry. It works so well. Has increased my typing speed at least 3-fold. (HTC Desire with stock 2.1 ROM).
The only thing I'd like to re-enforce that was covered in another post, is that it's not made very clear by the developers how to start using it! After installation, get to an input screen and do a long press, and select the 'input method' option and check the swype box. It will stick with your stock keyboard if you do not do this.
Will happily pay/donate for this when the full release comes out, and will be very surprised if this does not become the standard implementation for touch screen typing very soon. The swype keyboard also works well with the tradtional tapping method should you want to type something unlikely to be in it's database, so why not?
Very very impressed with it so far.
Edit: Noticed a slight weakness. Not sure if this is fair, but it is not so useful if you are using the phone in landscape mode. It works to a degree, but you have to stick with one finger per word/swype. Not easy if your thumbs are not up to reaching across your keyboard in landscape. Can be uncomfortable. Recommend sticking with fingers instead of thumbs! But for one-handed, portrait typing this is still the daddy.
the new beta version, what is the full version number? 1.56.30......., I already have a modded version 1.56.30.7625.t100 installed. also how long on average does beta version expire? After requesting for an invite ages ago, I finally got an email from them to use their beta. is it worth installing it??

Major Wish

I love swype for portrait typing, but it totally blows ass for trying to type in landscape...the samsung keyboard's way better
I've ALWAYS wished for a way to set different keyboards based on orientation of the phone at time of use
cool story bro.
I tried writing an ime to switch keyboards based on orientation for this exact same reason, only to find out it's impossible due to android's security
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
See if something like Tasker can do that. Haven't used it but you can automate a ton of things on Android.
speoples20 said:
See if something like Tasker can do that. Haven't used it but you can automate a ton of things on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the current ime can change to a different ime
bah...so it's not possible eh?
hydrogenman said:
bah...so it's not possible eh?
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Click to collapse
I really don't think so. After unsuccessfully trying to do it myself, I did some searching to find that others have come to the same conclusion
hydrogenman said:
I love swype for portrait typing, but it totally blows ass for trying to type in landscape...the samsung keyboard's way better
I've ALWAYS wished for a way to set different keyboards based on orientation of the phone at time of use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, that would be great - I don't often type in landscape, but as a way to try to avoid this I use swype like a regular keyboard when in landscape. It only works if you go into swype settings and un-check "word prediction" - kinda sucks not having word prediction, but I don't like the way swype does it. Oh well - maybe someone can come up with a fix!

[Q] How can you change the keyboard?

On fascinate, the default android keyboard does not have the option to un-check. So, even if I installed other keyboards, only the default keyboard is on. Is there any way to disable the stock keyboard and use other keyboard that I want to use?
Thanks!
jus ordered my fascinate so still wait on mine but as far as I know you cant disabled but to switch it should be the same across the board on androids just tap ur text box then long press in the text box and it should pop up with ur options
Sent from my FroyoEris using XDA App
Go to messages. Long press on input feild, go to android keyboard, press it with ur finger, WA la
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
In some cases, when you install a new keyboard manually (such as one of my favorites HTC_IME http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=624416), you have to go to Settings > Language & Keyboard and enable the checkbox next to the keyboard you installed.
After that, the instructions ksizzle listed above still apply.
Thanks!!! I do not have the phone with me right now, but I will try that!!
Coming from an HTC device, which has a keyboard that worked quite nicely, I was utterly disgusted by the horrible keyboard on this phone. Reading around a bit, I decided that Better Keyboard was the way to go, so I decided to shell out the $2.99 for it, and also downloaded a couple of the free themes. I now have a very good looking keyboard, which works 10 times better than the stock one.
ivorycruncher said:
Coming from an HTC device, which has a keyboard that worked quite nicely, I was utterly disgusted by the horrible keyboard on this phone. Reading around a bit, I decided that Better Keyboard was the way to go, so I decided to shell out the $2.99 for it, and also downloaded a couple of the free themes. I now have a very good looking keyboard, which works 10 times better than the stock one.
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Click to collapse
Which skin did you go with?
TheAlmightyDrew said:
Which skin did you go with?
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Click to collapse
It's called SilverBlue AndroidandMe. It's gray/silver keys over a medium blue background. It seems to fit well with the gray/blue theme that Samsung has implemented on this phone.
this is my first touch screen so what makes the htc and better keyboard better than the stock one?
ivorycruncher said:
Coming from an HTC device, which has a keyboard that worked quite nicely, I was utterly disgusted by the horrible keyboard on this phone. Reading around a bit, I decided that Better Keyboard was the way to go, so I decided to shell out the $2.99 for it, and also downloaded a couple of the free themes. I now have a very good looking keyboard, which works 10 times better than the stock one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HTC_IME keyboard link I posted is pretty much the HTC keyboard with a ton of customizable options. And its a free download.
DeezNotes said:
The HTC_IME keyboard link I posted is pretty much the HTC keyboard with a ton of customizable options. And its a free download.
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Click to collapse
Ah darn, guess I should have hunted a little more. Oh well, I'm happy with better keyboard, and you can apply themes to it, for added value. For the record, I think it works even better than the HTC keyboard, but I'd have to actually try it on this phone to make a fair comparison. All I know is that I can type way faster on this one than I've ever been able to on a touchscreen phone before.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
DeezNotes said:
In some cases, when you install a new keyboard manually (such as one of my favorites HTC_IME http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=624416), you have to go to Settings > Language & Keyboard and enable the checkbox next to the keyboard you installed.
After that, the instructions ksizzle listed above still apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That worked like a charm. Thanks!

Any other swiping keyboards with easy nav besides Swype?

I love and hate Swype. It is the first android keyboard I used and am very fast on it. I love how it only takes one swiping keypress to access the nav keys since I use them a lot, and how well it chooses the correct words.
However, since I am always changing roms on my captivates and nook color it is a real pain to constantly have to go through the stupid process of going to the website, signing in, waiting for an email, downloading the installer from an email link, signing in again, downloading and installing the beta, signing in again, generating the license (or whatever it is you are supposed to do- I am never quite sure), and often getting into some loop where I can never get the thing installed, then searching for an hour trying to find some hacked apk that does work. Currently, I cannot find an apk that works with my nook color, either. I am so ready to find a good replacement so I never have to use it again on any of my devices.
I use SlideIT a lot, but hate how you have to press 5 keys to access navigation and how it does not choose words as well as swype, and how it cannot handle single character words like I and a in the middle of a sentence, and how it cannot capitalize letters in the middle of a word (which my last name requires) without jumping through hoops.
Are there any swiping alternatives to these that work well?
although the ui isn't AS pretty, to me slide-it is more functionally sound for my use.
phoneturf, I sent you a PM with a solution.
GirLuvsDroid said:
phoneturf, I sent you a PM with a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What was your solution?
Have you tried flext9? I seem to like it enough to use on most of my android toys.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk
I just downloaded the Swype apk from another thread and its working great on my nightly #144. I had SlideIt which worked very well (paid the $4.99 or whatever it was a month or so ago), but simply put nothing works as well as Swype IMO.
Thanks,
Josh
+1 for flext9

Google Keyboard update

So I was so tired of not being able to long-press the upper row of the keyboard to input numbers, so I remember reading somewhere that Google had updated the keyboard with this feature for tablets, to my surprise, Play Store didn't notice any update, so I tried installing it from the play store website like I do pretty much always, and I got the update pushed to my phone.
I attach the link to the playstore here, even if it says INSTALLED, click on it and you will get the option to install it on the devices linked to your account.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
My keyboard gets the numbers on the top row now. Thanks!
Shame I paid for SwiftKey 1 week prior to get that feature.
Bah
Sent from my Nexus 7
oldtimer42 said:
Shame I paid for SwiftKey 1 week prior to get that feature.
Bah
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't regret it: SwiftKey is far better than the "standard" Android Keyboard!
henklbr said:
Don't regret it: SwiftKey is far better than the "standard" Android Keyboard!
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Click to collapse
Indeed. One of the best features for me is reducing "hold" time for secondary characters.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
henklbr said:
Don't regret it: SwiftKey is far better than the "standard" Android Keyboard!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different strokes for different folks. I prefer SwiftKey's functionality, but there's something about "stock" that's always appealing for me.
Thanks for letting us know. I'm a bit confused why keep this update hidden and not notify the users like a normal app would do, That's weird !
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Huh, the Google Keyboard update installed automatically for me just fine, right when it came out.
undercover said:
Indeed. One of the best features for me is reducing "hold" time for secondary characters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Keyboard can also do this.
Hmmmm. Didn't do anything for me. Couldn't push it from a PC, the option was grayed out for my N7. Went into apps, installed updates, forced closed, went to the play store and updated ... nada. Using Swype, so no biggie, but still...
PJ Clifford said:
Hmmmm. Didn't do anything for me. Couldn't push it from a PC, the option was grayed out for my N7. Went into apps, installed updates, forced closed, went to the play store and updated ... nada. Using Swype, so no biggie, but still...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try opening the play store page on the tablet, and clicking install from the webpage open in the tablet.
jak3z said:
Try opening the play store page on the tablet, and clicking install from the webpage open in the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that and it didn't work. Ah well, as I said no big matter as I am using Swype anyway.
Guys, I've installed the last version from play store.
I have a problem that it seems to exist only on my (actually my wife's) N7II. I don't have it on other "regular" android phones...
When I press a key, I don't get that blue pop-up with the key pressed, if u know what I mean...
Does anyone get the key pressed on the blue pop-up ?!?
I searched on settings, but I haven't found nothing related to this...
Is this a bug or does it work like this on tablets (or at least on N7) ? Can also be a 4.3 bug??
Best keyboard setup with google keyboard is advanced setting, custom input styles, english (us) (pc). Gives you a pc keyboard layout. Numbers on top and symbols like your familiar qwerty pc board. Keys get small on portrait but thats what swyping is for.
onesolo said:
Guys, I've installed the last version from play store.
I have a problem that it seems to exist only on my (actually my wife's) N7II. I don't have it on other "regular" android phones...
When I press a key, I don't get that blue pop-up with the key pressed, if u know what I mean...
Does anyone get the key pressed on the blue pop-up ?!?
I searched on settings, but I haven't found nothing related to this...
Is this a bug or does it work like this on tablets (or at least on N7) ? Can also be a 4.3 bug??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one?!?
onesolo said:
No one?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean, "blue pop-up"? Letters don't "pop up" on the stock Android keyboard unless you hold down the key to select, say, a number or symbol.
hyperspacey said:
What do you mean, "blue pop-up"? Letters don't "pop up" on the stock Android keyboard unless you hold down the key to select, say, a number or symbol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But on my Samsung S3, Desire HD, Huwaei X5 (and so on...) it shows the contrary ...when I touch (or hold down, it's indifferent) a key on those devices I get that blue popup
Oh, and now I went to the keyboard settings and there is an option for that: "Popup on Keypress"
If I disable it, it wont show that popup as natural.
On N7 I can't remember quite if it's there and if it's enabled or not... only at night when I came back home...
Maybe this is a phone feature, maybe it's a nexus bug, a 4.3 bug... who knows...
onesolo said:
But on my Samsung S3, Desire HD, Huwaei X5 (and so on...) it shows the contrary ...when I touch (or hold down, it's indifferent) a key on those devices I get that blue popup
Oh, and now I went to the keyboard settings and there is an option for that: "Popup on Keypress"
If I disable it, it wont show that popup as natural.
On N7 I can't remember quite if it's there and if it's enabled or not... only at night when I came back home...
Maybe this is a phone feature, maybe it's a nexus bug, a 4.3 bug... who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of those other phones ship with the stock Android keyboard- the S3 in particular uses Samsung's keyboard app, the Desire HD uses HTC's, the X5 Huawei's own app, etc. This is the stock keyboard app that is on Nexus devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.inputmethod.latin&hl=en
Edit- I've had a check, on tablets it doesn't do the pop-up because the keyboard is big enough for you to see the letters. Swiftkey does, I think. Try Swiftkey!
hyperspacey said:
Edit- I've had a check, on tablets it doesn't do the pop-up because the keyboard is big enough for you to see the letters. Swiftkey does, I think. Try Swiftkey!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I think this is stupid... altought the kayboard is big enough I would love to see the letters popup... sometimes I just can't see it...

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