I didn't read anything about whether it is ok to make requests here or not, so I just give it a try.
If I do something wrong, please tell me.
######################################################
Introduction:
Many of you may already know it, the lack of functionality on your keyboard.
No matter what kind of keyboard replacer you installed, there is always this situation where you need some other functionality like a different key layout.
Just imagine those situations:
The standard android keyboard fits quite well for you and there are no problems surfing the internet and sending some mails.
But you work as an html and php coder and you like to do some work on the train. You could download a fitting keyboard for that, but now you have to change the keyboard all the time depending on what you are doing.
In addition you are a math/law/chemistry/whatever student and need those damn +-*/%&$§ so often it drives you crazy. Another keyboard would fit, but again: changing the keyboard all the time?
In addition you are from spain and speak german with your family. You would want to have äöü aswell as ñ in your keyboard.
There are so many scenarios a developer needs to consider when creating a new keyboard app, it's nearly impossible to cover all of them.
Those keys are there on the keyboard, but the user needs to press 1 or 2 additional buttosn just to find them!
So by bringing those buttons to the main keyboard (or wherever the user needs them to be faster) we can enhance productivity on tablets and smartphones a lot!
Just imagine you had a keyboad that allowes you to:
- create your own unique keyboard layout, fitted for YOUR needs!
- create profiles for YOUR activities and switch them easily with just 2 taps!
- asign profiles directly to apps, so they get set to active whenever that ap is opened!
Sounds awesome, doesn't it?
So how should this work?
Let me talk about the android keyboard and explain with that example how my idea could be realized.
This is what we have:
{
"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"
}
We can divide the elements in different parts.
The core of every keyboard are the letters, a-z:
(Note: I centered the keys)
These are the core keys on your keyboard.
In addition you have some advanced controll keys, like caps, tab etc.
And last but not least (actually the thing we need to fit stuff to our needs) are additional keys that can take various functions like '.' ',' '!' '?' '@' etc....
So these are the keys we need to add to make the keyboard work like we want, so it actually improves our productivity.
ok ok, we got that. Get to the real deal!
What does the user need to make a keyboard fit his or her needs?
1) Add rows
The easiest way is adding an additional layer above with more keys, for example the numbers 1-9 like ASUS did.
Easy, clean, exactly what we need.
But just adding more and more layers would result in confusion, so we need to change more stuff
2) Change the Size of the buttons
Sounds simple, but making buttons smaller is a real space safer! And that's exactly the point, we need SPACE to add additional keys. If I get space for 2 additional keys per row it can be a great advantage for my productivity!
3) Add buttons
Already talked about it and this should be the main feature.
We just got some nice space for buttons and we just add them with the function YOU want. need < > to fasten your html coding? add it to your keyboard! Using a lot of € $ + - / * since you are a smartass stockbroker? Add it directly to the keyboard! Learning another language you need other letters for at school? Add those to your keyboard!
Once again: you CAN get those keys on your keyboard already, but it always takes time and additional taps on your screen. if you want to have a key on your main keyboard because you are usign it so ****ing often THIS will save you time and enhance productivity!
If anybody of you guys is interested in creating something awesome, please contact me!
I am not a coder.
I just had the problems described above a lot and didn't find a fitting ap.
The truly greatest keyboard I ever used was the "Day Hand Input" (or something like this) for Symbian.
It's speciality was, that besides the ordinary button press you had 4 additional characters on each button used by pressing it und then sliding your finger in one of the four directions. You had literaly every available character reached by one button press. Also the thing was more or less easily configurable.
When I'll got some free time apart from college, I may start reviving this thing for Android.
Also, here's a screenshot of it:
that's not exactly the point.
What I mean is something like the possibility to create different keyboard profiles with layouts fitted for me + a fast switch so when I want to code something or write an assay it just fits ;-)
Related
{
"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"
}
Been thinking and now wonder if there is someone able to create an application behaving similar to a Wacom-tablet? There is applications out there that could work (Omnipresence, G-remote), but it's way to laggy to use in Photoshop.
It wouldn't have to have a lot of features (I'm actually not very informed about wacom-tablets and what features they have so I dunno what could be implemented). But it would be best to keep it clean and minimize the lag and optimize for use with stylus.
Am I the only one who thinks this would be awesome or are there more out there like me?
Edit: Thought I could add a list of wanted features for this, so if you'd like any special features implemented in the app, just post it and I'll add it to the list. I should also add that I have no knowledge of developing myself so I don't know what actually can be done.
- Adjustable Sensitivity (Could be a pain using such a small screen otherwise)
- Simulate a right-click on the mouse. (Either a map a hardware-button or make a separate soft key)
- Scrollbar (?)
Will be superb. Very good idea...
Seems like we are the only ones interested in this?
Hmm nice idea.
I think this should be able with .NET Framework.
I still work on 3 other projects till the end of november and then I will give a try to this project.
If somebody wan't to help me, please PN.
Great! If you need I can help out with graphics.
If this app goes well, it would save a lot of money for a lot of people. I mean even the smallest sized Wacom cost quite a lot.
Really nice idea people . Hope it gets developed ..will be qiute a big saving
http://www.entisoft.com/PocketTablet/download.htm
JesperO said:
Great! If you need I can help out with graphics.
If this app goes well, it would save a lot of money for a lot of people. I mean even the smallest sized Wacom cost quite a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever tried one? Even the smallest wacom(bamboo) is all the money worth. I habe one and i wouldn't miss it.
btw. it isn't possible to rebuild the functionality of a wacom - you don't have to touch the panel. you move the pen a few millimeters across the panel and tap to click
Wacom tablets are combination resistive+capacitive tablets. You can't replicate the functionality with the simple resistive (or capacitive) panel you have available to you on the phone. The stylus is also pressure-sensitive, so pressing harder gives you thicker lines when you're drawing. You can't do that without electronics in the stylus.
lucky3d said:
http://www.entisoft.com/PocketTablet/download.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok now I think we don't need to develop such a software anymore, or?
Philipp__ said:
Ever tried one? Even the smallest wacom(bamboo) is all the money worth. I habe one and i wouldn't miss it.
btw. it isn't possible to rebuild the functionality of a wacom - you don't have to touch the panel. you move the pen a few millimeters across the panel and tap to click
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agreee. WACOM's new line of tablets - Bamboo - are actually very inexpensive (I picked up a 4x6 model for $60 at Fry's Electronics) compared to some of their higher end tablets, and for most functions you would use a tablet for, they work great (wouldn't try to do autocad or anything like that with it, but it's great for photoshop and web design - which is what I do).
Granted, for something like basic handwriting recognition, using our touchscreen phones would certainly be a good alternative. The PocketTablet software mentioned earlier seems like it would meet those needs, but of course if someone wanted to develop a free alternative, I'm sure no one would complain
H4s1 said:
Ok now I think we don't need to develop such a software anymore, or?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends if you want to? If you think you can make it better, go ahead! Also, that software had to be purchased (yes I know, I'm cheap, but I'm short of money at the moment).
Also, my intentions with this wasn't to make an exact copy of a Wacoms functionality, I realize that can't be done. But something close that could work without lagg to use while saving for the real thing.
Moved as not software release or development.
Please take your time to read the rules.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=447646
I think we can make it better.
But which functions we should develop to make a better program?
First Post Updated
Check first post. I made a layout and features suggestion, I think it could work pretty well. I had to think a while to solve the problem with having to move the mouse without drawing.
So if you hold the "left-click" button, the button holds down, which means if you then move with the stylus, it gets drawn. If you don't have the left-click button held down, you only move the mouse.
Feel free to add suggestions and opinions!
Christ... since this thread was moved to Q&A the activity died completely!
I know EZinput, Finger Keyboard. Resco Keyboard......
Wich one works best on the HD2? In portrait and Landscape mode.....
in my opinion the Touch Pal keyboard in both modes. With the less sensitive cab in addition i write igual as with a hardware keyboard - finally.
touch pal all the way
Oh really looks impressive... i wasnt that happy with resco´s...where can i get Touch Pal?
Touchpal is the best.
touchpal!!!!
I was about to say spb keyboard but if everyone is so waaauw about touchpal then I'm going to try it first
thomas_pieps said:
I was about to say spb keyboard but if everyone is so waaauw about touchpal then I'm going to try it first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to stick with SPB, much easier typing on HD2
I am still waiting for my HD2 but on my Diamond 2, fingerkeyboard seems far more accurate and simpler to use than Touchpal. Having said that, I am quite impressed by the Touchpal keyboard and perhaps a larger screen will make it more friendly to use.
I need to get used to swiping... that may be my main issue....
Anyone here know how you can remap keys? That was something I really like about fingerkeyboard. being able to remap keys so I dont have to go into alternative layouts, hit shift, etc to get the stuff I use 99% of the time... all my smileys, ".com", and even "..." were on that one layout.... seemed much faster IMHO... If I could do that with Touchpal and swipe down to get smileys etc instead of swiping to get a different set of symbols, I would be a happy camper!
eskasi said:
I am still waiting for my HD2 but on my Diamond 2, fingerkeyboard seems far more accurate and simpler to use than Touchpal. Having said that, I am quite impressed by the Touchpal keyboard and perhaps a larger screen will make it more friendly to use.
I need to get used to swiping... that may be my main issue....
Anyone here know how you can remap keys? That was something I really like about fingerkeyboard. being able to remap keys so I dont have to go into alternative layouts, hit shift, etc to get the stuff I use 99% of the time... all my smileys, ".com", and even "..." were on that one layout.... seemed much faster IMHO... If I could do that with Touchpal and swipe down to get smileys etc instead of swiping to get a different set of symbols, I would be a happy camper!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you should try SlideIT. You can find it here: http://www.mobiletextinput.com/
IMO its even better than FK
I use Touchpal, and I've written an editor for the user dictionary.
It was developed on a QVGA device, but I've seen that it works quite good on WVGA and then on HD2.
I've released it for free on this forum, also.
Trying to find my challenge code, but can't find it. Because I can't find my settings\personal?
1. Go to "Start" -> "Settings" -> "Personal" -> "Input".
2. Find "TouchPal" in "Input Method" list and then click "Options...".
3. Click "Activate..." to bring up "TouchPal Activation" dialog.
SkywalkerPD said:
Trying to find my challenge code, but can't find it. Because I can't find my settings\personal?
1. Go to "Start" -> "Settings" -> "Personal" -> "Input".
2. Find "TouchPal" in "Input Method" list and then click "Options...".
3. Click "Activate..." to bring up "TouchPal Activation" dialog.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you activate the Owner Information for your device???
ghale said:
Do you activate the Owner Information for your device???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found it! Thnx for the tip!
You're welcome
Cliquick is also a very good keyboard. Only 268 kB. You can find it here:
http://cliquick.com/
I can't find some keys on standart keyboard, please help.
Keys are:
1. `
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"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"
}
2. Ctrl
3. Alt
I always use the 'compact qwerty', it works better then the original qwerty so think i.
But, still i think that the original qwerty from the iphone better works.
That qwerty from the iphone has some spaces between the marks.
Is that possible to make here on xda?
Novadecasa said:
I always use the 'compact qwerty', it works better then the original qwerty so think i.
But, still i think that the original qwerty from the iphone better works.
That qwerty from the iphone has some spaces between the marks.
Is that possible to make here on xda?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes iPhone qwerty touch screen keyboard is the best keyboard I ever use. It's very accurate, you can't press two keys at same time like in WM. It's like, when you press on key, the radius of invis button is increasing, so if you touch other buttons around, thny not triggered.
Touch Pal freezing and cannot see how to Activate
I have the Me Card filled in under People, which covers the Owner information requirement but the instructions to get to where to enter the registration code does not work on the HD2. At the moment CooTek are unable to solve this.
I was premature in wanting to register as the programme currently freezes when the phone comes out of standby and I cannot choose any other keyboard until I soft reset the phone.
I have Touch Pal installed in main memory.
Any ideas folks?
In case anyone is interested, a quick app I put together which provides a large keyboard, with both numbers and letters, which lets you launch navigation to an address very quickly.
The big keyboard is great for typing addresses in while the phone is on a car dashboard.
The separate numbers are dead useful if you live somewhere like the UK, with number /letter postal codes, as you don't have to keep switching to get the number bits.
Works great from Google Car Home.
Supports launching Google Navigation or Google Maps.
Choose UK/US and French and German keyboard layouts, or set your own custom layout.
Also supports working as an input method for use with any other in car navigation application. You can use an app such as Tasker to automatically switch input method when your phone is in car mode.
I don't like posting apk files, so it is free on the market, it is called quickgo.
Any comments / bug reports etc. welcome.
Cheers,
Joe
Looks really great! Its now on the first slot of my Car Home However, would it be possible to add an option to change layouts? I'm normally using a German keyboard, which has the Y and Z exchanged - the Umlaute are not required as google normally doesnt need them either.
One way would be maybe to create a textfile on the SDcard with your orginal layout, so that would mean the file would consist of 37 chars, 1-0 and Q-",". If the user wants to place for example the M where the Q is he just exchanges these two chars in the file and then loads them from your app
Super simple and easy to use and easy to see when in my mount.
Great work.
A great little app, works great when not in my car mount, will report back after I've tried it in the car.
Roland
Sent from my X8 using XDA Premium App
Links:
http://www.mrl.nott.ac.uk/~jqm/blog/?p=489
http://www.appbrain.com/app/quickgo/com.joemarshall.quickgo
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.joemarshall.quickgo
Screenshot:
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"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"
}
Looks nice
Edit, tested it and it works great, but the system doesn't pick it up as one of the available keyboards. Is that coming soon ?
Found some info about input methods here.
I was hoping I can switch to this keyboard automatically via a 'car mode' profile (tasket/setting profiles/etc)
works great
very smooth, very simple, very good.
what about an option or preference setting for the result to show up in maps instead of going straight to navigation?
Cheers all,
am in the process of adding French / azerty, German / quertz and user defined keyboard support. Hopefully will finish and post an update this weekend if not earlier.
Good idea about preference to launch maps, that should be dead easy to stick in, it's just a single line change to launch something different.
Britoso - right now it isn't a full input method, just a single app, optimized to be easy to see in a car, and set up so it goes directly to navigation. I just have it in place of the navigate icon in my car home. I can't really see it being much use for other things, emails, texts or whatever, as it deliberately doesn't support things like punctuation, lower case etc. in order to make most efficient use of the screen space.
It would make a good keyboard for almost all navigation apps Shouldn't be too much more work.
Right, the latest version (0.3) now supports German and French keyboard layouts, and also lets you set your own layout if you want something other than QWERTY / AZERTY or QWERTZ.
It also has a preference you can set to launch maps instead of launching straight into navigation.
Looking at the input method stuff it looks like it isn't super hard, like you say, it can probably use most of the same code, hopefully I'll find some time to play with that soon. It would be convenient for use with other navigation apps like CoPilot which might not support being launched with an address.
Joe
Just perfect! Thanks!
cant making it ANY easier than clicking my icon and entering an address
Would it be possible to link the app to google maps instead? I use it more than the full navigation. Other than that, it is perfect and a great solution.
HTCInc-redibly re-ENGINEERED
It would make a good keyboard for almost all navigation apps Shouldn't be too much more work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As if by magic an update appears. Now supports running as an input method for sick puppies who wish to use it as their keyboard.
Use something like Tasker or similar profile app to change input method when you put your car in car mode.
baboonsRus said:
Would it be possible to link the app to google maps instead? I use it more than the full navigation. Other than that, it is perfect and a great solution.
HTCInc-redibly re-ENGINEERED
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press the menu button, select 'setup', and you can choose what it launches (on version 0.3 and later).
cheers,
Joe
Excellent app!!
You can also find nearby gas stations (type gas), Starbucks (coffee), etc.
Excellent app.
Keyboard in android is an essential tool but isn't it annoying that every android keyboard pops up moving the entire screen and covering more than half of the screen? NOT efficient!
July 29th 2014:
v1.1 - NEW: a way to delete last character or last word.
CHANGED: 1st long tap on 'Delete' key erases the last letter; 2nd long tap erases last word; 3rd long tap clears whole text.
ADDED: if bottom right hotspot disappears turn the screen off then on to have it reappear.
FIXED: button keys sometimes not showing up when showing keyboard.
YOUR FEEDBACK PLEASE!
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"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"
}
Download free at the play store!
Presenting you, the Always Keyboard - a full featured minimalistic Keyboard that barely takes any screen space yet still fully and conveniently functional using a "mistake-less" input method; and the best part is: its always a swipe away when needed!
*Fill web forms super fast! *Write phone numbers from any screen instantly! *Take notes on the fly! *and more! so many uses.
By using the "mistake-less" input method, you can interact immediately with each key in 3 different way; Tap, Hold tap and Swipe in any direction. This method potentially does not let you make any mistakes while typing and can be utilized to type at a fast pace.
Always Keyboard includes Features like *Auto capitalization *Break new line *English, numerical and symbol characters *Space between characters *Counts keystrokes to share with your friends! *and more! + Future Features like *Saving typed text into text files *MORE languages support! *emoji and smilies *Share and send text directly to apps *Improving landscape mode *and so much more!
NOTE: a ROOT version will soon be released where it types directly without using the Clipboard.
DISCLAIMER:
Always "Keyboard" was built on an actual android device AND have been tested on many android devices in order to achieve maximum compatibility for android devices all over the world for people in need for this productive & Educational app!
No android emulators were used in the making of Always "Keyboard".
Negative feedback will not resolve your issue; Communication will !
Enjoy Always Keyboard!
Download free at the play store!
Thanks for your support in advance!
:good:
Developed by:
..............Technology Discovery..............
http://www.technology-discovery.com
I have been using this for the past 2 days and i really like this.
It feels like a pc where you know the keyboard is always there. Swipe from anywhere and i take a note, save a number or type something real quick.
The typing is VERY intuitive, i literarily do not make mistakes on this keyboard.
This keyboard is really useful in web form.
Great work!:good:
Will there be a feature where it saves what you write?
dudilevi said:
Will there be a feature where it saves what you write?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes in the next version it will save what you write into a text file and also have a menu the will show the typing log.
Thanks for your support and feedback!
Sent using my Purple Xperia Z while underwater.
July 29th, 2014:
v1.1 - NEW: a way to delete last character or last word.
CHANGED: 1st long tap on 'Delete' key erases the last letter; 2nd long tap erases last word; 3rd long tap clears whole text.
ADDED: if bottom right hotspot disappears turn the screen off then on to have it reappear.
FIXED: button keys sometimes not showing up when showing keyboard.
Link on main post!
Sent using my Purple Xperia Z while underwater.
Not bad, though screens are now getting bigger, making the keyboard less obstructive
Guy Konan said:
Not bad, though screens are now getting bigger, making the keyboard less obstructive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi & thank you for your feedback!
Can you post a screenshot as an example? Thank you.
Sent using my Xperia Z3 while typing underwater.
Hi all, starting a thread to share my experience with ‘downgrading’ to a dumbphone, it was almost so good (would have been perfect!!), but just falling sadly short in some important areas. I’m sharing the tricks and workarounds I used to in a bid to get the phone working in a satisfactory manner, if that is a help to anyone out there, would be great to hear other peoples experiences and some more opinions on resolutions.
Quick summary of topics covered in this post:
Aggressive power management.
No screen wake for notifications.
T9 keypad support lacking.
Assisted dialing
Notification sound.
Using an ‘unlocked’ version from AliExpress (thread here) and trying to avoid rooting, flashing etc, just trying to work with it as-is:
{
"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"
}
I’ve been using this phone for about 1.5 weeks as a daily driver, have very happily and comfortably slipped back into T9 texting and I must admit that I’m quite enamored by this little cutie of a device. Its so adorable! Hardware wise, really happy with it – I like the screen, the feel of the keys, the battery life is good enough. Sadly a few things are detracting from the overall experience which I’d also like to share for those having a think about it… I’m still going to push on using it for now
1) Aggressive power management.
The OS is ignoring settings to ‘not optimise’ battery for certain processes, resulting in them still getting killed. This renders any regular 3rd party apps and daily updating home screen widgets unusable for ongoing use.
2) No screen wake for notifications.
I worked around this by using a cool app called ‘Glimpse Notifications’, which was perfect, however the aforementioned power management issue kills the process a few hours later, despite the app itself having a ‘persistent’ mode. There is a persistent mode also present in DAVx5 (which I use for contact and calendar sync) and it does work for that particular app.
Once the process is killed, the functionality stops:
3) T9 keypad support lacking.
English T9 support is not usable out of the box, however this can be quickly worked around with a fork of Traditional T9, with a custom keymap (credit to this post which I took from). Taking us straight back to the good old Nokia days. Archived apk build is found at this Wayback Machine link. Props to the author of T9 and the thread author.
(EDIT: See next post for an update to this section) However we quickly run into a usability problem here: If the text entry field in the app or website you are using does not have a “search” / “done” button then you will get stuck without being able to send the text off to perform the search or whatever it is you wanted to to do - as Traditional T9 does not have the functionality to do that (like regular soft keyboards do, with that magnifying glass/tick button to ‘hit enter’ as such). From some searching I think the technical term for the ‘done’ operation is IME_ACTION_DONE. Mapping a key in Traditional T9 for key codes 84 (search) and 66 (enter) does not work to do the required work that this button does on regular soft keyboards:
4) Assisted dialing
This is a common complaint, numbers that are stored in the contact list with +61 prefix will not get matched up to the contact name – when calls are received in local format ie: starting with 0 instead of +61. I worked around this by using an app called PrefixEditor, and it went through my contact list, replacing any +61 prefixes with 0.
Be aware that the same issue comes up when you the proceed to SMS someone using your newly edited ‘0’ prefix number, when they reply it will come from the +61 prefix, so then your very first text message will be orphaned, and the rest of the messages will be under their own thread from then onward.
5) Occasionally no sounds for notifications
(I have custom sounds, I’ve only noticed this issue in the last 24 hours, so am still fleshing that one out)
EDIT: Suspect it had something to do with misbehaving Glimpse Notifications.
While I’ve already spent quite some time trying to resolve these issues, I’ve tried to make peace with some of them in order to keep using it, as I do really like the phone. I’m going to push on for the moment and see if I don’t get too sick of putting up with them. Will post any updates as I go, and would welcome any advice… Thanks everyone.
After having a brief play with another T9 keyboard (https://github.com/AshiVered/QinBoard-T9 - which is unable to go into 'ab' mode, which I need at times) I stumbled into the realization that Traditional T9 in its default state (with no custom keymap) DOES perform the 'done' function when hash (#) is long pressed. Once a custom keymap is in place, long presses no longer work. I have attached my modified version of the keymap, which basically does the following:
These are in their default states:
* = change between En/en/EN
* (long press) = insert smiley
# (or 0) = space
# (long press) = done/enter
dpad up/down = cycle through word suggestions
1 = punctuation
Q (left button) = change between en/ab/12
Back (right button) = delete
Call = add new word (when prediction does not recognize the key combination)
An update about widgets, it seems that some widgets are happily updating and some aren't. So it must come down to how they are coded I guess. I moved from an Android 7 device to this (Android 11), so I guess the world has changed a bit since then, from what I hear apparently widgets are getting to be an increasingly difficult task for Android. I really like using widgets, so its a bit frustrating that I can't get them all to tick over happily.
An update after a few months of use (and still in use) as my daily driver....
The quality/durability of the keypad is not great, having issues with missing keypresses, which is really hurting the experience. This is the number 1 problem. Biggest culprit is the 7 key and the dial key.
The assisted dialing issue (as mentioned in the 1st post - the double SMS thread symptom) is a bit annoying, the built in SMS app does not allow searching, which means that if you 'create new' message, using the number in your phone book, your message will go to the 'orphaned' thread and the replies will come through in the +61 prefix number thread. So you have to scroll (sometimes for a while) to find the right thread and then reply in there. I tried to download another SMS program (for search capability), however this resulted in missing SMS messages, due to the phone's power management.
I've made peace with the other niggles - however if the two above issues were not present - this would be the perfect phone!!
The thing is, the phone is so cute, that I haven't been able to let it go yet. I might consider upgrading to the F22, and see if the keypad build quality is better. The phone is not as compact though, so some of the cute factor will be lost.
About keyboards: in some Qin F21 Pro modifications, there is the Kika12 app (KIKA 12-key keyboard).
And this keyboard can type just like, for example, the old push-button Nokia.
Unfortunately, I can't find this application anywhere separately for download...