Development Request - Keyboard idea - Streak 5 Android Development

Hi all,
I had an idea for a better keyboard for the streak, but I can't find any step-by-step walkthroughs for making android keyboards. If there's one available, let me know and I should be able to tackle this.
If not, I think the streak needs a split keyboard. Imagine the left half of the keyboard on the left third of the screen, the right half on the right third, and a big numpad/d-pad in the middle third. When I'm typing in landscape mode, I know I'd appreciate minimizing my thumbs' reach.
Any takers? Or good keyboard making tutorials?
-- David Z

+1
I thought the same thing when i first got my streak.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App

Great Idea!
If someone does make one you should add settings so you can control where the DPAD is, so you could make it like the original Dell Keyboard too!

I'm guessing you've not tried swype then?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App

While we're on the subject of thumb reach, might I suggest a portrait keyboard with more keys on the left/right side, so you don't constantly mis-type those O's and P's as a leftie (for example), when using the streak one-handed?

I was thinking of a real multitouch keyboard.
First, you have the standard qwerty keyboard, with shift, enter en dpad buttons. A tab button would be cool too.
Second, if you tap and hold the keyboard (anywhere) and slide it to the left, on the right side it will reveal the nummeric keys, where you can input your numbers. Releasing the keyboard and it'll slide back in position. Slidng the other way around, gives other keys.
I'm dreaming of such a keyboard a long time now.
Someone?

Radddogg said:
I'm guessing you've not tried swype then?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you blatantly did not read the OP's idea then?

Zelman said:
I think the streak needs a split keyboard. Imagine the left half of the keyboard on the left third of the screen, the right half on the right third, and a big numpad/d-pad in the middle third. When I'm typing in landscape mode, I know I'd appreciate minimizing my thumbs' reach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If somebody makes this, I will personally buy them a drink
I love the Streak, but my thumbs don't...

Hi guys- I don't know of any tutorials, but basically you need to create a custom IME (that's the term used by Android SDK). There is an android SDK example for creating an IME I believe. Also, here is the source code for a Latin keyboard IME someone made:
http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=platform/packages/inputmethods/LatinIME.git;a=summary

+1 to the initial idea.
Myself and my office mate were just discussing UI's and both of us agreed that a split keyboard option would make the streak far more ergonomically friendly and probably speed up typing.
BTW, for mocked up examples of what we are talking about see:
http://blog.laptopmag.com/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/google-tablet-1.jpg
http://wp.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/4309481995_5bc3276d61_o.png
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/4/2010/01/ss_dialkeys_horiz_520.jpg

I would really love to see a keyboard like this!
Dell's 1.6 stock keyboard makes good use of the additional space instead of just making the buttons ridiculously large, but it really should be symmetric.
With smartphones getting larger and tablets on the rise it's high time for new keyboards, so I think not only the Streak would benefit from it!
All thumbs up for the idea!

Here's an idea: find a developer and start up a kickstart for this... Perhaps we could post this to the general android development forum.

Basic Version
Hey all,
Here's a basic version. It's just a slightly modified version of the soft keyboard that comes with the SDK. It's only usable it in landscape mode, unless you have really small fingers.
Any thoughts/ideas/feedback? Basic changes may be within my ability. A lot of the programming is way over my head, so if anyone wants the source to do some fancy stuff, let me know.
Zelman

Zelman said:
Hey all,
Here's a basic version. It's just a slightly modified version of the soft keyboard that comes with the SDK. It's only usable it in landscape mode, unless you have really small fingers.
Any thoughts/ideas/feedback? Basic changes may be within my ability. A lot of the programming is way over my head, so if anyone wants the source to do some fancy stuff, let me know.
Zelman
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice work will give it a try

Works fine i would just prefer the buttons to be a bit bigger about double the size infact and would like the numbers on the end and not in the middle and the numbers a different colour but thats me other than that a great start thanks

Awesome! Some color / shading might help to distinguish between the letters and numbers and more easily find keys. May be its something you adjust to but i find myself having to search for letters.
Two other layout thoughts. 1) maybe stretching out the spacebar a bit. since thats a frequently pressed key it'd be nice to have it by the other letters and closer to the thumbs., 2) rearranging the numpad to have the zero at the bottom center as with a typical dialer numpad. This would require splitting the spacebar into two segments.
Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App

gtg203a said:
Awesome! Some color / shading might help to distinguish between the letters and numbers and more easily find keys. May be its something you adjust to but i find myself having to search for letters.
Two other layout thoughts. 1) maybe stretching out the spacebar a bit. since thats a frequently pressed key it'd be nice to have it by the other letters and closer to the thumbs., 2) rearranging the numpad to have the zero at the bottom center as with a typical dialer numpad. This would require splitting the spacebar into two segments.
Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't get color to work, yet. Good idea on the spacebar(s). Check this version out.

Screenshot
Here's the current state of things (as of the build above). I'm going to look more into changing the color of the number keys, but I don't think it's really as necessary with this layout. Any and all suggestions are welcomed, and I will let you know what I can/can't/will/won't do.
Also, anyone with android programming experience who can tell me things like, "What are the image format requirements for icons like the one on the delete key?" please let me know if you can offer expertise.

Zelman said:
Can't get color to work, yet. Good idea on the spacebar(s). Check this version out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi thanks alot for the keyboard, its amazing, only 1 bug/error or maybe its just me, as i type a text, after every fullstop, it automatically changes to capital which is good, but it doesnt change back to small case letters after the first letter has been typed, for example if i type this and then stop. IT CONTINUES LIKE THIS. hope u understand? plz help cause otherwise this keyboard would be perfect for me

kag8 said:
hi thanks alot for the keyboard, its amazing, only 1 bug/error or maybe its just me, as i type a text, after every fullstop, it automatically changes to capital which is good, but it doesnt change back to small case letters after the first letter has been typed, for example if i type this and then stop. IT CONTINUES LIKE THIS. hope u understand? plz help cause otherwise this keyboard would be perfect for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have definitely seen the same issue. I will take a look at the source, but if anyone has the SDK and has a good eye for troubleshooting code, feel free to post hints.

Related

[APP] Sidebar styled soft keys

I came across this thread in the HD2 forum, it is an app for a software sidebar-styled soft keys for the hd2. Downloaded and tested on a rooted nook and it works brilliantly! This seems to be a great replacement for not having hardware keys for back/home/search/so on... Here is the link to the original thread and the apk I used is attached below. All credits go to the developer of this app jerryfan2000.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865525
This is great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. I actually prefer this to softkeys (though really appreciate the effort on softkeys!) Also, you can install this via the market - just search for "button savior", and then you'll be notified of any updates...
I'm a convert from Softkeys to this ( button savior). It's not as easy to accidentally press the shortcut button. Also doesn't require any setup to make it function as it should.
Wow...I liked Softkeys and really appreciate the hard work of the dev...but like this more. Especially because it seems to work great in landscape. Thanks for the post!
Sent from my Nooxus One using Tapatalk
I'm using Zeam launcher. In landscape mode, the little arrow is directly on top of the dock icons. Really wish if we can configure the position separately between portrait and landscape mode.
I sent a pm to the dev asking if it would be possible to add an option to set the position of the dock. Maybe using sliders for horizontal and vertical positioning. The app is great though and is really streamlined with the rest of the interface imo. Glad I could help.
This thing is fantastic. Almost like it doesn't exist, until you need.
Yes, and..
Much better than SoftKeys (less obtrusive). Also, the developer of SoftKeys doesn't seem to be responding to issues raised!
I just talked to the developer, jerryfan2000...the next release should hit the market in a day or so and will include the ability to choose the placement of the sidebar using sliders. Seems he was already on top of it, and is just waiting for some graphics to be finished.
This is awesome, head and shoulders above the softkeys for me.
Thanks man, this is great.
Latest version is out. 1.0.5. Button saviour. You can move the button now. Although slightly limited to where.
Love the minimal UI. It's practically invisible.

[Q] Recent fingers amputee needs rom advice!

Hey guys, I am left handed, and had to have most of the fingers and thumb on my left hand amputated. If you wanna know why, is because of a MRSA infection gone septic. I also lost my legs below the knee.
So, I am learning the right handed thing, and findin my HTC Pure with spb mobile shell 3.x not doing the job for me one handed.
If I can get some thoughts on a better and stable ROM I can put on my phone to make it more thumb typing friendly.
If you want to more about what happened to me, I have a blog. I dont know if moderators allow self promotion, though. So someone let me know.
Thanks!
Sorry to hear that
You could try the Else Theme. I have not tried it personally, but it definitely looks interesting and thumb friendly. The theme is based off of Throttle Launcher. So, be sure to look into that as well.
I don't think the theme has done anything special to the keyboard layout, so it may not help you with typing a text message or email, but the navigation is geared toward quick right-thumb navigation.
jSerious said:
You could try the Else Theme. I have not tried it personally, but it definitely looks interesting and thumb friendly. The theme is based off of Throttle Launcher. So, be sure to look into that as well.
I don't think the theme has done anything special to the keyboard layout, so it may not help you with typing a text message or email, but the navigation is geared toward quick right-thumb navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol... i made that theme and i have a HTC pure..
im sorry to hear about your infection...
for this particular case... i do recommend my theme and also the rom in my sig is very stable...
also for one handed opperation Swype is the best keboard to use BY FAR!!!
lemme now how it goes
Thanks for the advice, guys. Sorry I haven't thanked you sooner, somehow I am not getting notices in email when someone replies!
Off to change settings in user cp.

Making an android launcher?

OK, so i am making an android launcher.
The UI
well, it will be very similar to the windows phone UI, swiping left and right between the home screen and vertical, 4 column app drawer. so the app drawer will work like the defualt vertical one on stock android. but the home screens will move vertically, swiping up/down will go to the next screen.
i think, to make the app drawer/home screen left/right swiping work, i need to have a linear layout fragment, (im working in eclipse) so that the screen would be larger than the actual screen, it will simply show PART of the fragment which will be the home screen. i need to find out if that could work.
anything else i need to know for making this app.
i have practicaly no experience but i can learn quickly. the android tutorials are not helping much for this type of app, for some reason i cant import already built android launcher into eclipse.
thanx for all the tips and help.
Thought of a name???
~RR
Sounds cool
Sent from my Paranoid Android GT-19100 using xda premium
You haven't even finished the project but have started its thread? I don't think that's allowed here.
Code:
System.out.println("Sent from my SGY");
first of all im only a 17 year old highschool who is doing this for senior project, a year long project with a "learning stretch" so i need all the help i can get.
im just wondering, does anyone know anything that could help me. anything at all.
so like bits of code that could help the system recognize the app as a launcher, so when i press home, it asks me if i want to use it.
second: how can i create a 2 page layout, i was thinking a linear layout fragment could work, so it would act as a big screen that can be moved, but then vertical scrolling could become limited.
third: how can i get the vertical app drawer to appear in the fragment.
fourth, how can i make home screens, and make them work vertically, and add widgets and stuff to them.
that is about all i need. if anyone can help, thanks alot
i will not be asking for donations and the app will be free to all when it is done
(want a credits page. ok just tell me)
app name, hmm... i was thinking Dual Launcher (cause it works with two screens vertically side by side. but im still thinking
thanx for thinking this is at least a good idea.
russian392 said:
first of all im only a 17 year old highschool who is doing this for senior project, a year long project with a "learning stretch" so i need all the help i can get.
im just wondering, does anyone know anything that could help me. anything at all.
so like bits of code that could help the system recognize the app as a launcher, so when i press home, it asks me if i want to use it.
second: how can i create a 2 page layout, i was thinking a linear layout fragment could work, so it would act as a big screen that can be moved, but then vertical scrolling could become limited.
third: how can i get the vertical app drawer to appear in the fragment.
fourth, how can i make home screens, and make them work vertically, and add widgets and stuff to them.
that is about all i need. if anyone can help, thanks alot
i will not be asking for donations and the app will be free to all when it is done
(want a credits page. ok just tell me)
app name, hmm... i was thinking Dual Launcher (cause it works with two screens vertically side by side. but im still thinking
thanx for thinking this is at least a good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idea is a great one. I'm a noob at apk development so i've no idea about launchers. Just a tip, don't make it two screens side by side. It may look good on tablets, but not on smartphones. And FYI, i'm 16, in 10th grade, and have developed my first app .
Code:
System.out.println("Sent from my SGY");
ok. look, dont be rude, you had your first time making an app, was it frustrating, probably, same here, since im making a luancher.
im trying to make the launcher simple as can be because i already know this is gona be hard, cause i have no coding xp.
so if you can help out with some starting codes, that would be great. i have to give credit though because its a project at school lol.
if i can get the 2 screens sliding left and right, im basically good to go, the rest i can handle.... probably
i had another idea.
modifying the cupcake launcher and adding side buttons to the bar, they would move with the app drawer sliding up too.
We are being taught Java at school since 9th grade, so i just had to learn some new things because i knew basic Java. And yes, it was very frustating. I can't help you with the codes if you don't even know basic Java (you said you didn't have any coding xp). There are many tutorials on the net, first learn some Java, practise it and then you're good to go. The learning will hardly take a week, if you're a quick one.
Code:
System.out.println("Sent from my SGY");
I have the name for your launcher...
Super Launcher
Hw about ....star launcher???
Click THANKS button if I helped, or u liked my post.
Will be honored.
Super2cool said:
I have the name for your launcher...
Super Launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U think...?
Its a really minimal launcher, it doesn't even have a wallpaper.
But I'll keep that in mind.
If all goes well, I will have a paid version latter on.
Sent from my LG-P506 using xda app-developers app
Maybe you should think of the name and other stuff once you've actually got a beta going
I'm sure you'll think of a name by then
Good luck
if you need help with a website or anything I can help just pm me
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app
russian392 said:
U think...?
Its a really minimal launcher, it doesn't even have a wallpaper.
But I'll keep that in mind.
If all goes well, I will have a paid version latter on.
Sent from my LG-P506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minimal Launcher
May i ask if its possible to import a apk file with eclipse and edit it?
yken said:
May i ask if its possible to import a apk file with eclipse and edit it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can import individual XML and java/.class files but I tried to do a whole project.
Sent from my LG-P506 using xda app-developers app
inaudibly said:
Maybe you should think of the name and other stuff once you've actually got a beta going
I'm sure you'll think of a name by then
Good luck
if you need help with a website or anything I can help just pm me
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not supposed to be making any money from this project, so j could pay for a website, beside I know how to make one. But than anyway.
I need codes and use full info for coding the app, not a name right now gys
Sent from my LG-P506 using xda app-developers app
Here is what I have planned out.
1.linear layout with fragment, in.
.XML
2.split up the 2 fragments and make them desperate
3.add vertical 4 column app drawer to right side frag, and enable widgets and icons to be put on left frag.
Make the frags recognize swipe gestures so u could move screens (java)
Done
All I need is the codes. I have some, but they are not helping much. They r confusing.
Sent from my LG-P506 using xda app-developers app
russian392 said:
Here is what I have planned out.
1.linear layout with fragment, in.
.XML
2.split up the 2 fragments and make them desperate
3.add vertical 4 column app drawer to right side frag, and enable widgets and icons to be put on left frag.
Make the frags recognize swipe gestures so u could move screens (java)
Done
All I need is the codes. I have some, but they are not helping much. They r confusing.
Sent from my LG-P506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be offensive, but let me get this straight...
All you need is the codes? That's like most of the work. Sure, I'm all for asking for some help, but read some tutorials -and try making some simple apps first to get used to the logic. Learning the hard way by taking examples and figuring them out works, but only if you have already made some research and have prior experience.
My advise: learn first, try later.
GermainZ said:
Not trying to be offensive, but let me get this straight...
All you need is the codes? That's like most of the work. Sure, I'm all for asking for some help, but read some tutorials -and try making some simple apps first to get used to the logic. Learning the hard way by taking examples and figuring them out works, but only if you have already made some research and have prior experience.
My advise: learn first, try later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely right.
People here is not helping you because you are not looking for a little tech help with the code, actually you're asking someone else to make your launcher.
Also, learning java takes a week or less? Sorry guys, this is simply not true. No offence, being able to make a small app does not mean you know the Java nor you're a developer. No way, you have to study, follow tutorials and, at that point only, asking people for some help with codes makes sense.

[MOD] Disable SwiftKey Prediction

This module permanently disables prediction/autocomplete/completion bar within SwiftKey keyboard.
Future versions/updates of SwiftKey might break this mod. Tested working agains versions 5.0.1.87, 5.0.2.4, 5.0.3.26, and 5.0.4.93. EDIT: No longer true as of v0.2 which should be futureproof.
Disable SwiftKey Prediction is available from Xposed Module Repository (source).
It also disables flow. Is that suppose to happen?
- Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk because the XDA app sucks.
sharkie405 said:
It also disables flow. Is that suppose to happen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is because whole prediction is disabled and flow depends on it. Solution for using flow would be only hiding the bar (while prediction/completion would still work) but I have no real intention for this as I don't use it and to get rid of all prediction effects, disabling it fully is still required. Maybe Suggestions Toggle would work better for you (but I don't use flow so I don't know...).
@moneytoo thanks for the mod. Now its perfect.
Anyway to make long press space to toggle keyboards like Google stock keyboard?
I'm just curious but why did you want to create this mod? Prediction is the main attraction of SwiftKey. I mean, otherwise I would use any other keyboard. Just wondering and no offense meant.
marbertshere said:
I'm just curious but why did you want to create this mod? Prediction is the main attraction of SwiftKey. I mean, otherwise I would use any other keyboard. Just wondering and no offense meant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want a nice looking black/dark keyboard (the stock one on my S5 is light). My primary language is Czech which (thanks to Czech declension) can never work as good as in English. I do not write texts anyway - I use it mainly for entering urls in browser so I prefer not to waste screen space as I want to see more search suggestions in browsers (or addresses history) etc.
I hate to be one of those people that asks irrelevant things in a thread, but since you are familiar with the inner workings of the Swiftke.apk, I figured you might be able and willing to help. The one thing I dislike about swiftkey is the auto-space feature that it has. Meaning after you type in a word, it automatically adds a space after. This is a huge pain in the butt when it comes to entering passwords and usernames. Do you know what file(s) in the apk would be responsible for this behavior? I could probably figure out how to change it, I just don't know where to look.
- Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk because the XDA app sucks.
marbertshere said:
I'm just curious but why did you want to create this mod? Prediction is the main attraction of SwiftKey. I mean, otherwise I would use any other keyboard. Just wondering and no offense meant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought the same when i saw this thread. that is pretty much the whole point of the keyboard (and flow for rapid typing), unless you only use it swiftkey for colorful themes lol, there are far better keyboards than swiftekey if you're only interested in themes. IMO
but you can disable the annoying automatic word correcting as i mention below (which is an annoying) while still keeping the prediction bar (which is very good just to use as spell checker too).
sharkie405 said:
I hate to be one of those people that asks irrelevant things in a thread, but since you are familiar with the inner workings of the Swiftke.apk, I figured you might be able and willing to help. The one thing I dislike about swiftkey is the auto-space feature that it has. Meaning after you type in a word, it automatically adds a space after. This is a huge pain in the butt when it comes to entering passwords and usernames. Do you know what file(s) in the apk would be responsible for this behavior? I could probably figure out how to change it, I just don't know where to look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that only happens (i think) if you have "complete the current word" or "always insert a prediction" selected in settings >advanced>spacebar completion mode. i have mine at "always insert a space" and ironically it doesn't insert a space only when you select a word from the prediction bar.
you can keep the prediction bar enabled and stop auto prediction and adding a space (where words are automatically corrected in input field you didn't want) by selecting the option i mentioned above.
tft said:
that only happens (i think) if you have "complete the current word" or "always insert a prediction" selected in settings >advanced>spacebar completion mode. i have mine at "always insert a space" and ironically it doesn't insert a space only when you select a word from the prediction bar.
you can keep the prediction bar enabled and stop auto prediction and adding a space (where words are automatically corrected in input field you didn't want) by selecting the option i mentioned above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it still happens, this is how I have it set and it still auto spaces which is annoying.
moneytoo said:
This module permanently disables prediction/autocomplete/completion/prediction bar within SwiftKey keyboard.
Future versions/updates of SwiftKey might break this mod. Tested working agains versions 5.0.1.87 and 5.0.2.4.
Disable SwiftKey Prediction is also available from Xposed Module Repository (source).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 1 whole year I regularly contacted Swiftkey and asked to fix this they never fixed it, issue is Swiftkey is taking COPIED text as TYPED text. It should take typed words only (this is big reason behind inaccurate/unneeded word prediction). Could you do something about it?
Below is the email i wrote to Swiftkey:
There is one ANNOYING feature I found in Swiftkey. I checked this twice thrice and informing you. The problem is: Saving the words what we type is good but BAD/WORST part is, it also saves the words when you just copy text from other sources for example: Copying random text or paragraph from webpages, Ebooks and Documents. Those text are NOT TYPED by the user and those words get copied to internal dictionary of Swiftkey which I don't like to be predicted while I type. I copy some stuff from webpages to read it later but it doesn't mean that I like all the words in that copied text and it should not add in internal dictionary of swiftkey. Please fix this ASAP.
P.S. I have English and Hindi language packs installed. Experiment yourself. Just copy the below words in text file and save it. I would never use the below words ever. While typing, long press on the below words and hit 'Do not predict again'. It will not predict. But when you open the text file you saved and select and copy those words, they will simply added to the dictionary of Swiftkey and you'll see them come across while you type.
Words:
chateau chatman chatham zuzana zyban zuma zu beau beaune beauregard
i always wanted to use Swiftkey because it looks good, but i hated the fact you can't turn prediction off. THANK YOU.
there is one minor bug though. the keyboard size gets messed up after changing the screen rotation. it ends up being either too tall or too short?
using it on stock-ish Note 3.
zmfl said:
there is one minor bug though. the keyboard size gets messed up after changing the screen rotation. it ends up being either too tall or too short?
using it on stock-ish Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seemed to me kinda weird one time I rotated it with keyboard opened... I see it now and will check it.
moneytoo said:
It seemed to me kinda weird one time I rotated it with keyboard opened... I see it now and will check it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tnx, i hope you can fix it
I thought it was the obfuscated method name but it is still the same. Seems like this was caused by later versions of SwiftKey - my two months old version is ok. So it's either waiting whatever new version will fix that or go through changes within apk and attempt to fix "their" bug. I will probably try in the next few days but no promise - it's really low priority for me.
thanx
thank you so much, i hated that bar. Finally. I don't know why they don't offer that option. They have that option in ios. It makes me angry how unthoughtful people are.
Swift Keyboard Rotation Bug
I absolutely love this mod mixed with the fact that you can change the size of keyboard. Both of these combined allow me to go landscape and still be able to see conversation while typing. Same bug though when I rotate it resizes to all sorts of weirdness. Would be like the greatest thing ever if you could fix. I know you said low priority but I would soooo donate if u could figure out.
This Mod disables "Quick Period with double tap spacebar" as well. I reckon that is not supposed to happen.
not working on 5.1.0.60
this mod doesn't work for me anymore on the new version 5.1.0.60
Great fix but unfortunately doesn't seem to work on latest version of SwiftKey, tried to downgrade to 5.0.5.95 but can't install previous version somehow .. Waiting for some update mate

4.x Jelly Bean keyboard

I'm wondering if anyone still has the original JellyBean keyboard knocking around. I'm not looking for a knockoff, or a keyboard based on the JellyBean keyboard, but the original keyboard. There used to be APK packages all over the place, but I haven't seen them in a long while and I find it incredibly difficult to use a keyboard that has no key boundaries.
If anyone out there still has the old APK somewhere, I'd very much appreciate a copy. I've spent the past two or three hours trawling old threads, but links are either dead or point elsewhere these days.
Whoa, 4.1 keyboard? First why? I'm intrigued by this. I respect the OG look and feel. I did some looking around and I have ran into the same problem as you. Let me suggest a few things if you have the free time.
1. Try grabbing it from one of those old roms that are based on 4.1/4.2.
2. Finding a old firmware from 4.1/4.2 again doing the same as the first.
That is my best bet for you. I do not see as this would be helpful though, as it probably wouldn't be compatible with the device you are running(I'm assuming at least 5.1 above.) I will do some more looking around for you and get back with ya.
Best of luck.
Dr.Lost said:
First why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the actual design of the keyboard. I need visible borders around keys because my hand-eye coordination is questionable at best, and the keyboards from android 5 and up got rid of individual buttons altogether.
Ripping it from firmware is my next option, but I'm not entirely convinced I can actually pull an installable APK from it. I'm having trouble with flashing on my phone, it's a bit hit & miss. I'll give it a shot anyway.
&Delinquent[$] said:
It's the actual design of the keyboard. I need visible borders around keys because my hand-eye coordination is questionable at best, and the keyboards from android 5 and up got rid of individual buttons altogether.
Ripping it from firmware is my next option, but I'm not entirely convinced I can actually pull an installable APK from it. I'm having trouble with flashing on my phone, it's a bit hit & miss. I'll give it a shot anyway.
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You can always download Gboard for the boarders, I believe it has an option for borders
Dr.Lost said:
You can always download Gboard for the boarders, I believe it has an option for borders
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Yes Google keyboard is the best and it has an option of separate keys. Get it on play store. No need to get android 4.1 keyboard. You can also try Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard.
Well, after occasionally looking, I finally found what I believe to be as close to the original keyboard as I will ever find. Google Keyboard was awful, by the way.
WARNING
I have not scanned the attached apk. I have merely included it for your convenience. I do not know whether or not the permission request for "phone" was legitimate. I did not grant this permission. If you use this keyboard, you do so at your own risk. Remember, this is years-old and may be vulnerable.

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