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!
Related
So I normally use the HTC_ime but until a new one comes out with speech I'm using the stock keyboard.
This is totally stupid so if you all know don't bash me- but swiping down from the "t" to the spacebar will close the keyboard, just like better keyboard does. Beats the back key any day.
I've had android since the day it came out and didn't know that.
Yes and swipe left to right brings up the voice command.
Wow you guys are geniuses! I didn't know both of these commands xD. Thanks!
thanks for that T down swipe, I didn't know that and it's been bugging me bad
Nice! Didn't know either of these as well. Definitely useful.
Thanks the for T swipe down. I used to love to be able to hide my keyboard on the hero, so it's handy to know I can do it with the stock keyboard.
Haha, wow, was this always true? Ive had android also since before it came out(although there was no soft keyboard then) and I usually use better keyboard but I never knew, now I wanna know how long that its worked for.
Not sure how long that's been available. Since I had to use the stock keyboard I also learned that to save words to the custom dictionary you long press the word to save. Simple but with the HTC its just a simple press. Weird it took me so long o realize that. I can actually live win using the default android keyboard. And even better, with manups nextheme its the best looking one too.
djnutz said:
Not sure how long that's been available. Since I had to use the stock keyboard I also learned that to save words to the custom dictionary you long press the word to save. Simple but with the HTC its just a simple press. Weird it took me so long o realize that. I can actually live win using the default android keyboard. And even better, with manups nextheme its the best looking one too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried on my hero and Dream the KB goes down with swipe.
Doesnt matter where you swipe down from as long as its on the keyboard "dosent have to be T"
yep, swipe down it works anywhere.
I didnt know either of those...either, Very cool thank you. Since swiping can bring up voice how can I get my comma button back? The microphone button (formerly MY comma button) now seems redundant...
Amazing, I would have never known!
The swipe across was in the manual, but I was wondering if it would work with the HTC_ime?
I would LOVE to get the comma back. Its a simple little thing but bothers me everytime I have to make a list or actually send an email (or more writing than a simple text).
Either disable the voice input in the kb settings (replaces the 'mic' key with the comma again) or long press dot.....
wow, I've used android for as long as it's been available and never knew this.
sixstring said:
Either disable the voice input in the kb settings (replaces the 'mic' key with the comma again) or long press dot.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only problem with this that it is it switches it off completeley - would be useful to have swipe for voice input AND the comma key
Yeah, comma on the keyboard and swipe to activate voice would be ideal.............
Redant said:
Only problem with this that it is it switches it off completeley - would be useful to have swipe for voice input AND the comma key
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, of course. I got used to long pressing dot and selecting comma from the pop up....
It seems that when using swipe in portrait mode I cant get tap and hold to work. I.E selecting symbols and numbers.
It works well in landscape though.
Anyone have this issue? Is there a fix?
I (and others have mentioned it) gave up on the 3.9 swype for exactly that problem.
well that's not cool... I was getting good at it too. oh well, guess I'll deal with it till an update comes out.
thanks
Two things that helped me:
1) Set the error tolerance to maximum in the opitons.
2) Press on the top half of the button and keep your finger as steady as you can.
It works for me. Though, it is really really sensitive to movement. It does take some pratice and steady finger to get the tap-hold to work. It's usually the '?' that I'm going for. Sometimes it will produce 'mm' or 'mn'..
It seems like they need to make it less sensitive for movement if you're just holding one a single key and not swiping. Or make it deduce that I'm going for the '?' and NOT 'mm' which does not make much sense..
Newman180 said:
well that's not cool... I was getting good at it too. oh well, guess I'll deal with it till an update comes out.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same thing happen. A LOT of our Swype's are faulty. The trick is to google or search xda for Swype 2.0 wvga. This works LIKE ITS SUPPOSED TO. You can use it and the qwerty keyboard arrangement is arranged propertly on the numeric keyboard tab.
steve austin said:
I had the same thing happen. A LOT of our Swype's are faulty. The trick is to google or search xda for Swype 2.0 wvga. This works LIKE ITS SUPPOSED TO. You can use it and the qwerty keyboard arrangement is arranged propertly on the numeric keyboard tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'm doing that now. What version came on TMOHD2?
Ok so I downloaded/installed the cab for Swype 2.0 with the htc skin
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=60494
The skin looks different, which is great, but swype acts the same. Doesnt allow symbols. Also when I go into "about swype" it is the same version and build date of 1/09
Did I do something wrong?
Newman180 said:
Thanks, I'm doing that now. What version came on TMOHD2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.9 i believe. garbage (at least on mine).
So, does the Swype 2.0 wvga link fix the problem? Cause this press and hold BS is really driving me nuts.
EDIT Just downloaded, it seems to be SLIGHTLY more accurate/easier, but still not as simple as they make it look in the video, it's still quicker to switch tabs and type in whatever you need to.
donalgodon said:
Two things that helped me:
1) Set the error tolerance to maximum in the opitons.
2) Press on the top half of the button and keep your finger as steady as you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this fix. However, you have to place your whole finger on top of the key (contacting the key to the left and right of the key you are trying to press as well) and hold in order to get the secondary set to work.
Swype settings are accessible via Settings tab, Menu, All Settings, Personal, Input, Swype Options.
EDIT: Nevermind, I was only getting lucky with the long press. It still seems to only work about 10% of the time with the 3.9 stock version.
Y not just use the symbol button? It's faster and better than pressing n holding. And as for using the ?, just pressit and drag or swype to the space bar. Same for . and !
aceo07 said:
It works for me. Though, it is really really sensitive to movement. It does take some pratice and steady finger to get the tap-hold to work. It's usually the '?' that I'm going for. Sometimes it will produce 'mm' or 'mn'..
It seems like they need to make it less sensitive for movement if you're just holding one a single key and not swiping. Or make it deduce that I'm going for the '?' and NOT 'mm' which does not make much sense..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the ? symbol, there's an easy alternative - swype (drag) from the ? key to the spacebar. Wish all the symbols & numbers did the same thing, would prefer it over the click & hold method.
Also - everyone knows about dragging from the swype symbol to around the #5 to go to the numeric keypad and draw from the swype symbol to umm.. the one to the right to go to the arrows/copy/paste screen shortcut?
Anyway, my main Swype problems are this hold/press thing & how hard it is to do manual typing for usernames & password. It's for these reasons that I use SlideIT over Swype at the moment.
Yep... doesnt work for me either. Sucks having go to down and switch it to number mode just to select symbols but I still like it over the regular keyboard.
srgntdvs said:
Y not just use the symbol button? It's faster and better than pressing n holding. And as for using the ?, just pressit and drag or swype to the space bar. Same for . and !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh I love you! This works great - very fast.
brownhornet said:
Yep... doesnt work for me either. Sucks having go to down and switch it to number mode just to select symbols but I still like it over the regular keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to give up on swype because of the issue.
then I saw that space bar on random tutorial, it makes it a little bit easier, but still. other symbols are very annoying.
Oops mistake!
Search Google or XDA for SWYPE 2.0 for WVGA. All the problems will be solved. Swype 3.9 is horrid. 2.0 is the truth.
Testing out version 2 on my TMOUS (version 3.9 by drefault). So far seems to be working much better - I can press & hold & get the alternate puncuation/numbers (although I still say sliding any alternate keystroke to the spacebar would be better).
QUESTION - how the heck do I get to options on this version? In 3.9 you went to symbols & help the Swype key down. Google says I click the arrow (stock rom, so 6.5.1) & go to options, but I only gen sense-like options instead.
There another way to get to the options in 2.0 ?
polstein said:
Testing out version 2 on my TMOUS (version 3.9 by drefault). So far seems to be working much better - I can press & hold & get the alternate puncuation/numbers (although I still say sliding any alternate keystroke to the spacebar would be better).
QUESTION - how the heck do I get to options on this version? In 3.9 you went to symbols & help the Swype key down. Google says I click the arrow (stock rom, so 6.5.1) & go to options, but I only gen sense-like options instead.
There another way to get to the options in 2.0 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC/ Microsoft and Swype don't make it easy do they:
1. Go to settings tab on sense
2. tap menu
3. selct "all settings"
4. select "personal" folder
5. select "input options"
6. BAM!
After pressing the bottom left hardware botton to select text, I'm having problem placing the cursor to accurately indicate the starting and ending position of the selection. What is the big secret on how to do this operation right?
i have the exact same problem.. i wish the phone had arrows or a trackball.. and when you select text twards the far right of the text box, it auto moves the screen back to the center of the box.. its very difficult, the only advice i can offer is pinch zoom in very close, till the text takes up most of the screen, and highlight better. of course pinchzooming method will only work for email and web pages.. no help for texting..
If I zoom in, then either the beginning of end of the selection block is no longer in view, and dragging does not automatically scroll the screen like in iPhone.
eaglesteve said:
If I zoom in, then either the beginning of end of the selection block is no longer in view, and dragging does not automatically scroll the screen like in iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone who is coming from an iPhone I can tell you that this is something that I really miss.
Android needs to learn how to do proper copy and paste (this is not just a Samsung thing).
On a side note, I am really hating the email client on android, this is not a phone very usable in a corporate (Exchange) environment!
Perhaps it is a mistake to omit the trackball?? Looks like trackball is extremely crucial for any Android phone.
Kurtbee, you're right. Google has not thought through the design of copy and paste properly yet.
eaglesteve said:
Perhaps it is a mistake to omit the trackball?? Looks like trackball is extremely crucial for any Android phone.
Kurtbee, you're right. Google has not thought through the design of copy and paste properly yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, trackballs are a step backwards. Android should simply implement a better way to select text - the iPhone does it beautifully.
I also am not in love with any of the email clients - even K-9 has a crappy/ugly interface. And why isn't there a way to force check email in the Integrated Mailbox?
MacGuy2006 said:
No, trackballs are a step backwards. Android should simply implement a better way to select text - the iPhone does it beautifully.
I also am not in love with any of the email clients - even K-9 has a crappy/ugly interface. And why isn't there a way to force check email in the Integrated Mailbox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agreeing with you. However, copying Apple might land Google into a law suit, so I think they'll be weary of that.
BTW, for INPUT field only, I accidentally discover a way to accurately do it. Here's how:
1) On the Swype keyboard (that's why it is only limited to input field, unfortunately), draw a North west to south east line going across the upper right corner of the Swipe key. In other word, from the upper case arrow position to the SYM key. This will change the keyboard to one that contacts cursor, home, select all, select, text, cut, copy, paste.
2) Then use the cursor key to move to the one end of the selection block.
3) Press the select text button
4) Move cursor to the other end of the selection box, followed by either a cut or paste key depending on what you want to do. This will copy the block to the clipboard.
Unfortunately, often I need to select from non-input field as well, and there is no solution for that yet.
Hope this little tip helps everyone. Cheers.
Same thing for the samsung keyborad if you press the 123 field for a long time.
Now we need to find a way to do the same on a web page ...
nicoloco said:
Same thing for the samsung keyborad if you press the 123 field for a long time.
Now we need to find a way to do the same on a web page ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but how do I change the keyboard from Swype to the Samsung keyboard? Is this keyboard from Samsung or from Google?
Just touch the text until you see a pop up.
Then you should have the possibility to change the keyboard
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Got it. Thank!
Wow, thanks guys, this will make typing a lot easier! You would think the arrowy keyboard thing would be more highlighted and easily accesible since it's making the experience much better. Well, maybe in the gingerbread, they didn't hire the Palm UI guy for nothing...
I find it a little difficult, but can usually get it after 2 or 3 tries max.
Maybe using fingernail is more accurate?
Finger nails do not work on capacity touchscreen though. Even if it does, how do you deal with situation where the selection block span outside the screen? There is no provision to scroll the screen during the selection process.
HTC Sense Androids have a great copy-paste feature identical to IPhone. Hopefully it can get ported to galaxy
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.