On-Screen Keyboard thoughts

[sullitf]

So one of the biggest pieces of software I think is missing out of the box is an on-screen keyboard. It doesn't need anything special, just something that can be used to input web addresses, passwords, etc. without having to flip open the keyboard. I am not designing my own app to fill this void and thought I would see if anyone here has any particular requests/recommendations for the design.

I am thinking it shouldn't be a full qwerty given the width of the screen and intended use. It will only be for quick input when the full qwerty isn't needed, so T-9 should be fine. Also, I think the T-9's 3 column design will provide easier thumb input compared to a full qwerty or BB Pearl style keyboard. I was originally thinking predictive text would be best, but after thinking about it again I think the classic press-three-times-for-C design may do better for web addresses and passwords. I will use the regular keyboard design for cel phones with 2 holding a,b,c; 3 holding d,e,f; etc. Where the * symbol normally is will instead be a general "sym" or symbol button that brings up a small menu for punctuation, etc. Instead of the # sign in the bottom right I'm thinking a backspace button, possibly with a long press action for enter/return.

Any thoughts on this? What kind of on-screen keyboard would you guys want to use? Oh and in case anyone is wondering, if I complete it and it works well I'll be releasing it as freeware, not tryin to charge for a simple keyboard app. It won't be anything special, hopefully something that is functional and usable throughout Android while fitting the overall theme and look of android.

[DesignDawg]

I agree it should have had something. can't be too hard to write. Even the first Palms had them. That said, I agree with a lot of what you're saying about ideals, etc. --But I imagine there are going to be SO MANY to choose from so quickly, we're hardly going to have to request anything. We appreciate the thought going into it, though! Good luck if you try to pursue it!

[Chotpy]

As long as it takes up a small portion of the screen and not half of it, I'll love it

[nickmgray]

I'm sure the good folks over at www.pocketcm.com might be able to put somethign together. Their PockCM Keyboard is probably the bestthink to happen to WM devices in the past few years. I'm not sure if they will be porting anything over to Android, but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[( o\_/o )]

I'm sure the good folks over at www.pocketcm.com might be able to put somethign together. Their PockCM Keyboard is probably the bestthink to happen to WM devices in the past few years. I'm not sure if they will be porting anything over to Android, but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to ask.

i have tryed to contact these guys but they wont answer!!!! pls if someone finds an onscreen keyboard for the g1 pls send me the link to my g1 email

trcatcher59@gmail.com

i really need one to be able to txt in class yeah its hard to keep in hidden from teachers during school

[elingreen]

From: http://source.android.com/roadmap

Q1 2009


Input method framework (IMF)

This feature will enable support for input methods other than physical keyboards, for example soft keyboards. IMF will also enable application developers to provide IME (see below) applications based on the framework.

Input method engines (IME)

IME will support soft keyboards, a dictionary of suggestions, and a suggestion algorithm. The Android platform may contain few reference IMEs, and developers can provide IME applications through the Android Market.