Related
ReenSoft has just released a minor, bugfix upgrade version (2.11) of their highly useful Pocket Internet Explorer / Internet Explorer Mobile plug-in PIEPlus. Please see this review for more information on what this application is all about and how it compares to the alternates.
The download page is here. As the online history doest contain the current bugfixes, I reproduce them here:
Updated to turn off [Play sound] checkbox by default in [Tab Event] option page
Updated to enlarge the button width in the address bar in VGA devices.
Fixed to make the stop button work. In the previous version, it does not work occasionally.
Fixed to use D-Pad on the current tab when opening a link in a background new tab on AKU2 devices.
Fixed not to show the dropdown list of address bar when the address bar is hidden and D-Pad scrolls all the way up the page on AKU2 devices.
Fixed to set focus to the browser window after focus is set to the address bar by pushing D-Pad all the way up the page on AKU2 devices.
Fixed the browser window size not to show 1 pixel horizontal scroll bar on VGA devices with SEVGA mode
Fixed to show the bottom of page in full screen mode when there is only one tab and [Hide tab bar if there is only one tab] is checked in [Tab Display] option page.
Fixed to assign a button in a pair of press and press-and-hold to [No Change] and the other pair to whatever else in [Buttons] option page.
I'm now taking a break from the work on this mod due to serious lack of time. I've spent a huge amount of time on this mod already and also shared all my code and methods. I hope the community has benefited from this. You are all free to do whatever you want with my code if you want to make further improvements. I hope I can find some time to continue this little project later this summer. Thanks for all the encouraging words, feature suggestions and bug reports. Couldn't have done this without you all
Credits:
The old low res hack is based on the version posted by Cyanogen.
The new low res and high res hack is based on the version posted by modaco.
JesusFreke for smali/baksmali.
Couldn't do this without them.
Features:
(Compacted this list to save space, the point is that there are many features not to make this list readable )
Customizable language settings, Smileys hacked into the hide key (see screen shots), Swap Smiley/12# button, Custom smileys, Custom word candidate bar that raises the keyboards so dictionary won't cover the app you type in, Position of word candidate list is saved if you long press and move it, Left align word candidate list, Prediction in fields with own suggestions (search bar etc.), Prediction in fields that sets the filter flag, Prediction in URL fields, Disable automatic capitalization, Play sounds in silent mode, Set sound level, Custom sounds, Automatic space insertion, Enable prediction with cursor in or adjacent to existing words (QWERTY only), Enable a space bar key in URL keyboard, Support for German QWERTZ hard KB layout, Show voice input button for all keyboards with a settings button, Disable key preview popup, Use Google development server for voice (supports German but isn't online 24/7), MANY HTC bugs fixed, the changelog for a few of them, Droid SE X10 landscape support, User dictionary import/export, User dictionary accepts any character, not just HTC approved ones, Custom vibration length, Character replacement (can remove diacritic chars), Pipe key in qwerty mode, Move cursor with volume keys (for Sony Ericsson Xperia X10), Easier access to language specific chars in qwerty popups, Configurable gesture (swipe) actions, Gesture actions: Delete word, delete sentence, shift, hide kb, cursor after word, voice input, switch language, switch keyboard, Use phone keypad / compact qwerty symbol kb for QWERTY, Toggle accept dict. suggestion by space / period / comma, Fast language and keyboard switching by gestures, Version tracking by aTrackDog, Custom domains for .com key
And not least:
My source code is now available for your own modding pleasure
All hacks are configurable in the settings dialog.
Changelog for latest versions
Code:
/*
* 27
* Fixed: T9 is now disabled when adding words manually (sorry, missed that bug report on v26b1)
*/
/*
* 26
* Separate version for Froyo (2.2) due to changed voice input API:s
* Fixed: User dictionary should now be saved correctly on Sense ROMs (if installed correctly!)
* Fixed: Slightly better SMS detection
* Fixed: Custom popup domains will work without enabling custom popup time (caused by typo)
* Fixed: Smiley insertion right after period removed first smiley char
* Fixed: Settings not remembered for some locales
* Fixed: Tweaked space insertion around parentheses some
* Fixed: Fixed "Predict in Browser" option on Froyo (workaround for Android issue #8563)
* Fixed: Space deleted after period insertion and use of chars from symbol KB (HTC bug)
* Fixed: No auto add words didn't always work
* Fixed: Smiley button didn't work on symbol KB
* New: Calibration is considered for all layouts
* New: Modify button height/width on all layouts
* New: € £ added to f popup
* New: T9 toggle settings now remembered
* New: Export/import settings to/from SD card
* New: Pipe added to alt. symbol keyboard (page 4)
* Gesture: Cursor before word
*/
/*
* 25
* New: Move lang. specific popup chars closer to pressed key (help me support more langs!)
* Option: Replace chars only for SMS
* Option: Custom domains for .com key
* Option: Insert period on double space
* Option: Toggle accept dict. suggestion by 12# key
* Option: Configurable custom sounds
* Option: Change language with volume keys
* Option: Adjust portrait QWERTY key width
* Changed: Delete last sentence breaks on comma again.
* Fixed: Space insertion disabled for URI fields (causing problems)
* Fixed: Space insertion tweaked for French
* Fixed: Removed Romanian since not working (blame HTC)
* Fixed: Don't insert space if prediction is disabled in browser
* Fixed: Predict in URL working again.
* Fixed: Sound for HW KB working again
* Gesture: Toggle QWERTY prediction on/off
*/
Download
v27
High resolution version
High resolution version (Froyo/2.2)
Low resolution version for Android 1.6 and up
Low resolution version for Android 1.5 (no voice input)
Instructions:
Download and unzip (not flashable update.zip!)
Install the two apks (HTC_IME & Clicker) using your favorite method (via a file manager or adb install -r). Sense users shouldn't (and needn't) install Clicker.
There is no need to push anything to /system
Go to Menu, Settings, Language & Keyboard. Activate "HTC_IME mod"
To change keyboard, long press on lower left key on stock keyboard or any input field. Select input method in the menu.
See note below if you have earlier versions than v22 installed already!
Requirements:
Android
Compatible resolution screen
Compatible CPU. Sorry can't say which they are but I know some Samsung phones are not supported. This is due to the included HTC native prediction library.
Configuring my hacks
All configuration is now done in the settings dialog. No need for config files on SD card (v22 and up).
Some options modifies stuff that are set when the keyboard first loads. Thus you need to kill it for changes to take effect (or reboot).
Upgrade notes
Starting with v22 I now use my own java package name. This means that it can be installed in parallel with stock HTC_IME (no root needed on Sense).
Settings from v21 and earlier can't be read from v22 and up. You must enter them again. The user dictionary can be exported from v21 and imported into v22. Both versions can coexist during this process. This inconvenience will only happen between v21 and newer. Sorry for this, but this change will enable me do to more advanced mods in the future.
v23 has a hires Clicker. You should install it if not using Sense
Source code
Interested in how I do this? I've decided to share the sources for the mod so that the project can live on when I get tired of it. You can study it just for learning or implement your own mods. You are free to do whatever you want with if as long as you buy me a beer
Download source code
Please spend a few hours trying to set it up and figure out some stuff on your own before bombarding me with questions...
Feeling thankful?
Donations are appreciated. Donate here.
Changelog:
Version 25 Highres pre Froyo, High res Froyo, Lowres >= 1.6, Lowres 1.5
Version 24 hires lowres: Fixed: Droid/Milestone/X10 landscape kb broken due to upscaling, Alt. symbol kb. not set correctly on start input, FC on boot when using some locales, Delete last sentence tweaked
Version 23 hires lowres: Fixed: User dictionary broke in v22 due to changed package name. Sorry!
Version 22 hires lowres: New: My own package name, Fast language & keyboard switching by gestures, Settings dialog redesigned, No more .htcime on SD, all is now GUI based, Hires Clicker, Version tracking by aTrackDog. Fixed: Scale landscape KB on Droid/Milestone/X10, Add word dialog now shows kb automatically, FC on show add word dialog in landscape, Proper hires settings icon from Incredible, P and W in phone number keyboard, Workaround for back button bug in xScope browser Option: Configurable gesture actions, Show current language on start, Kill keyboard from settings, Disable voice button also for English, Use phone keypad / compact qwerty symbol kb for QWERTY, Toggle accept dict. suggestion by space, Toggle accept dict. suggestion by separators, Volume keys for dpad up/down, Gesture: Delete last sentence, Move to end of word, Cycle language, Cycle keyboard types
Version 21 hires lowres: Options: Move cursor with volume keys, Move Scandinavian popup chars closer to pressed key Fixed: More swipe detection tuning, Less laggy sound and vibration feedback with swiping enabled, Space insert more robust
Version 20 hires lowres: Options: Swipe up for shift, Swipe while composing a word (dict. showing), Swap Smiley/12# button, Insert word entered in add word dialog into edited text. Fixed: Swiping more robust, Long press on symbol key now working again, Tweaked candidate bar height calculation (Droid 2.1), Improved HTC popup timer when lag is detected (HTC bad design), Android smiley is :-\ and not :-/ , Bug in landscape autocompletion (gmail compose etc.), Autocap issues in certain cases (blame HTC ), Better handling of (pseudo) multi touch events (easier to press space and periods etc. more quickly)
Version 19 hires lowres:Lowres!, Options: Clear user dictionary, Swipe down to hide keyboard, Swipe left to delete last word, Character replacement (can remove diacritic chars), Custom smileys. Changed: Import/export of user dictionary is now threaded, Pipe key added to qwerty symbol keyboard, Fixed voice hack was enabled by default even if disabled in settings
Version 18: Changed: Hid HTC hidden settings again (caused too much trouble). Option: Smiley button instead of hide kb button, Custom vibration length, Toggle smiley dashes. Fixed: User dictionary editor no longer FC's on modaco custom rom, Word candidate bar now works on Droid 2.1
Version 17: Option: Toggle prediction on/off for single line browser forms
Version 16: Fixed: space insertion is now disabled for password fields with compact qwerty & phone keypad, Prediction cache was not emptied in some cases resulting in weird behavior when starting input next time (prediction continued where you left off last input)
Version 15: Fixed URL KB space hack caused FC on slash key in compact qwerty and phone keypad
Version 14: Option: Disable automatic adding to user dictionary, custom popup delay for secondary characters, swipe right for voice input, toggle space insertion after separators, access hidden HTC internal settings (control vibrator etc. TAKE CARE IN HERE!), prediction in URL fields, disable key preview popup. Fixed: cleaned up settings dialog a bit, deleting voice text by back space now works again, space insertion is now always disabled in some fields (browser URL etc. caused problems). New: My own (experimental!) hard keyboard mapping code (enables space in URL for hard KB, removes need for QWERTZ hack etc.), apk version now shows my version instead of HTC's version (smoother upgrades, more logical), Import/export user dictionary, Can now enter any character into user dictionary (HTC just allowed letters and digits)
Version 13: Option: left align word candidate list. Fixed: experimental Droid 2.1 landscape support, more robust period insertion on space double tap, rare FC when moving the candidate list (HTC bug), typing " I'm " with compact qwerty (HTC bug), FC when clicking on disabled T9 toggle button (HTC bug), better compatibility between space insertion and smileys, User dictionary is no longer a pain to manage due to scrolling (consequence of HTC incompetence, learn how to use ListViews and Adapters guys!)
Version 12: Fixed rotation issues in some apps (ie Terminal). T9/ABC setting is now remembered when switching between letter/number views (HTC's bug, not mine)
Version 11: Fixed saving position of word suggestion list (a typo caused the same value to be used for all orientations). Fixed auto cap in browser with physical keyboard.
Version 10: Many new options (see feature list). Fixes: voice input in all keyboards, voice input didn't capitalize correctly, "speak now" dialog showing to early, prediction not showing for passwords anymore, auto capitalization for T9/compact QWERTY now works in browser, smoother movement of word suggestion list, settings button showed "EN" (now scaled icon from lowres), Landscape now works on Droid (with resolution related glitches)
Version 9: Fixed the screwed up enter key in v8. Added experimental voice server settings. For German to work you will have to use the alternative server.
Version 8: Added custom word candidates bar. Fixed wacky SHIFT key. Word candidate list position now remembered. Configurable in settings dialog. Added some Extras to voice input Intent copied from stock KB (missed earlier). One step closer to Droid landscape support.
Version 7: Fixed compatibility with Terminal Emulator in CyanogenMod, KB going haywire in CoPilot and word candidate list shows to low (hid active input field sometimes like in stock messaging app). Lowered android:minSdkVersion from 7 to 3. This could mean stock Droid support, but don't complain when it FC's on Cupcake
Version 6: Tweaks to the sentence auto capitalization code. Should now work in most web browser forms such as the message composer on this forum. Tweaked enter key behavior a bit.
Version 5: Show voice input button for all languages instead of EN button in all keyboards that uses the same layouts as the English ones. To fix this in all other layouts, modding binary XML is required. I need help with that. Voice input seems to use your current locale if supported, and English as fallback.
Version 4: New voice input control logic that doesn't break Google Voice search. Changed voice processing URL from dev server to stock keyboard settings.
Version 3: Fixed FC in User Dictionary editor. Fixed HTC not obeying EditorInfo.imeOption flag flagNoEnterAction (caused two sends in stock messaging app)
Version 2: Fixed FC in user database
Version 1: Initial release featuring language settings hack with .htcime and dictionary support in web browser forms. Tested on N1. Clicker is low res for now.
Old low res:
Version 4: Better support for OpenEclair (at least one reported succes with Dutch on it)
Version 3: Supports Samsung Galaxy/Spica (this version has never been featured on xda)
Version 2: Dictionary support in web browser forms
Version 1: Initial release featuring language settings hack with .htcime
Hi
Is working right on lanscape?
Is this still the pixelated 320 pixel one?
Yes it does work in landscape, although It doesn't cover the whole screen. It's still usable in my opinion. All other versions of HTC_IME has this behavior on nexus. It's because it's designed for lower resolutions. I haven't changed this.
Edit: It's also pixelated due to the higher resolution on Nexus. Maybe we can use something from the upcoming Bravo. Time will tell.
And what about the HD2 skin
Never edited this apk, so i dunno if can be do it
Nice one. thanks for this.
I've been looking for a way to do this.
Since you can't post the link could you please tell me what file I need to change on the cyanogen version so that I can have multiple languages?
I've been paying around with it but wasn't successful.
Thanks
Lou
Swedish user
Works great! Thanks!
I'm still waiting for a mod to approve me as a non spammer so I can post the link
The main edit is done in SIPUtils.smali. This method originally loads languages from htc's customization provider.
.method public static localeLanguagePicker(Landroid/content/ContextI
I have replaced its content entirely. This is where I load the info from .htcime or in it's absence fall back on default values.
The key points here is the variables
Lcom/htc/android/htcime/HTCIMMData;->mSettingsLocaleData:[[Ljava/lang/String;
Lcom/htc/android/htcime/HTCIMMData;->mSettingsLocaleNumber:I
You must populate the array with your languages and set the number correctly.
In Java terms you have for example
Code:
int dims[] = new int[]{19, 2};
String[][] d = (String[][]) java.lang.reflect.Array.newInstance(String.class, dims);
d[0][0] = "English";
d[0][1] = "0";
d[1][0] = "Arabic";
d[1][1] = "14";
mSettingsLocaleData = d;
mSettingsLocaleNumber = 2;
This would give you English and Arabic. localeLanguagePicker must return the current selected language id as int, so you must read that from SharedPrecerences (key is "keyboard_language")
I have also removed a to call ListPreference.setValueIndex from
.method private localePicker
in KeyboardSettings.smali to avoid a FC.
It's complicated to explain in an easy way... I'll pm you the URL for my mod. baksmali it and diff it to cyanogens
This is the link to jonasl's work.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/gonyzgh0i3o/htc_ime_custom_settings.zip
thank you so much for this. I hope you can post this soon because many people have been waiting for this.
MERCI
GRACIAS
THANKS.
can we still use the voice dictation feature (the mic key in the google keyboard) to dictate commands with this apk?
No, there is no such button on the HTC keyboard and I have not added one. I have just fixed the language settings dialog. The keyboard is designed for Hero w. 1.5. voice input doesn't exist on it. Also some people like me don't use speech input so we don't miss it.
It's more like I have restored the original features on non-Hero phones than adding new ones.
Thanks so much! This is what I had been hoping for for a *very* long time.
samawil said:
thank you so much for this. I hope you can post this soon because many people have been waiting for this.
MERCI
GRACIAS
THANKS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already posted it for everyone since jonasl was not allowed to post links here yet.
So I installed the htc ime and put the .htcime file in the root of my sd, and get the htc keyboard now and can select Swedish as a language but its not like I get "åäö" keys or anything, what exactly is it you're supposed to get with this mod?
Swedish dictionary support. It will work exactly as on stock HTC Hero firmware. Set it to Swedish. Start write a SMS message. Tap in the word "nastan". It will suggest "nästan". To write åäö manually, press and hold a or o and slide to the correct character. This is the way the Hero keyboard works, no more no less.
jonasl said:
Swedish dictionary support. It will work exactly as on stock HTC Hero firmware. Set it to Swedish. Start write a SMS message. Tap in the word "nastan". It will suggest "nästan". To write åäö manually, press and hold a or o and slide to the correct character. This is the way the Hero keyboard works, no more no less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok, Yeah I used the previous HTC_IME floating around before this and I was hoping for actual buttons, but the dictionary is a welcome addition!
The updated link...
http://www.mediafire.com/file/mmqmjuzorvm/htc_ime_custom_settings2.zip
Updated the mod to enable dictionary prediction in web forms in your browser. I've never seen that working on any HTC_IME before, not even on Hero. If you want that, download and install again. First version is still available in post #9.
when i choose arabic i dont see any arabic letters on the keyboard?!? i did this manually before this post but didnt work for arabic
Hi all!
A few days ago i found a really cool alternative keyboard to the stock one as well as to swype. Now, after i tested it for sometime, i wanted to share it with you.
So since i didn't find a thread for keyboards in here, i came to the idea to make a collection of alternative keyboards, where everyone can introduce his favourites and list the options of it.
I'll make the start:
Ultra Keyboard - a really good keyboard with loads of options, very precise swyping and, in my opinion, unmatched word suggestion. I'm using the version 5.6.3 right now.
PRO:
- faster word suggestion than swype
- in my opinion much better precision than the 2.44 version of swype (1.6 was much better, but did unfortunately expire)
- all important layouts (QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, Alphabetical, Compact Keyboard (T9), automatical switch to numeric pad, when in an appropiate field)
- many themes (presets or even self made)
- adjustable button height for perfect precision
- option to manually calibrate the keyboard
- gesture support (for example to cange dictionary language, i use it to change from english to german and back)
- built-in translation feature
- speech-to-text
- camera mode for "transparent" screen (useful if you're typing while you walk)
- easily add and delete words in your user dictionary
- much more ... just try it!
- available dictionaries: english, german, french, italian, dutch, spanish
CONTRA:
- like all good things, it's not free
Price: 2,00 € (about 2.50$)
Homepage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Binary-Bulge-Software/122539557777039
QR:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
So that's all i remember right now. Oh, just to add that: This is no advertisement and I'm not connected to the developer in any way
So what keyboards can you suggest?
I started using HTC mod then I used Smart Keyboard PRO
this was very easy and I find that it have the most effective error correction ability. means you can trype the word but you will never touch correct key always. but touching the next key to the desired key and still you will end up getting the correct word at the end.
Then I switched to SwiftKey Keyboard
It has unique ability to lean my way of typing and suggest my next word. so far it made my typing faster.
Check it out...
I'm using SlideIT. If you choose free (demo) version it has some limitations like 10 custom words in memory. It expires after some time but then I just reinstall it and it works like a charm again...
So, long story short you have free keyboard with swyping support and tons of different languages.
HTC IME.....
jonasl said:
I'm now taking a break from the work on this mod due to serious lack of time. I've spent a huge amount of time on this mod already and also shared all my code and methods. I hope the community has benefited from this. You are all free to do whatever you want with my code if you want to make further improvements. I hope I can find some time to continue this little project later this summer. Thanks for all the encouraging words, feature suggestions and bug reports. Couldn't have done this without you all
Credits:
The old low res hack is based on the version posted by Cyanogen.
The new low res and high res hack is based on the version posted by modaco.
JesusFreke for smali/baksmali.
Couldn't do this without them.
Features:
(Compacted this list to save space, the point is that there are many features not to make this list readable )
Customizable language settings, Smileys hacked into the hide key (see screen shots), Swap Smiley/12# button, Custom smileys, Custom word candidate bar that raises the keyboards so dictionary won't cover the app you type in, Position of word candidate list is saved if you long press and move it, Left align word candidate list, Prediction in fields with own suggestions (search bar etc.), Prediction in fields that sets the filter flag, Prediction in URL fields, Disable automatic capitalization, Play sounds in silent mode, Set sound level, Custom sounds, Automatic space insertion, Enable prediction with cursor in or adjacent to existing words (QWERTY only), Enable a space bar key in URL keyboard, Support for German QWERTZ hard KB layout, Show voice input button for all keyboards with a settings button, Disable key preview popup, Use Google development server for voice (supports German but isn't online 24/7), MANY HTC bugs fixed, the changelog for a few of them, Droid SE X10 landscape support, User dictionary import/export, User dictionary accepts any character, not just HTC approved ones, Custom vibration length, Character replacement (can remove diacritic chars), Pipe key in qwerty mode, Move cursor with volume keys (for Sony Ericsson Xperia X10), Easier access to language specific chars in qwerty popups, Configurable gesture (swipe) actions, Gesture actions: Delete word, delete sentence, shift, hide kb, cursor after word, voice input, switch language, switch keyboard, Use phone keypad / compact qwerty symbol kb for QWERTY, Toggle accept dict. suggestion by space / period / comma, Fast language and keyboard switching by gestures, Version tracking by aTrackDog, Custom domains for .com key
And not least:
My source code is now available for your own modding pleasure
All hacks are configurable in the settings dialog.
Changelog for latest versions
Code:
/*
* 27
* Fixed: T9 is now disabled when adding words manually (sorry, missed that bug report on v26b1)
*/
/*
* 26
* Separate version for Froyo (2.2) due to changed voice input API:s
* Fixed: User dictionary should now be saved correctly on Sense ROMs (if installed correctly!)
* Fixed: Slightly better SMS detection
* Fixed: Custom popup domains will work without enabling custom popup time (caused by typo)
* Fixed: Smiley insertion right after period removed first smiley char
* Fixed: Settings not remembered for some locales
* Fixed: Tweaked space insertion around parentheses some
* Fixed: Fixed "Predict in Browser" option on Froyo (workaround for Android issue #8563)
* Fixed: Space deleted after period insertion and use of chars from symbol KB (HTC bug)
* Fixed: No auto add words didn't always work
* Fixed: Smiley button didn't work on symbol KB
* New: Calibration is considered for all layouts
* New: Modify button height/width on all layouts
* New: € £ added to f popup
* New: T9 toggle settings now remembered
* New: Export/import settings to/from SD card
* New: Pipe added to alt. symbol keyboard (page 4)
* Gesture: Cursor before word
*/
/*
* 25
* New: Move lang. specific popup chars closer to pressed key (help me support more langs!)
* Option: Replace chars only for SMS
* Option: Custom domains for .com key
* Option: Insert period on double space
* Option: Toggle accept dict. suggestion by 12# key
* Option: Configurable custom sounds
* Option: Change language with volume keys
* Option: Adjust portrait QWERTY key width
* Changed: Delete last sentence breaks on comma again.
* Fixed: Space insertion disabled for URI fields (causing problems)
* Fixed: Space insertion tweaked for French
* Fixed: Removed Romanian since not working (blame HTC)
* Fixed: Don't insert space if prediction is disabled in browser
* Fixed: Predict in URL working again.
* Fixed: Sound for HW KB working again
* Gesture: Toggle QWERTY prediction on/off
*/
Download
v27
High resolution version
High resolution version (Froyo/2.2)
Low resolution version for Android 1.6 and up
Low resolution version for Android 1.5 (no voice input)
Instructions:
Download and unzip (not flashable update.zip!)
Install the two apks (HTC_IME & Clicker) using your favorite method (via a file manager or adb install -r). Sense users shouldn't (and needn't) install Clicker.
There is no need to push anything to /system
Go to Menu, Settings, Language & Keyboard. Activate "HTC_IME mod"
To change keyboard, long press on lower left key on stock keyboard or any input field. Select input method in the menu.
See note below if you have earlier versions than v22 installed already!
Requirements:
Android
Compatible resolution screen
Compatible CPU. Sorry can't say which they are but I know some Samsung phones are not supported. This is due to the included HTC native prediction library.
Configuring my hacks
All configuration is now done in the settings dialog. No need for config files on SD card (v22 and up).
Some options modifies stuff that are set when the keyboard first loads. Thus you need to kill it for changes to take effect (or reboot).
Upgrade notes
Starting with v22 I now use my own java package name. This means that it can be installed in parallel with stock HTC_IME (no root needed on Sense).
Settings from v21 and earlier can't be read from v22 and up. You must enter them again. The user dictionary can be exported from v21 and imported into v22. Both versions can coexist during this process. This inconvenience will only happen between v21 and newer. Sorry for this, but this change will enable me do to more advanced mods in the future.
v23 has a hires Clicker. You should install it if not using Sense
Source code
Interested in how I do this? I've decided to share the sources for the mod so that the project can live on when I get tired of it. You can study it just for learning or implement your own mods. You are free to do whatever you want with if as long as you buy me a beer
Download source code
Please spend a few hours trying to set it up and figure out some stuff on your own before bombarding me with questions...
Feeling thankful?
Donations are appreciated. Donate here.
Changelog:
Version 25 Highres pre Froyo, High res Froyo, Lowres >= 1.6, Lowres 1.5
Version 24 hires lowres: Fixed: Droid/Milestone/X10 landscape kb broken due to upscaling, Alt. symbol kb. not set correctly on start input, FC on boot when using some locales, Delete last sentence tweaked
Version 23 hires lowres: Fixed: User dictionary broke in v22 due to changed package name. Sorry!
Version 22 hires lowres: New: My own package name, Fast language & keyboard switching by gestures, Settings dialog redesigned, No more .htcime on SD, all is now GUI based, Hires Clicker, Version tracking by aTrackDog. Fixed: Scale landscape KB on Droid/Milestone/X10, Add word dialog now shows kb automatically, FC on show add word dialog in landscape, Proper hires settings icon from Incredible, P and W in phone number keyboard, Workaround for back button bug in xScope browser Option: Configurable gesture actions, Show current language on start, Kill keyboard from settings, Disable voice button also for English, Use phone keypad / compact qwerty symbol kb for QWERTY, Toggle accept dict. suggestion by space, Toggle accept dict. suggestion by separators, Volume keys for dpad up/down, Gesture: Delete last sentence, Move to end of word, Cycle language, Cycle keyboard types
Version 21 hires lowres: Options: Move cursor with volume keys, Move Scandinavian popup chars closer to pressed key Fixed: More swipe detection tuning, Less laggy sound and vibration feedback with swiping enabled, Space insert more robust
Version 20 hires lowres: Options: Swipe up for shift, Swipe while composing a word (dict. showing), Swap Smiley/12# button, Insert word entered in add word dialog into edited text. Fixed: Swiping more robust, Long press on symbol key now working again, Tweaked candidate bar height calculation (Droid 2.1), Improved HTC popup timer when lag is detected (HTC bad design), Android smiley is :-\ and not :-/ , Bug in landscape autocompletion (gmail compose etc.), Autocap issues in certain cases (blame HTC ), Better handling of (pseudo) multi touch events (easier to press space and periods etc. more quickly)
Version 19 hires lowres:Lowres!, Options: Clear user dictionary, Swipe down to hide keyboard, Swipe left to delete last word, Character replacement (can remove diacritic chars), Custom smileys. Changed: Import/export of user dictionary is now threaded, Pipe key added to qwerty symbol keyboard, Fixed voice hack was enabled by default even if disabled in settings
Version 18: Changed: Hid HTC hidden settings again (caused too much trouble). Option: Smiley button instead of hide kb button, Custom vibration length, Toggle smiley dashes. Fixed: User dictionary editor no longer FC's on modaco custom rom, Word candidate bar now works on Droid 2.1
Version 17: Option: Toggle prediction on/off for single line browser forms
Version 16: Fixed: space insertion is now disabled for password fields with compact qwerty & phone keypad, Prediction cache was not emptied in some cases resulting in weird behavior when starting input next time (prediction continued where you left off last input)
Version 15: Fixed URL KB space hack caused FC on slash key in compact qwerty and phone keypad
Version 14: Option: Disable automatic adding to user dictionary, custom popup delay for secondary characters, swipe right for voice input, toggle space insertion after separators, access hidden HTC internal settings (control vibrator etc. TAKE CARE IN HERE!), prediction in URL fields, disable key preview popup. Fixed: cleaned up settings dialog a bit, deleting voice text by back space now works again, space insertion is now always disabled in some fields (browser URL etc. caused problems). New: My own (experimental!) hard keyboard mapping code (enables space in URL for hard KB, removes need for QWERTZ hack etc.), apk version now shows my version instead of HTC's version (smoother upgrades, more logical), Import/export user dictionary, Can now enter any character into user dictionary (HTC just allowed letters and digits)
Version 13: Option: left align word candidate list. Fixed: experimental Droid 2.1 landscape support, more robust period insertion on space double tap, rare FC when moving the candidate list (HTC bug), typing " I'm " with compact qwerty (HTC bug), FC when clicking on disabled T9 toggle button (HTC bug), better compatibility between space insertion and smileys, User dictionary is no longer a pain to manage due to scrolling (consequence of HTC incompetence, learn how to use ListViews and Adapters guys!)
Version 12: Fixed rotation issues in some apps (ie Terminal). T9/ABC setting is now remembered when switching between letter/number views (HTC's bug, not mine)
Version 11: Fixed saving position of word suggestion list (a typo caused the same value to be used for all orientations). Fixed auto cap in browser with physical keyboard.
Version 10: Many new options (see feature list). Fixes: voice input in all keyboards, voice input didn't capitalize correctly, "speak now" dialog showing to early, prediction not showing for passwords anymore, auto capitalization for T9/compact QWERTY now works in browser, smoother movement of word suggestion list, settings button showed "EN" (now scaled icon from lowres), Landscape now works on Droid (with resolution related glitches)
Version 9: Fixed the screwed up enter key in v8. Added experimental voice server settings. For German to work you will have to use the alternative server.
Version 8: Added custom word candidates bar. Fixed wacky SHIFT key. Word candidate list position now remembered. Configurable in settings dialog. Added some Extras to voice input Intent copied from stock KB (missed earlier). One step closer to Droid landscape support.
Version 7: Fixed compatibility with Terminal Emulator in CyanogenMod, KB going haywire in CoPilot and word candidate list shows to low (hid active input field sometimes like in stock messaging app). Lowered android:minSdkVersion from 7 to 3. This could mean stock Droid support, but don't complain when it FC's on Cupcake
Version 6: Tweaks to the sentence auto capitalization code. Should now work in most web browser forms such as the message composer on this forum. Tweaked enter key behavior a bit.
Version 5: Show voice input button for all languages instead of EN button in all keyboards that uses the same layouts as the English ones. To fix this in all other layouts, modding binary XML is required. I need help with that. Voice input seems to use your current locale if supported, and English as fallback.
Version 4: New voice input control logic that doesn't break Google Voice search. Changed voice processing URL from dev server to stock keyboard settings.
Version 3: Fixed FC in User Dictionary editor. Fixed HTC not obeying EditorInfo.imeOption flag flagNoEnterAction (caused two sends in stock messaging app)
Version 2: Fixed FC in user database
Version 1: Initial release featuring language settings hack with .htcime and dictionary support in web browser forms. Tested on N1. Clicker is low res for now.
Old low res:
Version 4: Better support for OpenEclair (at least one reported succes with Dutch on it)
Version 3: Supports Samsung Galaxy/Spica (this version has never been featured on xda)
Version 2: Dictionary support in web browser forms
Version 1: Initial release featuring language settings hack with .htcime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Want to skin it?.....
gIMpSTa said:
I have created an "online kitchen" of sorts for creating custom skinned, signed, HTC_IME high and low res apk files. This means you guys can very easily create your own skins and customize the ones I've created!
What is this?
A website you can visit on your computer or directly from your phone that will let you a> create a custom skinned keyboard based off of any of the images currently in the library (various colored keys, backgrounds, etc) with whatever text color you want and b> customize existing "skins" (will be known as "presets") however your heats desire.
Currently, it should be considered very beta. All the features that are here should be working 100%.
Why beta, that sounds scary?
It's beta for a couple of reasons, 1 because it's currently UGLY as sin (concentrated on features and back end first) and 2 because I'm actively working on it which means it could break at any time.
What is the point of this?
Besides the fact that you can now customize the hell out of the way your keyboard looks, it drastically reduces the amount of work I have to do in the future. Currently, i'm uploading 46 pre-themed apk files for every single update. While this isn't really a big deal since I automated the process, it slows down how quickly I can put up updates. With this new method, all I have to do is upload the original unthemed keyboard apk and classes.dex for each new version and my work is done!
Everything else:
If you select a preset, you will still be asked to choose each portion of the keyboard (background, buttons, text color etc). The image with the yellow border around it (you'll see what I mean) is the default "piece" for the preset.
One last thing, depending on server load it could take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes to generate the keyboard. Most of the time I suspect it will be < 1 minute tho.
I don't mind if you use this to generate a keyboard and include it with something (theme/morph) or post it somewhere, just give due credit
URL for HIGH RES online kitchen: http://www.gimpsta.com/themer/
URL for LOW RES online kitchen: http://www.gimpsta.com/themerlo/
Current feature list / changelog:
Start from a "preset" (any of my current themes) and change any component of it.
Choose any of my current backgrounds
Choose any of my current primary/function key styles
Choose any of my current "symbol sets"
Choose any of my current space bar logo/images
Upload your own spacebar logo
Choose any color text for letters and alternate characters
Built in bug reporting/feature requests (for new image sets, for example)
Choose any color for background image
Preview keyboard before generating it
Option to see/reuse all skins you have generated
Option to see/reuse last 25 skins anyone has generated
Choose any color for symbol sets
Added lowres kitchen
Added option to choose between 1.5 only and 1.6+ low res versions in low res kitchen.
Added v25 froyo version.
Added all v26 versions to kitchen!
Added all v27 versions to kitchen!
Added v27-froyo lowres version to kitchen!
New option: Create your own primary/function keys is FINALLY here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
swiftkey is the best for me too...
Smart Keyboard Pro suits best for me, I've tried almost all alternative keyboards.
swiftkey is pretty freakin perfect for me
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
I'm liking the ultimate keyboard it seems more accurate then swype thanks OP for mentioning it.
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
urs74 said:
I'm liking the ultimate keyboard it seems more accurate then swype thanks OP for mentioning it.
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem
I think the same, i just started looking for other swyping keyboards because the latest release of Swype is a big step backwards from version 1.6 regarding accuracy and speed. But i'm glad I started looking, there are a lot of better keyboards out there, and right now ultra keyboard seems perfect for me
qwer23 said:
No problem
I think the same, i just started looking for other swyping keyboards because the latest release of Swype is a big step backwards from version 1.6 regarding accuracy and speed. But i'm glad I started looking, there are a lot of better keyboards out there, and right now ultra keyboard seems perfect for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree swype did fail with the newest version.
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
I'm Portuguese and because SwiftKey can use 2 dictionaries simultaneously he is the best 4 me.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
just started using ultra, one question regarding x10...can it do voice to text? when i press the button it says speech to text support not found on device
goothu99 said:
just started using ultra, one question regarding x10...can it do voice to text? when i press the button it says speech to text support not found on device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works for me.
installed ultra
can anyone please tell me the perfect settings for ultra..
the settings section looks mess for me...
i feel it very complicated...
i got used to swype...
so any of you please tell me the exact settings to be put in ultra to make it more better than swype!
I tried Ultra too...
I didn't like it so, i'm with swype till gets out of bet and will cost money.
After, i'll have to decide which one i will use.
What i don't like about swype is the small selection of dictonaries while for Ultra probably you can create your own.
nagrockz said:
installed ultra
can anyone please tell me the perfect settings for ultra..
the settings section looks mess for me...
i feel it very complicated...
i got used to swype...
so any of you please tell me the exact settings to be put in ultra to make it more better than swype!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for a start, just the keyboard options that you find here:
- Enable tracing. That's the swipe option in Ultra keyboard.
- set key height to a value that fits you perfect. Just try writing a few sentences till it feels right.
- Choose your Layout (QWERTZ, QWERTY, Compact (T9), AZERTY, Alphabetical)
Now, the other options (you find them, if you scroll the options bar on the keyboard horizontally, symbol is two crossed tools ):
- under "Typing" you can calibrate the keyboard so that you're able to hit the keys precisely. Calibrate both portrait and landscape mode.
- Under "Gestures" you can set, well, gestures There are a lot of options, I use a swipe down to chose my second dictionary. Set it to whatever you like
- under "Suggestions" you can choose to add contact names to the dictionary or blacklist words you don't need.
- note that Ultra keyboard repeats letters if you pause over a key, that's different than Swype is doing. You can enable/disable that under "Tracing"
That's some points I can think of right now. If there is something you want to change/ do or if you don't understand, just ask
Cheers
qwer23
when i "trace" lol it always comes up as LOL and then id have to select the undercase option, how do i get it to stop automatically capitalizing my "lol"s?
thanks
swiftkey here and never looked back. have every single keyboard installed on the market almost.
nothing beats next word prediction!
goothu99 said:
when i "trace" lol it always comes up as LOL and then id have to select the undercase option, how do i get it to stop automatically capitalizing my "lol"s?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can blacklist LOL and add lol to user dictionary. didn't try it though but it should work...
Hey guys ,
Is there a good azerty keyboard whit dutch/netherlands support for words suggestions ??
Thanks in advanced !!!
Does anyone know where to find out all the shortcuts you can do with an external keyboard on Android 4.0? Things like the back button, home screen, etc. Thank.
Thread Necromancy, I know, but this is a serious question that remains unanswered. Here's the most info I've found:
Rootzwiki User Gr8gorilla posted a list of shortcuts that work with his Targus Bluetooth Keyboard (I'm editing the list for formatting, and adding more as I find them.)
ESC: Back (woo!)
Targus FN + F* keys: (edit: These only work with the specific model of Targus keyboard. Your FN key may only perform functions as labelled, test it to verify)
FN+F1: Search
FN+F8: play/pause music
FN+F7: Skip Prev
FN+F9: Skip Next
FN+F11: Volume -
FN+F12: Volume +
FN+ESC: Wallpaper, manage apps, system settings.
Alt+Tab - recent apps, task switcher (WOO!)
CTRL + Alpha keys:
Ctrl+A: Market (edit: this opens the "add to home screen" menu for me)
Ctrl+P: Settings
Ctrl+W: Wallpaper
Ctrl+M: Apps
In Browser: (edit: these work in other apps too, if they apply)
Ctrl+B: Bookmarks
Ctrl+A: Select all
Ctrl+C: Copy
Ctrl+V: Paste
Ctrl+W: Close current tab
Ctrl+T: Open new tab
Command/Windows button + : (edit: these commands work from anywhere, even in other apps)
Win+E: Launch Default Email App (brings up a choice dialog if necessary)
Win+A: Launch Calculator.apk
Win+S: Launch Messaging.apk (SMS App)
Win+C: Launch Contacts
Win+B: Launch Browser.apk (not your default browser, unfortunately)
Win+P: Launch Music.apk (not your default music player, unfortunately)
Win+L: Launch Calendar
Win+M: Launch Google Maps
From my own experience: the above work, other than the Targus-specific ones. I've tested them all. I'm looking for more, especially ways to activate "HOME", "MENU" and to open/close the notification drawer.
Also, you can edit your /system/usr/keylayout/qwerty.kl to change which key codes sent by the bluetooth keyboard activate various functions. This would be a rather involved hack, and may be specific to your hardware. Doing it wrong could compromise your ability to use your software keyboard. Also, it would be replaced whenever you flash a ROM, and possibly some smaller updates as well. Here's a guide to hacking keyboard layouts, though it's a bit old, and I haven't tested it. DO AT YOUR OWN RISK, but post your results either way!
I'm looking for a way to enable the Android SDK Emulator Shortcut Keys on real devices. It would give us that which we're missing.
Ctrl+W and Ctrl+T
In the stock browser:
Ctrl+W - closes the current tab
Ctrl+T - opens a new tab
There may be more of these that are similar to chrome shortcuts but those are the only two I really use.
erupe said:
In the stock browser:
Ctrl+W - closes the current tab
Ctrl+T - opens a new tab
There may be more of these that are similar to chrome shortcuts but those are the only two I really use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tested to verify. Works in Chrome as well. Added to the list above!
Thanks for coming up with that list. Really appreciate it.
I'd just like to clarify something: using an app called KeyEvent Display, free on Google Play, you can verify that Android is actually receiving keystrokes from your keyboard. I've tested every key on my keyboard, and found that they correspond exactly with /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl (fn key excluded, because that's handled by the keyboard itself, not passed to the OS).
I think the Android Framework doesn't know what to do with:
F-Keys
Mute
wow nice one.
I started a huge thread on hints and tips for the HTC Leo (see my signature) so I thought now that I have a Surface tablet I would do the same. It is early days yet but I will update the thread as I discover more so if you have tips please share. Some tips I have discovered myself and others I have found on the internet. I am in no way claiming credit for all. I just want to put all advice in one thread. These tips should also apply to other Windows 8 tablets and not just the Surface. In some cases they even apply to Windows 8 for PC. BTW, I typed this whole thread on Surface using Touch Cover
1. How to Select a File or Photo.
Simply use a downwards flick gesture on multiple photos or files to select them. Flicking upwards also works. You can share multiple selections.
2. How to Take Screenshots
Press the capacitive home button and the downwards volume button at the same time. The screen momentarily dims. Screenshots are saved to a Screenshot album in Photos app.
3. How to Allow Video, Music and Photo Apps to See Media Stored on your MicroSD Card
At the moment you can only store and browse media files using file explorer. Those media files do not show up in their appropriate apps. This is what you need to do. Go to search and type “Disk Management”. The entry in Settings will show “Create and format hard disk partitions”. This is Disk Management. Click it. You will see that your microSD card has already been assigned a drive letter. Right-click your “Removable” drive and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths for <drive letter>…” Once the card has already been inserted and assigned a drive letter, you cannot simply click “Change…” here (the option you need will be grayed out). So you have to click “Remove”. Now the only option you have is “Add…”. Click it and you will see “Mount in the following empty NTFS folder:” Create a folder in your Users directory or in C:. For instance, C:\Users\username\microSD. Select that folder. You are now able to treat your microSD like any other folder in Windows 8, including adding to Libraries like Pictures, Video and Music etc. You can now open File Explorer and right-click the Pictures, Video and Music Libraries in the left hand Navigation Pane, select Properties, then Add and select the folder you just mounted in your microSD in. Now when you go into the Photos, Videos or Music apps in Surface you will be able to see your media files you added to your microSD card.
4. Update your Office 2013 Preview to Office 2013 Final
Search for "Windows Update" and then choose “Install optional updates” instead of Windows Update from the search results (under Settings). This will display the Windows Update control panel. Now, either check for updates or tap the link that says updates are available. In the resulting list, you’ll see “Update for Microsoft Office Home & Student 2012 RT Preview.” Select it and install that and whatever other updates are available. After a reboot, you can access your updated Office Home & Student 2013 RT apps, which drop the Preview branding and have some new features, including the Ribbon Display Options feature.
5. How to Enable Rotation Lock
Open the Charms menu and tap on Settings. Tap on the screen icon near bottom right. Above the brightness bar is the rotation lock icon. Tap to toggle on and off.
6. Enable Virtual Reality Mode in Panorama Photos in Travel App
Tap on the compass/GR round icon when viewing a panorama photo to be able to see around the photo by moving and tilting your Surface.
7. Unlock Without Swiping
Instead of Swiping up the lockscreen image to unlock, just tap space bar on your keyboard. You can also wake up your Surface from sleeping by tapping any key on the keyboard.
8. Keep Photos Private and From Appearing in Photo App Library
In Desktop mode, open file explorer and move any photos you want to prevent showing in the Pictures Library in the Photo App to a new folder. Right click that new folder and click on Properties and then Advanced. Uncheck "Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed...". You can even mark the folder and contents hidden if you wish. To see changes you may need to rebuild your index from scratch if you had already opened the Photo app and saw those photos. To rebuild the index, go to Control Panel and click on Indexing Options, then Advanced and then Rebuild. Will take a while to rebuild.
9. Speed Up Web Browsing by Blocking Advertisements
Open Desktop Internet Explorer and go into Internet Options. Click on the Programs tab and then on Manage Add-Ons. Click on Tracking Protection and then Get a Tracking Protection List Online. Add a couple from the list, such as EasyList and Fanboy. Save and exit.
10. Make your Surface Desktop Wallpaper Match your Modern UI Experience
At the moment your Desktop wallpaper does not match your new Start Screen theme and style. Follow the instructions in the link at the end to make the overall experience 'consistent'. You should disable syncing of Desktop Personalisation in PC Settings if you create a similar wallpaper for your Desktop PC as it will have a different screen resolution to your Surface tablet and you don't want your PC wallpaper syncing to your Surface Desktop and vice versa. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1963066
11. List of Keyboard Shortcuts
http://tech2.in.com/features/software/tips-and-tricks-windows-8-shortcuts-cheatsheet/551452
12. Access your Last Photo and Camera Roll Photos Direct from Camera App
In Camera app, after taking a photo or video, swipe the screen to the right to see your most recent capture. You can continue scrolling to see more photos/videos. Also, pinch to zoom out from viewfinder screen to see a smaller view more easy to navigate.
13. Enable Hidden Start Screen Animation
When you first boot into the Start screen after a fresh install, you get a lovely animation of all the tiles and text flying into view. To enable this again to occur each time you enter your Start screen, execute the following registry tweak. Type Regedit in Search and launch it. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell\Grid and create a new DWORD: Launcher_SessionLoginAnimation_OnShow and set its value to 1. To disable the animation if you don't like it set the value to 0.
14. Boost Speaker Volume
Surface's volume is quite low. Go to Control Panel, then Sound, then click on Speakers, then Properties, then Enhancements and check Loudness Equalisation and Virtual Surround too if you wish. Apply changes.
15. Pinch to Zoom Out to See More Content
If you execute the pinch gesture in the following apps, you will see more content or shortcuts: People, Bing, Store, Photos, Camera, Weather, Travel, News, Sports, Finance and Reader.
16. Recover More Space After Refreshing Your Surface
When you refresh your Surface via PC settings, a folder called Windows.old is created in your C: Drive. This can be a huge folder in size as it contains previous files. You can delete this folder and reclaim some storage space as follows: Search for "Tools" and click on "Administrative Tools" in the Setting results. Next click on Disk Clean-up and after loading click on Clean Up System Files. Make sure Windows.old is checked and click ok.
17. Reposition the Virtual Keyboard in Desktop Mode
Tap on the small icon to the left of the X icon at the top right corner of the keyboard to manually reposition it. To dock the keyboard again tap on the X button. Only works in Desktop mode.
18. Enable Swiping Gestures to Advance Forwards or Backwards in Metro Internet Explorer
You can swipe the screen left or right to advance forwards or backwards by enabling Flip Ahead in Internet Options. Don't swipe from the bezel, but anywhere within the screen.
19. Check Settings for Every App/Page you are Viewing
This may sound obvious but via the Charms menu, click on settings to see if there are additional options for the app you are viewing. Do this also again in the same app if you are on a different page. You will be surprised at what additional new options you may encounter. Spend some time to do this for all your apps.
20. Enable Matrix White on Black Theme
Change the entire look of your UI to a funky Hi Tec white text on black background. Go to PC Settings via Charm and tap on Ease of Access. Turn on High Contrast mode to see the effect. Turn off to return to normal UI.
21. Access to 780 Emoticons Built Into the Keyboard
More of did you know than a tip. The keyboard has 780 emoticons (yes I counted them) split into seven categories. Just tap the smiley face key and then the ➡ key above the &123 key, to scroll through them. The bottom row of emoticons has the different categories to choose from.
22. Make Web Links Always Open Up in IE for Desktop Instead of the IE App
Search apps for inetcpl.cpl and hit enter. This is IE options. Click on the Programs tab and change the "Choose how you open links" option to Always in Internet Explorer on the Desktop.
23. How to Find All Apps in Store - Even Unlisted Ones
In the Store, enter the character * and search. You will see every single app for your country and if you sort by newest, you see a lot more new apps compared to the normal way of browsing in the store. As of writing this, there are 6525 apps listed for the UK. Also you can show even more apps by going to the Store's settings, choosing Preferences and turning off "Make it easier to find apps in my preferred language". With it on and searching for * there are 6525 apps. With it turned off there are 7799 apps. A big difference. A most excellent tip!
24. Enable Alternative Virtual Keyboard
Via the Charm menu, go to PC Settings and then Ease of Access. Change "Pressing Windows + Volume Up will turn on" On-Screen Keyboard. Now when you press the Windows key and Volume Up key, up will pop a very small keyboard. Worry not, you can resize it by dragging the bottom border down and the side borders across. You can resize it to the full width and height of the default virtual keyboard. As big as you want. The size is remembered after closing the keyboard by tapping X. Another feature is this keyboard has predictive text with word suggestions popping above the keyboard - something the default keyboard does not do. You can customise the keyboard via the options key near the lower right corner.
25. Enable Full Screen Browsing in Desktop Internet Explorer
On a normal keyboard you can enable full screen web browsing by pressing F11, however the on screen virtual keyboard and the touch keyboard do not have the F keys. Worry not. Launch the alternative keyboard (tip 24 above) and press the Fn key (Function Key) in the lower left corner and all F1-F12 keys appear on the top row. Press F11 for full screen web browsing. To turn off full screen browsing launch the alternative keyboard again and press F11 or use the trackpad on the Touch Cover to move the mouse to the top of the screen to get access to the navigation icons.
26. Tips on Saving Battery
By default, Bluetooth is turned on but if you don't really use it often, turn it off to save battery. Go to Change PC Settings and then Wireless and turn it off there. Also you can turn off live tiles which need to connect to the web such as news tiles. Finally, prevent some apps running in the background by removing them from the lock screen.
27. Change Volume on Screen by Touch
When you press the Volume Keys on the side of your Surface, a small volume graphic appears on screen at the top left corner. As well as continuing to press the Volume Keys to change the volume, you can also place your finger on the graphic and slide the bar up or down.
28. See the Time from Within Any App
Want to know what time it is at any moment? Use your right thumb to slide the Charm bar into view just enough to pop up the time in the lower left corner and immediately swipe your thumb to the right to close the Charm bar and time. You should do this gesture without releasing contact of the screen. A quick in and out thumb swipe is enough.
29. Get to Task Manager Quickly
By pressing the Windows key and Power button at the same time you get to a screen were you can Lock, Switch User, Sign Out or Use the Task Manager.
30. Kickstand Works in Portrait Mode
Should you need to display your Surface in portrait mode, then open the kickstand and stand it up. The kickstand keeps it upright also. Great if you are displaying a slideshow of portrait photos.
31. Disable Logging
Generally logging can cause some sluggishness at times because log files are constantly accessed and written to. You can turn these off if you wish. Search for gpedit.msc and launch it. Navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and then select Windows Error Reporting in the left column of the Group Policy editor. Double-click Disable Logging in the Settings section of the Group Policy editor. Select Enable and then click OK to save the changes. Do the same for Disable Windows Error Reporting.
32. How to Move a Tile to a New Group Very Quickly
When you install a new app, it automatically gets added to the end of your tiles on the right. If you have several groups full of lots of tiles it can be quite a chore to drag to a group near the beginning. A quicker way to do this is to drag the tile to the bottom of the screen. Automatically all the grouped tiles zoom out and now you can move it to any group you like whereupon the tiles get zoomed in again.
33. Security Wallpaper Idea
What happens if you were to lose your Surface? How would anyone know who to return it to if they can't get past your password/pin code screen to browse your Me tile in Contacts? In Photoshop, add a text line to a wallpaper you want to use on your Surface's lock screen. Position the text near the bottom right corner and have it say something like: "If you find this tablet, please contact (phone number) to return it to it's owner and claim a reward for doing so." Then upload it to your tablet and apply it to your lock screen.
34. Multi Select Emails
You can multi select emails by swiping sideways the email header in the list. Swipe either left or right. You can move, mark as read or mark as unread.
35. Enable Flash for Specific Websites
Microsoft only allows certain websites to play flash content. These sites are listed in a 'whitelist'. You can edit the whitelist to include other sites of your choice. Click on the link and follow the instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1961793
36. Reclaim Storage Space
You can reclaim additional space by deleting unwanted files. Go to the Control panel, delete temporary files and history. Also go to General section in PC Settings and then to Available Storage. You can view app sizes to delete unwanted pre installed apps like finance or sports.
37. Touchpad Supports Gestures
Two finger scrolling is possible on the keyboard's touchpad. You can bring up the menu from the bottom and scroll horizontally through your tiles and photos. Also double tapping is enabled too!
38. Use Home and End Keys to Navigate Quicker
To quickly go to one end of long list of tiles to other, use PgUp and PgDn keys to scroll by pages of tiles as opposed to columns of tiles.
39. Switch Between Running Apps Using Keyboard Shortcuts
On your keyboard, press the Windows and Tab keys to switch between apps. You can also use the Alt and Tab keys too!
40. Sync Multiple Google Calendars
Having more than one Google Calendar is now possible on the Surface. Follow the instructions here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/sync-multiple-google-calendars-windows/
41. Map Network Skydrive Folder in Surface
Here is a way to get access to your Skydrive files without having to navigate back and forth through the Skydrive app. You can now access the folder via file explorer in Desktop mode. Follow the instructions in the link: http://rashedtalukder.com/how-to-map-skydrive-folder-on-windows-rt-desktop-mode/
42. Increase Internet Explorer Performance
Follow the tweaks here to speed up your web browsing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998414
43. Sharing a Volume Out from the Surface
Windows RT supports file sharing (server-side), but it's hidden and disabled by default. Search for 'Services' from your Start screen. Find 'Server' in the list. Right click or tap and hold and choose properties. Change the Startup type to Automatic and you can create and share a folder like normal. Note: this might impact battery life.
44. How to Backup Recovery Partition to USB Flash Drive
Follow the instructions in the link to backup your Recovery Partition which may be useful if you want to delete that partition from the Surface. Don't delete it though until you have researched properly: http://www.shinysurface.com/2012/11/13/how-to-backup-the-surfaces-recovery-partition-to-a-usb-flash-drive/
45. How to Boot from USB Flash Drive
If you need to boot from a USB flash drive simply shut down your Surface, plug in your USB flash drive and hold down the volume button as you press the power button.
46. View Change Log of App Updates
The only way to view the change log of an app update before installing it is to deselect all the apps that want to update and select any one app. A 'View Details' button appears at the bottom which you can tap to see the details. Repeat for the other apps to be updated.
47. Share Selected Text from a Website
When you are on a website and want to share the page, you don't have to share the whole page in a link. You can highlight to select words on a website and when you share it by swiping the charm bar into view, only the selected words will be shared.
48. See Estimated Data Usage of your Wi-Fi Connection
You can see how many megabytes/gigs of data has been transferred via Wi-Fi on your Surface. Tap on Settings in the Charm bar, and then tap on your active Wi-Fi SSID name. IN the Networks list, tap and HOLD on your active Wi-Fi name and from the pop up menu choose 'Show estimated data usage'. It will show for example: Estimated usage 5.71gb since 1 day ago. Just tap on your W-iFi name next time to see the latest data usage.
49. Make your Desktop Explorer User Interface More Touch Friendly
Search for 'Display' via the Charms bar. In Settings results, tap on the blue monitor icon result. Everything is at 100% default size for text. Tap on Medium at 125% and hit apply to make everything in Explorer mode that much easier to read and touch. Make sure to set zoom level in both Internet Explorers back to 100% though.
50. Make your Keyboard Touchpad Scroll in the correct Direction
At the moment, when you scroll via the touchpad, the screen moves in the opposite direction to where your fingers move. Now you can reverse the direction thanks to a registry tweak here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2007987
51. Disable Animation on Opening Apps
If you find the flipping animation annoying when launching an app you can disable it as follows. In Charms menu search for "Performance" and tap on "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" in Settings results. In the Visual Effects tab, uncheck 'Animate windows when minimising and maximising'. This gives an instantaneous launch. To disable the animated live tiles, uncheck also the 'Animate controls and elements inside windows' box. To revert back to the animations, just check the boxes again.
52. Install Apps Direct to SD Card
By default only media files can be installed to the SD cards and apps are installed to internal memory. If you have a 32gig tablet, you will realise internal memory is precious and limited. Free up internal memory by changing the location of where apps are installed. Run Regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx and change the location path of the PackageRoot key from C:\ProgramFiles\WindowsApps to say D:\WindowsApps (where D: is the drive letter of your SD card and WindowsApps is the name of a folder you created in your SD card). You may need to change permissions on the Appx registry folder so that you can edit the key. You can also change the app repository to another directory by changing the PackageRepository key in a similar manner.
53. Install Apps from Other Countries
Do you want Flixster installed but you're annoyed that it only shows on the US store? Wish you could download it? Now you can and any other FREE app (can't buy apps from other countries, only free apps). Search for 'Region' via Charm menu and tap on the results in Settings category. Tap on the Location tab and change your Home Location to any country you want. Now you can navigate the store app for that particular country and download any free apps you like the look of. Change back to your original country when you had enough. Incidentally, Flixster works perfectly well with UK location and cinemas so not sure why its not in the UK Store.
54. Speed Up Scrolling by Reducing Friction
Launch the Registry Editor and navigate to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Touch and change the Friction value from 32 to 0. Reboot to see change. If you feel the screen sensitivity is too fast now, change the value to say 16 or any number up to 64. 64 means high friction. 0 means low friction.
55. Stream Media Files From Your Surface to Non Windows Certified DLNA TVs
If you have a TV set which has DLNA media streaming feature, but it is not a Windows?Microsoft Certified TV (check in Devices in PC Settings), you will not be able to stream/share media files from within certain apps. However, you can stream them through Windows Explorer using the 'Play To' feature. Find your media files you want to stream in your Pictures, Music and Videos folders. Tap on the file to select it but not launch it. Tap on the Play tab in the Ribbon UI at the top of the screen. Finally tap on the Play To button and select your TV which should now be active. Make sure to turn on network discovery in the Network and Sharing Center in Control Panel, if this is not working for you.
*January 24th Update: Added entries 54 - 55.
*January 22nd Update: Added entry 53.
*January 3rd Update: Added entries 51-.52. Updated entry 26.
*December 6th Update: Added entries 47-.50
*November 22nd Update: Added entries 34-46.
*November 10th Update: Updated entry 23 and added entries 30-33.
*November 9th Update: Added entries 24-29.
Reserved.
Second Reserve.
Final Reserve.
Good summary. First one to figure out how to get a fourth row of live tiles gets a cookie.
Also, how do we replace pinned IE tiles with something a little nicer?
I've been spending all my free time trying to figure out the fourth row, and reversing scroll direction on the touchpad.
I feel ya.
As for the IE tiles, I suppose you could just create new .png files and replace the current for whichever you want:
c:\users\profile\appdata\local\microsoft\internet explorer\pin-xxxxxxxx\
I haven't tried it but, looking in there it seems like it might work.
tboy2000 said:
7. Unlock Without Swiping
Instead of Swiping up the lockscreen image to unlock, just tap space bar on your keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also press the space bar to wake the device. You don't have to press the capacitive windows button, or the lock/wake button.
MrGreencastle said:
You can also press the space bar to wake the device. You don't have to press the capacitive windows button, or the lock/wake button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually any key, or the touch pad.
tboy2000 said:
12. Optimise your Surface
Once in a while execute the following: Search for "Defrag" in Settings and click on Defragment and Optimise your Drives. Click on C: drive and then click Optimise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF?! Have you heard about NAND?
Useless guy said:
WTF?! Have you heard about NAND?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this, you could actually do harm as well you do not need to optimize/defrag Anne or any type of solid state.
Useless guy said:
WTF?! Have you heard about NAND?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read the Optimise feature was different to defragging. However, I will substitute that entry to be safe. Thanks!
Replaced Tip 12 with: Access your Last Photo and Camera Roll Photos Direct from Camera App.
I believe I read on Anandtech that the Optimize function actually does a manual TRIM, if it's detected as an SSD.
jhoff80 said:
I believe I read on Anandtech that the Optimize function actually does a manual TRIM, if it's detected as an SSD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does. I did it and it said it was trimming
guitar1969 said:
It does. I did it and it said it was trimming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is trimming ok? Shall I add the entry back in?
it should be okay, but windows also manages it on its own, so there shouldn't be too much need for manual use
Three more added. 21-23.
adiliyo said:
it should be okay, but windows also manages it on its own, so there shouldn't be too much need for manual use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my windows 7 desktop my pc trims my ssd when the pc is in a standby mode. Wonder if surface does something similar
tboy2000 said:
23. How to Find All Apps in Store - Even Unlisted Ones
In the Store, enter the character * and search. You will see every single app for your country and if you sort by newest, you see a lot more new apps compared to the normal way of browsing in the store. As of writing this, there are 4984 apps listed for the UK. A most excellent tip!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is nice, but holy crapware....I found it quite pointless to browse through this list.
another tip if op wants to add is how to force sufrace into recovery.
plug in a usb keyboard, hold SHIFT, click power-. restart. Ta-da blue recovery screen.