Database Develop

[Think tank] Map menu long press to keyboard (not search)

Since the vibrant doesn't have a secondary input like most android devices, it's even more vital that we have unfettered access to the keyboard and its soft arrow keys. Unfortunately long pressing the menu button in some applications (notably the browser) brings up SEARCH rather than the keyboard by itself. That means no arrow keys for text selection or link highlighting.
This has been discussed previously in general at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=776792
How difficult would it be to remap the long press of the menu key to bring up the keyboard by itself?

After researching it some on my own, it looks like I need to come up with a way to call showSoftInput() from one of the softkeys. It'd be ideal if I could get that to happen on menu long press, but if that's too far buried in proprietary configuration I'd settle for replacing the google voice search app mapped to the Search button long press.
Anyone have any tips on mapping system functions to a hardware key normally used for app launching? The lack of any keyboard in the browser is seriously inhibiting my ability to use this phone.

Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

fit333 said:
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, buth then you have to use dxtop. *non fan of dxtop*

fit333 said:
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dxtop takes over the long press of buttons only in the home screen context, and it doesn't use any of them to launch the keyboard. Plus there's no way to configure any of it so it's not really the same at all.
What I'm looking for is to alter one of the long press actions in a system-wide way to launch the soft keyboard.

cbisquit said:
After researching it some on my own, it looks like I need to come up with a way to call showSoftInput() from one of the softkeys. It'd be ideal if I could get that to happen on menu long press, but if that's too far buried in proprietary configuration I'd settle for replacing the google voice search app mapped to the Search button long press.
Anyone have any tips on mapping system functions to a hardware key normally used for app launching? The lack of any keyboard in the browser is seriously inhibiting my ability to use this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried emailing Anderweb? ADW launcher intercepts the home button. You might be able to do something similar. It might only work on the home screen though, as his app is running there. For a system wide thing you might need to mod the underlying OS files, framework maybe? I'm not sure where that stuff launches. You could try asking one of the Cyanogen devs, they might have found it. They add stuff to the power button long press menu at least.

Certain apps (Visual Task Switcher and Itching Thumb) remap the search and home buttons to open themselves. I imagine this same idea could be used for the menu button, but I've never seen it.
I don't always complain, but when I do, I #BlameWes

some success...
Well I got a little app to work at opening the keyboard on long press of the SEARCH key. I don't want to override the home function, which is what ADW for instance does. The only other button that has an available intent as far as I can tell is search. This is my first java anything, so I wouldn't expect much out of it (it may not even work on anyone's phone but mine) but maybe someone with better android chops can use it as a proof-of-concept for what I was thinking. Install it and when you long press the search key you can choose "Search for Keyboard!"
One pretty major caveat... the swype soft cursor doesn't act anything like I'd wanted when I was envisioning this. There's no "execute" button that works like a click, so while you can use the soft arrows to select links it's not gonna do you much good. Also there's no way to effectively use "select text" in the browser. Concept 2, if I ever get around to it, would probably be more like a replacement touchpad area below the current application window.

i would like to see an app to remap long press menu on my i9000, anyone has success? thx

Another reason to ditch Samsung firmware and use AOSP-based ROMs, like CyanogenMod or MIUI.
FYI, nearly every "ROM" made for Galaxy S phones are Samsung firmware. They're not built from source like ROMs for other decent Android phones, they are just original Samsung builds being modified like nuts. And they use the same Samsung framework (though usually customized for themes and removing of annoyances like battery-full popup), and usually still include most of Samsung's stupid fixes that make their Galaxy S system software the most different in structure compared to any other Android system.
By using AOSP firmware like CyanogenMod and MIUI, these problems (like menu-button keyboard binding getting screwed up by Samsung) don't exist, because they were never present in official Android release. When problems do come up for AOSP, they get fixed quick because the source code is actually available.
Summarized process of development:
Samsung-based ROMs: What's broken or runs like ****? Try to fix it. Hack hack hack, hope it works, if it fails try again. Submit to XDA
CyanogenMod (in general): If there is a problem, try to fix it. Write code, build, test. Make sure it works before putting it in "stable" branch. After that think of brand new useful feature to implement, code it, bug test a lot, request it to be used in official releases or just make your own CyanogenMod-based ROM with your own enhancements, like BiffMod for the HTC Dream.
Btw, the reason why Samsung put this keybind is because the original international Galaxy S doesn't have a dedicated search key, so they set the search function up with the menu button. Our problem is that Samsung was a lazyass and forgot to change back that binding to the original for the Vibrant, which does have a dedicated search button and doesn't need the menu binding to search.

But aosp roms have other problems like poor 3d performance and no gps/compass. If the issues get worked out, I suspect many devs will be switching to aosp builds.

Open Split Keyboard

I'm working on a new free split keyboard designed for people who use connectbot or have other full keyboard needs. It's out on the market now. I've heard there are problems on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. I'm still waiting for a logcat from someone with a tab to send me a log cat. It currently only supports 1280x (xoom) resolution devices. Any suggestions on changes to the key layout? I'll probably be adding a Dvorak mode soon (the original version had it).
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.doubtech.inputmethod.latin&feature=search_result
This is an early release of a free Holo themed split keyboard. It currently only supports 1280x800 screens (Xoom, Iconia Tab, etc).
Notable Features
* Selectable Themes (Holographic, Gingerbread, Stone)
* Multiple keyboard modes (split, full, and one handed)
* 100% customizable key and key label color combinations. See the "Colorize" options in Theme Settings on the keyboard preference page.
Keyboard Selection Gestures:
* Swipe right or left to toggle keyboards swipes must be pretty large (avoids accidental keyboard changes)
Change Log
Added support for setting key background and label colors.
--
Fixed a bug where keyboard wouldn't reload after a full system reboot.
--
Removed gesture mode in favor of using swipes for switching keyboards. Gestures were preventing some multitouch capabilities from working.
--
Added ability to change keyboard theme (see Keyboard Theme option in preferences).
Rearranged keyboard so space and other functions are farther from the notification bar.

I am trying it out now and its so far better than the tablet keyboard free I was using. I like the predictive text, but it lags a little.

Been checking it out for the last couple hours. Buttons are a little small but I really like the look and function. Great job.

I like it because it flows more with the HC UI and design.
I know it's an early build so I took that into account.
Right off the bat, you can tell that it just LOOKS nice. Functionally, I have only a few issues which don't take away from the effort that the Dev is putting into this.
The keys are a little small so there is more room for making typo's.
The auto-correct needs some more polish.
I use Thumb Keyboard 4 and like the ability to switch between 1 of 3 layouts (Split, Full and One Handed).
There is a bit more wasted space between the key sections which could be used to make the keys slightly larger.
Regardless of those minor issues, I have been using it all day and quite honestly am getting used to it and am liking what I see, a LOT.
I'll keep this installed and updated to keep an eye on what comes out. A lot of promise and if this is a preview of what else this Dev can do, keep an eye on their other stuff!!!

Ok, why do keyboard devs HATE putting a comma key on the main keydoard sceeen? LOL!
Oh, other than the comma thing, when pressing and holding the backspace key, it does the repeat.
Also, when ending a sentence, doing a dounle space, it does not perfoem an auto period.
Does not auto capiltalize the letter i when placed on it's own.
I'm going to keep using it though!!!!!!

Timbledore said:
The keys are a little small so there is more room for making typo's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The keys are that small so there is little stretching to reach the main keys. I could possibly make this customizable, but that would be down the road (not a simple task).
Timbledore said:
The auto-correct needs some more polish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure when I'll get to mess with this, I don't really use it so it's lower priority for me
Timbledore said:
I use Thumb Keyboard 4 and like the ability to switch between 1 of 3 layouts (Split, Full and One Handed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you think of the layouts on the attached screenshots for one handed mode?
For full I usually just switch to the regular keyboard, but it wouldn't be hard to add a full keyboard mode as well.

I love the look but i would love for:
Fast backspacing (only one at a time right now)
Make the .com and ?123 larger buttons
And possibly make the letter keys a little?diffdrent from number keys as it is a somewhat hard to tell
Put ! On the main keyboard
Other than that amazing!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

New Version on Market
I fixed the problem with backspace not repeating.

New Release
I put the latest version on the market. It includes a new full keyboard and a swappable one handed keyboard. You can now swype or use gestures to switch between keyboards. Let me know if there's anything about keyboard layouts that you would like to see changed.

Great work but there needs to be a little change between letters and everything else. The different colors make the stock one easy to use. If you improve your ease of use, you can start charging money( and possibly donating it to your favorite charity?)
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

craby1925 said:
Great work but there needs to be a little change between letters and everything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you'd like to see more space between characters?
craby1925 said:
The different colors make the stock one easy to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you thinking possibly a slightly lighter color for numeric characters vs alpha characters or are you requesting a theme more like the stock keyboard altogether?

Ok, love this keyboard with a couple of exceptions :
1) space key is too close to the bottom, I keep touching the home key or the notification bar...
2) I accidentally switched it to full size and I want it split again...I don't even know how I got it to full...
Other than that this is awesome.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

rmarquez1974 said:
1) space key is too close to the bottom, I keep touching the home key or the notification bar...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm working on that problem right now.
rmarquez1974 said:
2) I accidentally switched it to full size and I want it split again...I don't even know how I got it to full...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several ways to switch keyboard modes.
* There is a keyboard button on the bottom row of each keyboard that will switch to the next keyboard mode. If you want a list of keyboard types (Split, One Handed, or Full) you can long press the keyboard key to get a popup menu.
* You can also switch keyboards by swiping to the right or left.
* You can go straight to the split keyboard by drawing a S on the keyboard
Would a lock keyboard mode button help with the accidentally swapping keyboard problem?

yolan said:
I'm working on that problem right now.
There are several ways to switch keyboard modes.
* There is a keyboard button on the bottom row of each keyboard that will switch to the next keyboard mode. If you want a list of keyboard types (Split, One Handed, or Full) you can long press the keyboard key to get a popup menu.
* You can also switch keyboards by swiping to the right or left.
* You can go straight to the split keyboard by drawing a S on the keyboard
Would a lock keyboard mode button help with the accidentally swapping keyboard problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the idea of a lock mode!
Thanks for the quick response! Got my split back, oh yeah!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

New Version on Market
Turns out the last couple revisions didn't get released (goofy new multiapk changes to market publishing).
This version includes:
* Ability to change themes. People who like the gingerbread theme can now switch to it if they go to Keyboard Settings->Keyboard Theme
* There's now space between the spacebar and other core bottom row keys and the notification bar.
* You can disable gestures so you don't accidentally change keyboards or you just don't like gestures. (See "Disable Gestures" in Keyboard Settings)
* You can lock the selected keyboard so you don't accidentally change keyboards. (See "Lock keyboard to selected keyboard?" in Keyboard Settings)
* Colors on space and other control keys have changed in holo mode.

yolan said:
Turns out the last couple revisions didn't get released (goofy new multiapk changes to market publishing).
This version includes:
* Ability to change themes. People who like the gingerbread theme can now switch to it if they go to Keyboard Settings->Keyboard Theme
* There's now space between the spacebar and other core bottom row keys and the notification bar.
* You can disable gestures so you don't accidentally change keyboards or you just don't like gestures. (See "Disable Gestures" in Keyboard Settings)
* You can lock the selected keyboard so you don't accidentally change keyboards. (See "Lock keyboard to selected keyboard?" in Keyboard Settings)
* Colors on space and other control keys have changed in holo mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. That's all I gotta say...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

New version out. I changed the gesture method for switching keyboards. Using actual gestures was breaking multitouch features of the keyboard so I switched to using swipe gestures for switching keyboard. This method is also less sensitive so you are less likely to accidentally switch keyboards.

I think I found a bug. Might be the xoom or the rom not sure.
Issue is if I reboot, I lose the setting for this keyboard. I tried to re-enable this keyboard in settings but it was not in the list. I had to uninstall it after trying to clear the cache in applications which didn't work.
Only uninstall/install brought it back.
Anything you would like me to check or test?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

rmarquez1974 said:
I think I found a bug. Might be the xoom or the rom not sure.
Issue is if I reboot, I lose the setting for this keyboard. I tried to re-enable this keyboard in settings but it was not in the list. I had to uninstall it after trying to clear the cache in applications which didn't work.
Only uninstall/install brought it back.
Anything you would like me to check or test?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good find. I think I found it and it should be fixed now. I had the problem and the fix works on my Xoom. After you get updated let me know if you can still repeat the problem.

yolan said:
Good find. I think I found it and it should be fixed now. I had the problem and the fix works on my Xoom. After you get updated let me know if you can still repeat the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It survived a reboot, all my settings are still set. Great job!
I really dig this keyboard!
I'd even pay for a key or something,
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

[Q] Help, Swype annoyances/issues

So I've been using swype recently and some things really bug me and have no idea how to fix it. Every time I want to type something and the swype keyboard comes up, it always has the selector arrow present. So if i want to type anything that starts in the upper left right where W is, I have to wait like 3 seconds for the arrow to disappear otherwise, accidentally hit the arrow.
PS. can someone also tell me how to DELETE words. "Soooooo" is in the dictionary for some reason -_-

Not sure to what selection arrow you are referring, but if you go into Swype settings (long press the Swype key) there is an option to manage three user dictionary.
Sent from my Cappy

when you first hit a text box, the swype keyboard comes up. there is a selector slider arrow in the text field, light blue right where the "W" key is on the captivate portrait mode.
i know of the user dictionary, however, is there a way to delete the built swype words..

itsxiao said:
when you first hit a text box, the swype keyboard comes up. there is a selector slider arrow in the text field, light blue right where the "W" key is on the captivate portrait mode.
i know of the user dictionary, however, is there a way to delete the built swype words..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think there is a way to delete from the prebuilt dictionary unless you modified the root file somehow.
Heres a little bit on swype though. I love it. I have used it for almost 2 years now as my only keyboard because Im sold on texting and typing with one hand. Heres the bad part. Swype tries to be an application that can go on almost any Android phone. This attempt to be universal really makes for an application that doesnt perform to its peak on any one phone. To elaborate, swype always has background processes running. Why? Why does a keyboard need that? Second, it does have bugs. More than once it just stopped letting me input text and I was forced to uninstall and reinstall the beta application.
So pick your poison here. You can deal with an app that isnt going to ever be what it could be, or pick a keyboard made for your phone or just one made better. (I stuck with swype.)

Pretty sure the stock keyboard runs in the background too. And when it locks up on you, just switch to the stock keyboard and it will have frozen too. Then switch back
Sent from my CM9 ICS i897 Captivate

Swype pet peeves
It turned out to a bloatware with Swype connect spying on you.
I'm using stock Samsung KB on ICS, it has my 2 languages. Not ideal for everyone. There is also Android KB which has all the langs.

[Q] S-Pen button... is it "re-assignable"? (for instant keyboard switch)

Hi
I need to change keyboards not fast... instantly. I have a handwriting IME and a normal [Japanese] keyboard that I regularly need one or the other. The process of lowering the bar, tapping the keyboard and then switching is too cumbersome.
So I was thinking... how useless the S-Pen button is in the current state (for me at least). I don't use any of it's "commands", nor to open the S-Memo or anything. Can it be assigned to something else? It would be great that it could be used to change the keyboard. Like, if I push the button while clicking a text box, it would open the handwriting IME. And if I just click the text box without the button, it opens up the regular keyboard.
Is there any app or any way to do this?
Otherwise, is there something (aside the S-Pen button) that can help in "instant switching" the keyboard?

Multi-ling keyboard will probably solve that keyboard issu, but it's a no for changing the button function.

Hi,
Isn't there an option in Samsung Keyboard which will automatically open handwriting pad is s pen is used?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Re: [Q] S-Pen button... is it "re-assignable"? (for instant keyboard switch)
There is but for some reason it doesn't work on mine. Not only that, but the T with pen button is greyed out on the keyboard.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Keyboard lag

There is a slight delay switching from the letter keyboard to the numbers and signs keyboard. I would be texting and trying to put a ? But because I am typing to fast it appears as a k instead of a ?
Is anyone else having this problem?
Sent from my HTC One

I find the HTC keyboard also a bit laggy. But I switched back to the official paid version of Swype. No lags and better imho.

I tried Swype didn't really like it. Gonna try other keyboards. But the lag is gone from Swype but I don't like how the keyboard has a Swype key where the symbols key suppose to be. Also the vibrate on the Swype key is too intense compared to the HTC keyboard.
Sent from my HTC One

I use swift key for typing. Very accurate and better than stock. Don't like the design as much though. Also like it better than swype which I tried out for a bit.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I'm trying to use swift right now which is a lot better the swipe Imo. But I am used to traditional way of inserting symbols and numbers where the numbers were on top and symbols at the bottom two rows. Because I came from iPhone which I've been using for the past 3 years.
But this one gives a number pad with symbols on the right side of the keyboard. But I set so I don't have to hold down as long for symbols which is very good and I might stick to this keyboard. I feel it is a lot better then the stock keyboard. I feel I would be typing a lot faster once I get used to holding down keys for symbols and numbers.
But is there a way to add words to your dictionary? Cause tapping the word on the suggestions doesn't say added to dictionary.
Sent from my HTC One