If you’re like me and haven’t jumped on the Swype band wagon yet, you may use both thumbs to type away on your virtual keyboard.
Motorola’s new DROID X comes out July 15th, but that doesn’t mean you can’t goof around with some of it’s fancy features on your own Android device already; like the DROID X’s new multi-touch virtual keyboard.
Have you ever noticed yourself missing a letter here and there because your thumbs speedily pressing two different keys at the same time?
Auto-correct is helpful in this area, but what if the keyboard was better, say allowing you to type on two keys at the same type? (ie. instead of shift+w+shift+h+shift+a+shift+t=”WHAT”, you can just hold shift and type w-h-a-t like a desktop keyboard)
The multi-touch keyboard is one of the cooler features on Motorola’s new DROID X. I still dig my Droid Incredible more, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bum some of the DROID X’s sweat features. Especially when it’s real easy to do (thanks to the great people at the XDA-forums).
Check it:
The Steps:
*Root not required – Works on most 2.1 devices – Definitely works on Droid Incredible*
- Download this to your SD card: Multi_Touch_Keyboard_Fixed.apk
- After you’ve added it to your SD card, hit “Install”
- Once it’s finished, go to Settings>Language & Keyboard
- Select “Multi-touch keyboard” with the check-box
- Exit and find a text input (ie. messages or mail or browser)
- Long-press in the text box and select “Input method”
- Select “Multi-touch keyboard” and you’re done!
It should look something like this to the right: And in landscape: 
A few thoughts coming off of HTC’s virtual keyboard:
- I could not get the vibrate on keypress to work, but I never use it anyway, so I’m good there. Whether or not that’s a deal breaker, that’s up to you.
- The “Hide Keyboard” button is gone. You can hit “back” for that, or you quickly place your finger at the top of the keyboard and slide down.
- Button spacing and size is nicer with the DROID X’s keyboard for me.
- Hit the “.,” button twice for a comma. Took me longer than it should have to figure that out.
- Auto-correct is different (and I think it’s better: ie. “well” gives you the option to select “we’ll”). Give it a few days to get used to it and for it to get used to you before you make up your mind.
- You can always revert back to your old keyboard by following steps 5-7 above, except select “Touch Input” instead.
- Once, while in the stock browser, there was some may-JAH typing delay. Haven’t been able to replicate it, but if it happens again or continues, I don’t know if we’ll still be BFFs
- It took me a little while to get re-used to the # button to be on the bottom-left from the bottom-right. It’s just one of those things.
It’s mostly preference. I love it, and can type even faster and more accurate than HTC’s keyboard. I know Swype is “THE thing” right now, but I haven’t been able to put it to good use. Partly due to my Zagg screen protector that makes my finger slide like someone’s un-watered Slip ‘n Slide.
This is one thing I enjoy with the Android community; we love choice, and to share and mooch off our device’s features. Something to keep in mind when developing your own community. Have you tried it? What are your thoughts?
Source: XDA Forums
I’m on the Motorola DROID, largely because I prefer the physical keypad. But this is pretty cool, and I echo your statement about the choice and ability to mooch in the Android community!
Nice review of the functionality. I might have to try it… just because.
“I might have to try it… just because” <<~~~ That's the Android mentality if I ever saw one.
Doesn’t work on my Hero, I’m bummed! I was looking forward to this…
Bummer! The Hero is still a pretty sweet device, especially in its heyday. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that it seems to have its limitations on what all can go on there.