Handwriting Recognition

[MobileMan]

What about a handwriting recognition app for writing text messages? I saw that feature in another phone. Also a on screen keyboard. Those are two apps I would like to have.

[Shel]

Screen keyboard has already been announced, will be out 1st qtr 2009.

I doubt handwriting will be seen soon. The G1 doesn't come with a stylus, plus, of the handwriting software I've used in the past, it works VERY poorly.

There are simply too many different handwriting styles for it to work well, at least, that's what I've seen so far.

[KlaymenDK]

I doubt handwriting will be seen soon. The G1 doesn't come with a stylus, plus, of the handwriting software I've used in the past, it works VERY poorly.

Is it even possible to use the G1 with a stylus, seeing as it has a capacitative touch screen? I think it does need a finger (ungloved, even).

In that regard, the problem is just as much a the (lack of) usability in "finger painting" your handwriting, than it is a software issue.

There are simply too many different handwriting styles for it to work well, at least, that's what I've seen so far.

True, I'm not impressed with the recognition system on Symbian. However, I'm very impressed by the speed and accuracy of Palm Graffiti (note, I've been a Palm user for several years, still am in fact).

But that's discussing the handwriting system (hw/sw) -- allowing for different handwriting styles is a comparatively simple matter! "Different strokes for different folk", as they say -- allowing users to customize their strokes results in very impressive usability.

A very good example of this is TealScript, without which I wouldn't have been so happy about Palm Graffiti, it really makes that much of a difference. I'm sure something similar can and will be made for the Android platform -- if stylus-based handwriting is possible at all.

[tranz]

MobileWriter is a pretty good app which gives you Graffiti, Graffiti2, or a "printed style handwriting" for direct input. I am having good luck with it presently, and simply use my finger. I believe that styli are now available which work on at least the Moto A855, but I don't find to be necessary. I'll try one, but will have to order online.

I've asked the developer to give us users the ability to have entry and display areas similarly situated and proportioned to the old PalmPilots and Sony Clie's. I'm an "old Palmy" and am struggling with the "productivity" problems of my DROID. MobileWrite in it's present state is helping, but I'm really hoping that it too is improved, and becomes popular enough to help the developer to help all of us.

If you are interested in getting a good "Handwriting recognition" input option available to us, try MobileWriter, and send a note to the developer with your feelings once you've tried it. His documentation is very good, and he seems open to suggestion. A "trial version" is available, which can be uninstalled and re-installed if you need more time to try it before being sure.

There's also an app called "shapewriter" which has gotten some attention, but I found to be unusable without a stylus and probably a method of "calibration".

[Super Noob]

For an on-screen keyboard, I highly recommend the HTC keyboard. It works portrait or landscape, and has good word recommendation as you type:

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f...ouch-3g-22181/

As for handwriting recognition, it worked great on a Palm Pilot so the more powerful android phones should be able to handle it.

I would love to find a stylus that works on the capacitive touch of the Samsung Moment. The app "Note Everything" has a paint note where you scribble with your finger and you can send the .jpg file even, but my finger is too fat to write legibly.

[TomChavez]

Great news! ACCESS has released Graffiti for Android. Download for free from the Android Market. Supports the original Graffiti input system that everyone knows and loves from the PDA days. Built-in help screens guide you in learning the Graffiti strokes.