[Q] swype vs shapewriter - Android Apps and Games

Anyone have any feelings on this?
I've tried swype and loved it, is there any benefit of shapewriter?

I prefer Shapewriter. Easier to select alternate words and numbers.
All these keyboards need is a back/forward arrow. Anyone listening?

I prefer Shapewriter because the popup on Swype is annoying. Swype has better sound (I don't use sound, though) and better UI, but that's not enough for me to pick Swype over Shapewriter. They're pretty much the same thing. I don't notice a huge speed difference with either one.

Also Ultrakeyboard is another one, been using this today and prefer it to swype, haven't used shapewriter in a long time to compare, but thought I would offer another option.

I prefer the ShapeWriter final (v3.09) too. I just upgraded to the newest Swype beta the other day, and it's still buggy and quirky. How long does it take to finish it? I haven't tried Ultrakeyboard. I'll look at it.

I installed the latest Swype Beta and also find it buggy, it's been a while since I last tried ShapeWriter but I always found it better then Swype. I haven't tried Ultrakeyboard yet but I'll try this out.
I actually like "Graffiti for Android" very much; which has gotten better at predictive text, almost as good as "StrokeKeyboard". I also find both "Graffiti for Android" and "StrokeKeyboard" faster and more accurate then any of the 'Swype-type' keyboards (Swype/ShapeWriter/Ultrakeyboard).
EDIT: I just installed and tried out "Ultrakeyboard" and it is definitely way better then both "Swype" and "Shapewriter"..."Ultrakeyboard" has to be the best of the 'Swype-Type' keyboards. That said I still prefer "Graffiti for Android".

honestly, its just a personal preference. i've used swype and slideit and i swear by swype. also i had a friend who loves swype and he's used slideit.
so, i would recommend you try all different options and stick with the one you actually like, because everyone will just tell you that whatever they're using is the best

NexuSix said:
I installed the latest Swype Beta and also find it buggy, it's been a while since I last tried ShapeWriter but I always found it better then Swype. I haven't tried Ultrakeyboard yet I'll uninstall Swype and try this out.
I actually like "Graffiti for Android" very much; which has gotten better at predictive text, almost as good as "StrokeKeyboard". I also find both "Graffiti for Android" and "StrokeKeyboard" faster and more accurate then any of the 'Swype-type' keyboards (Swype/ShapeWriter/Ultrakeyboard).
EDIT: I just installed and tried out "Ultrakeyboard" and it is definitely way better then both "Swype" and "Shapewriter"..."Ultrakeyboard" has to be the best of the 'Swype-Type' keyboards. That said I still prefer "Graffiti for Android".
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An Update I have installed the following Keyboards:
1. Swype beta
2. Android Keyboard
3. Graffiti
4. SwiftKey Beta
5. Ultra Keyboard
For the Swype-Type Keyboard I find Ultra Keyboard the best.
SwiftKey is the best for predictive text on a typing-type keyboard
and Graffiti is the best for a fun old school Stroke-Type keyboard (the other good option is StrokeKeyboard)

Thanks much for the reviews!
Sent from my xtrSENSE Eris using XDA App

Related

Keyboard Replacements

Hey everyone, just wanted to know what your favorite Android keyboard replacement is. What is it? Also, could you include a .apk for me to DL if it's not in the market or if it's htc_ime, since I already have it. Thanks for the help!
Sent from my Droid using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
I like SlideIt and ShapeWriter. Swype beta is closed so use these both, pretty much the same. I think SlideIT is great, better word prediction of the 2, but lacks the ability to type numbers od punctuation by long pressing a key. Plus it its $8.
ShapeWriter is free and allows for the long press, so I use it. But the word prediction isn't as good as SlideIT (which was rarely wrong). If SlideIt would add this feature, it would be perfect. Will see how Swype is when it comes out, but these are good.
Before that I used Bettter Keyboard, but I like the swiping input style.
swype is the best!
swype
finally starting to love this. took a while to get used to it, but it really does work well. once it's out of beta, i definitely recommend downloading it.
Okay yeah, I've been using Swype beta (the one they officially released from their website) and my only issue with it is the lack of auto punctuation in many places. I'll try ShapeWriter too but I don't wanna spend any $, especially that much, on a keyboard. Has anyone else tried out the Themed HTC_IME's from XDA? I'm using one now and I love it, but I know that I input text faster with Swype. Any others?
Sent from my Droid using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Im currently using smart keyboard pro. It's multi touch, has several themes, and gives you a candidate bar with suggestions while using the droid's hardware keyboard.
Swipe is good too, but I mainly only use it for one handed operation
Sent from my Droid using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Right now I've been popping back and forth between Smart Keyboard Pro and jonasl's modified version of HTC_IME.
If you haven't tried the modded HTC_IME I would definitely start using it (it's less laggy and has a buncha new features). It has the best suggestion and correction of any of the non-swipers. Smart Keyboard Pro is still the fastest for me, though, and has the most features.
I have the same one as HTC_IME but I am trying to get the Swype keyboard on Mytouch 3g.
I have Mytouch 3g... Do u have an apk file cuz I have been looking around but I found a trial only n they are not working or are for another model of phone.
Shapewriter 3.09
Anyone have the Shapewriter 3.09 .apk. Can not find it in the market with 2.2
aryndar said:
Anyone have the Shapewriter 3.09 .apk. Can not find it in the market with 2.2
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............ .
Where to get swype
Where can I get this? I want to try this, but cant find it.
silfer said:
swype is the best!
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i agree. i'm addicted to it now.
i use the SwiftKey beta (i'ld post a link to their page but apparently im to new to do so).... its a real nice predictive text, that doesn't just try to do the current word but as it learns it will try and do the next word you going to write
I use smart keyboard pro because it has text substitution. For example, I can type xxx and have it pop in a long email address I have set up in the prefs. Saves a ton of typing.
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App

Best free keyboard?

I was super happy with Better Keyboard on my Galaxy S but one day it automatically updated to a new version and now it will only work if I buy it. If I knew this was going to happen I would have never updated it. I even tried looking for the older version online but I could not find it.
So I was wondering what is the best FREE keyboard alternative out there? I don't use swipe but I do need the keyboard to be able to use accents (like ç, á, ô and so forth). Any suggestions?
I use thickbuttons its free..
i use gingerbread keyboard. Very good keyboard, highly customizable!
I've read that the only thing that doesn't work after the Swiftkey trial ends is the prediction? Is this right? If so I'm going to stick with it. I've just downloaded the trial and it's really great.
rawfa said:
I've read that the only thing that doesn't work after the Swiftkey trial ends is the prediction? Is this right? If so I'm going to stick with it. I've just downloaded the trial and it's really great.
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Swiftkey stops working after 30 days. They're sticklers about that.
If you like typing, I suggest the Gingerbread keyboard or the HTC IME that you can download from the nexus forums.
Swype is also available online. Google it.
hy. I use the HTC ime mod. today i try the swiftkey free,and the prediction of this keyboard are fantastic!
but htc ime have a key for the emotic,and use special char is easier.
there isn't a keyboard with the layeault of htc ime mod and prediction of swiftkey right?
Gingerbread keyboard is really nice.
I had Swype installed by default on my Defy and it was the first thing I installed when I got my Nexus S. I love it.
xamilek555 said:
Gingerbread keyboard is really nice.
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where i can find ithe last italian compatible version?
check this one, it does support many languages, its basically gingerbread keyboard with added languages and themes!
multiling is very good too!

New Swype Version 3.0

So I know this version is probably still themed with that terrible gray, but can anyone comment on the improvements? I'm curious if it's worth installing over the Samsung themed version. It looks to have some nice new features/updates, but I'm assuming it'll get rolled into the next ota update if Samsung loves us, which remains to be seen. I used to have a play toy to try this stuff out on but unfortunately I sold them both :'(
I used to use Swype.
However, after using SwiftKey X (which is available here in Beta right now), I have lost all interest in Swype. SwiftKey is so [email protected] near telepathic at times, it's scary!
SwiftKey learns *your* typing style, and suggests words based on your style and grammar. Until Blind Type comes out, I don't think a better keyboard is available - anywhere.
Highly recommended! Almost all of my friends that have used it have stuck with it after the trial period.
Give it a shot!
Cheers,
I use SwiftKey. After letting it have access to your email, and facebook and twitter it does an unbelievable job of word suggestion. Then it only gets better the more that you use it. After about a few months with this app, my word suggestions are very accurate.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk
3.0
I started with Shapewriter, then Swiftkey, and now Swype 3.0.
My biggest gripes with Swype have been fixed for 3.0.
Predictive text words are now a horizontal bar above the keyboard instead of that annoying pop-up window. Also, it now predicts for tapping as well as swyping.
For me, this makes it a true hybrid keyboard as there are time where I just feel like doing one but not the other.
The prediction is not as slick SwiftKey's but I don't think I'm going back as this is by far Swype's best keyboard.
I believe you have to have root to install 3.0 on the Charge.
My 2 cents.
New Swype 3.0 Beta
Alright I decided to give the new Swype a try after reading several positive reviews. I must say that in comparison to the one that shipped with our phones, the 3.0 beta is significantly better. I tried Swiftkey X and I found the keyboard itself to be too small, with too much space between the keys. Swype 2 was a little annoying so I mostly used the Samsung keyboard but 3.0 is nice! The buttons are bigger, even than Swype 2.0 and the color scheme is better though still in need of a reskin. It seems very responsive and the prediction is better too. Also it allows for easier transitioning between typing and swyping. It scales perfectly with an lcd density of 200, which was another gripe I had with Swiftkey X.
You have to remove the stock swype 2.28 before you can install the new 3.0 beta. I found directions for removing (or renaming to keep a backup which is what I did) for the fascinate which work perfect for the Charge as this is what I did:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1128986
After renaming all of the files listed to .bak or deleting them, reboot or it won't install correctly. Then download the new installer from your phone's browser here: http://beta.swype.com/
Follow the installer instructions and you're done. I'll probably continue using it as the buttons are large and it's easier to transition from typing/swyping.
It's sad the the theme still looks that hideous. I think just for that reason I'll hold out for our next ota update and pray that it's in there. Doubt it, but I can hope. I'm not opposed to installing over my copy, but it's just so ugly!
Homestar1217 said:
It's sad the the theme still looks that hideous. I think just for that reason I'll hold out for our next ota update and pray that it's in there. Doubt it, but I can hope. I'm not opposed to installing over my copy, but it's just so ugly!
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Click to collapse
Charge is a great phone, but IMO the orange theme on stock is already at the pinnacle of ugly excellence, so swype could not make it any worse
I replaced the stock swype with the beta v3 and I do like the beta better. Word suggestions appearing horizontal above the keyboard instead of over the stuff you're typing is a big improvement.
It's true, the orange is not my favorite haha. But truthfully if we get 2.3 I won't care what color it is, I've been waiting for that since I got my Vibrant a year ago. Samsung is so slow with updates it's unreal. And I would hope if we get that update Swype 3.0 would come with it!
Anyone else still waiting for swype to send them the e-mail? I've tried two different e-mail accounts...still waiting 20 minutes later. I know..I'm an impatient s.o.b.
It's never taken them long to send me an e-mail, but I just archived the one they sent with the installer so I could put it on any phone.
I have been waiting a day now for the email and I deleted the other swype. This is going great so far.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA Premium App
psalm462 said:
I have been waiting a day now for the email and I deleted the other swype. This is going great so far.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA Premium App
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I am in the same boat. This is ridiculous...
The automated email system from their website seems to have been down the part few days. I hadn't received mine either then I went to the beta swype website and had them resend the Verification email and I received it instantly. Just try to login then right under the password field you will see a resend confirmation email link.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
So I have been trying to upgrade to the new 3.0 version, however I can't seem to get the previous version to uninstall. I was able to uninstall Swype Installer, but am unable to do so for Swype. The uninstall function is greyed out, so is not an option. I re-installed the Installer, however I cannot get past the Generate License stage of the install process, so I am unable to utilize that to uninstall Swype as well. Is there a way to manually do this. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide!
J7NY said:
So I have been trying to upgrade to the new 3.0 version, however I can't seem to get the previous version to uninstall. I was able to uninstall Swype Installer, but am unable to do so for Swype. The uninstall function is greyed out, so is not an option. I re-installed the Installer, however I cannot get past the Generate License stage of the install process, so I am unable to utilize that to uninstall Swype as well. Is there a way to manually do this. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should help you out, it was posted earlier in the thread.
hokulus said:
You have to remove the stock swype 2.28 before you can install the new 3.0 beta. I found directions for removing (or renaming to keep a backup which is what I did) for the fascinate which work perfect for the Charge as this is what I did:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1128986
After renaming all of the files listed to .bak or deleting them, reboot or it won't install correctly. Then download the new installer from your phone's browser here: http://beta.swype.com/
Follow the installer instructions and you're done. I'll probably continue using it as the buttons are large and it's easier to transition from typing/swyping.
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Thanks, I tried that. However I can't figure out how to get to my /System folder. I can only seem to find my SD Card. Perhaps I am missing something and this is very easy, but any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Are you rooted?
J7NY, I think you have to have root explorer, because when I use the file manager that came on the phone ( or with gummycharge...?) it still wont let me delete or rename the file. so I am stuck right now as well.
Wardroid said:
J7NY, I think you have to have root explorer, because when I use the file manager that came on the phone ( or with gummycharge...?) it still wont let me delete or rename the file. so I am stuck right now as well.
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Click to collapse
I am not rooted, thanks for the information. That is terrible news!! Seems pretty stupid to me. I have the 3.0 version on my Xoom and it is so much better!
Swype, in their post for the beta, says it is not compatible with systems that come with Swype preinstalled for just this reason. You have to mount your /system directory Read/Write instead of Read/Only to be able to mess with any of the files there (easily done with Root Explorer), which requires root access. If you do that, you can rename or delete all of the Swype files that were installed in the system.
When they release it, hopefully they will have a good method for systems that come preinstalled with Swype.

Keyboard lag

Is it just my phone or does everyone elses stock keyboard suck. I literally just reset my phone and typing in the google user info on the phone setup was the most painful thing i have ever done in my life. Then when i go and load the JB stock keyboard, the phone freaks out and their is constantly a notification in my status bar asking what input method I want to use. I CLEARLY PICK THE JB KEYBOARD, LEAVE ME ALONE!
Sorry, it just fills me with anger that someone would give the go ahead to release this to the public.
I don't too many people who use stock keyboard, there's a million better options.
Yea the Samsung keyboard lags ridiculously, I use the android 4.2 keyboard. works great, and can fly txting with the swiping actions.
I use PERFECT KEYBOARD. Free in the Play Store. Works flawlessly and looks professional. Of course you'll have to go into settings>language & input>change the default keyboard to Perfect Keyboard.
The lag comes from their predictive text. Go into the settings and and turn it off and you will see ZERO LAG. Or... download another keyboard such as swiftkey (which is AWESOME!!)
z06mike said:
The lag comes from their predictive text. Go into the settings and and turn it off and you will see ZERO LAG. Or... download another keyboard such as swiftkey (which is AWESOME!!)
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Click to collapse
Mike is right. SwiftKey is a awesome keyboard. Zero lag and the prediction is great. Probably the best keyboard out there. I paid for the app awhile back and it was well worth it. I used it on my Rezound cause of the keyboard lag and now on my s3. You'll love it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Yes go with Android as Andy says or as I prefer Swiftkey. The keys are big enough for me to hit. There is new straight beta and Flow beta. Sign up for VIP and they email you all beta APK's.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I ended up loading AOSP 4.2.1 so its not an issue anymore. I had loaded the JB 4.2 keyboard several times and would pick it in the settings menu, but the Touchwiz roms didnt like when i didnt use their keyboard so it would constantly ask if i wanted to use a different keyboard

What keyboard are you using?

Simple. What keyboard are you guys running?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Well I use GO Keyboard ... it's pretty cool and you can get different colored themes..
but this website has some pretty good suggestions
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/ph...roid-keyboard-apps-reviewed-and-rated-1103347
Android 4.2 keyboard
Stock 4.2.2 with Swype-style gestures. It's very good, with just a few things niggles, e.g."I want to go too" always comes out "I want to go to", and you have to manually select "Too" from the choices. I the original Swype I think you could swirl back on to the "O" and get "Too"
Other than that it's ace. The old tap tap tap keyboard looks really old skool now. (iPhone users)
I'm using SwiftKey - it has Flow (like Swype) and also normal typing.
I tried Swype but the the suggestions are way better in SwiftKey for both languages I use (German and English)
Nimueh said:
I'm using SwiftKey - it has Flow (like Swype) and also normal typing.
I tried Swype but the the suggestions are way better in SwiftKey for both languages I use (German and English)
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Click to collapse
Same here...I use SwiftKey 4, and the Flow feature is just cool.
Nimueh said:
I'm using SwiftKey - it has Flow (like Swype) and also normal typing.
I tried Swype but the the suggestions are way better in SwiftKey for both languages I use (German and English)
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Me too, but I have just a HTC Wildfire, which is too slow, and that's why I'll turn off the Flow (too slow, and that's why unusable.)
Which keyboard
The HTC Sense (4+) stock keyboard with swype style input and normal. I like it vey much
Sam_91 said:
the Flow feature is just cool.
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Click to collapse
What does the Flow feature do?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Flow is like Swype, just with much better predictions
Cool, will give it a go, thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Perfect Keyboard Pro. It's fast, completely customizable (down to even adding custom backgrounds), allows you to adjust and tweak everything. It's a paid app in the playstore, but well worth it. Plus you can use keyboard skins designed for better keyboard, smart keyboard, and perfect keyboard so plenty of free skins out there.
If you like to flash custom roms and change up screen dpi, you just backup perfect keyboard settings, tweak the key height, and the keyboard adapts well in landscape and portrait (so no tablet version needed). I've tried them all, this one is my favorite all around. Swype is fast, Swiftkey is amazing, but none offer the customization of perfect.
Sent from my Sourcerized GNex Toroplus via Tapatalk
Swift Keyboard... It comes with a flow option which is better than swype.. It costs around 100 Rupees after 1 month of free trial but worth it...
swiftkey
I have tried a ton of different keyboards, everything from 8pen to swype, stock, I finally settled on Swiftkey. I like it because it is pretty easy to customize and it has a good feel.

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