Get the Gingerbread Keyboard on Any Android Phone, No Root Required

coldfire1x

For 2.2 : http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DBUTIPCJ
For 2.1 : http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6XMONLC1

To install:

1. Download the file appropriate to your OS (download the file from here if you’re on Froyo; if you’re running Éclair, grab it from here).
2. On your computer, move it to the root (or the main folder) of your phone’s SD card.
3. Unplug your phone from your computer, enter your favorite file manager, and install the APK.

Alternatively, you can download the file directly to your phone and install it as you would any other APK – simply select it from the notification bar when it’s done downloading and hit "Install."
4. Open the "Settings" application, go to "Language and Keyboard," and enable the "Gingerbread Keyboard."
5. Go to any text field, long press it, select "Input Method," and select "Gingerbread Keyboard."

The obvious advantage here is the availability of an Éclair version, but there’s actually another bonus: you can install this keyboard alongside the regular Android keyboard that has been with us since 1.6, an option that was not available in the previous version. As they say, it’s the best of both worlds!

Source: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/12/17/gingerbread-keyboard-now-available-as-an-apk-file-for-users-on-clair-and-froyo/

coldfire1x

Just to add, I am on 2.2 and have the default, Swype and Gingerbread keyboard. All seem to be working fine and I can select any of them.

Mitch Connor

doesn't work for me.

Get a 'Force Close' error whenever i try to use it.

Stock 2.2 on Desire HD.

jwcurtin

Mitch Connor wrote: »

doesn't work for me.

Get a 'Force Close' error whenever i try to use it.

Stock 2.2 on Desire HD.

Also have the same problem on HTC Legend, with rooted 2.2 sense rom

M450

So what are the advantages of the newer keyboard? I've sent one message but haven't noticed anything different other than skin...

coldfire1x

You need to allow application from Unknown sources.

Setting->Applications->Unknown Souces (Select yes)

Here's what I did:
1. Downloaded the file on my pc.
2. Connected the Desire through USB and copied the file (Alternatively you can download directly on your mobile).
3. Turn on the setting.
4. Opened the file in ES Explorer

And everything worked fine....

coldfire1x

More info: http://www.ezdia.com/epad/download-install-gingerbread-keyboard-android-phone/4596/

Ghandee

Seems like a lotta effort for very little reward tbh.

coldfire1x

Its not lotta effort tbh, if you know what needs to be done then it will take 2 min max.

Gucky wrote: »

Seems like a lotta effort for very little reward tbh.

ongarite

Using HTC Sync is the easy way to install the apk if you are using a HTC phone.

Connect up your phone to PC, open HTC Sync & click on Application Installer and point to the Gingerbread keyboard apk and thats it.

S.M.B.

Just hours after Google latest android version – Gingerbread SDK was released, its makers have been continuously improving the features of the new mobile operating system. One of the outstanding features of the new operating system is its keyboard. Gingerbread’s keyboard enables you to remove punctuations through long press. This punctuation features can only be accessed by scrolling. Moreover, the keyboard has new settings key which are present in the earlier android versions. Gingerbread keyboard also comes in portable version that can be easily on your rooted android devices. Peter Alfonso is the man behind this latest development in the Gingerbread keyboard features. Follow the steps below to download and install Gingerbread keyboard on your android device.

I'm even more unsure as to what features the keyboard has after reading that!!!!

coldfire1x

S.M.B. wrote: »

I'm even more unsure as to what features the keyboard has after reading that!!!!

The keys are definitely better shaped than the default keyboard making it easier type.

BionicRasher

Downloaded to my Desire with no problems through the link mentioned. You need to ensure you have the Unknown Sources ticked in Settings -> Applications.

It works a dream. Its much like Swiftkey except the keys kind of pop up when you press them - it learns as you go as well. Key spacing is good too

I am not sure if I will change from Swiftkey just yet however as the Gingerbread one is a bit off still but hopefully a bit more work will get it up to speed

akamossie

i have it installed but can't find in the keyboard section, turned off my phone and on again still the same, just showing the three defaults keyboards. Any thoughts?

akamossie

coldfire1x wrote: »

More info: http://www.ezdia.com/epad/download-install-gingerbread-keyboard-android-phone/4596/

stated there must have rooted phone.

I guess thats why its not working as i have the HTC desire and not rooted

Otacon

I have a rooted 2.1 X10. Downloaded the APK and installed it. Have Unknown Sources ticked. It even says it has installed successfully.

...but when I go to the Input Method box, there is no 'Gingerbread Keyboard' listed. Does it override the main Android keyboard then?

akamossie

same here

coldfire1x

Does it override the main Android keyboard then?

No it doesnt.

If you have installed it then here's what you need to do:
1. Settings->Language & Keyboard->Gingerbread Keyboard (Enable it - checkbox).
2. Now when you go to compose new messages, press and hold in the empty space where it says 'Tap to compose'. That will give you the Input method. Select Gingerbread keyboard and you are ready to use it.

coldfire1x

akamossie wrote: »

stated there must have rooted phone.

I guess thats why its not working as i have the HTC desire and not rooted

That's not right, my Desire is not rooted and its working fine. I even have Swype beta installed.

bogman

akamossie wrote: »

stated there must have rooted phone.

I guess thats why its not working as i have the HTC desire and not rooted

My HD's not rooted, didnt have Swype beta and it installed/worked right away, reckon the beta version is free but as soon as the general release arrives it will be a paid app

coldfire1x

* Shift+Key to capitalize a word: In Gingerbread (and supported hardware), you can Shift+Key to capitalize a letter instead of going to a separate all caps keyboard. This is a lot like how you can slide from the shift key to a letter in iOS.

* Auto-complete: The space bar lights up when auto-complete can finish a word.

* Quick replace: Tap on any previously typed word, then tap on a suggestion to automatically replace it with the suggested word. Also similar to, but kind of better than, how iOS now does spelling suggestions.

* Easy access to special characters (like numbers, punctuation): Press and hold any key to go to the special character keyboard. You can also press and hold the "," key for an extensive punctuation keyboard.

eorpach

Dowloaded it using the link and followed the installation instructions from coldfire1x. It installed in seconds on Samsung Galaxy S (Froyo).

This new keyboard is fantastic for people with big fingers - the keys are fairly far apart - something which has always been a big gripe of mine about the default keyboard.

Thank you!

P.S. I also like how you can set it up to effortlessly switch between English and Irish (by rubbing your finger across the spacebar)

gbob

Nice one op.. works great on my galaxy tab.

Keith186

coldfire1x wrote: »

* Quick replace: Tap on any previously typed word, then tap on a suggestion to automatically replace it with the suggested word. Also similar to, but kind of better than, how iOS now does spelling suggestions.

Does this work for you guys?

If I type 'donner' and want to change it to dinner I tap 'Donner' and tap the dinner suggestion but it just ends up throwing the word in where the cursor was i.e: DonDinnerner

It never replaces the old word. If I double tap the word to highlight it the suggestions menu goes and I just get the !?, "': options.

I'm on the original desire.

Zascar

I get this too

calex71

coldfire1x wrote: »

No it doesnt.

If you have installed it then here's what you need to do:
1. Settings->Language & Keyboard->Gingerbread Keyboard (Enable it - checkbox).
2. Now when you go to compose new messages, press and hold in the empty space where it says 'Tap to compose'. That will give you the Input method. Select Gingerbread keyboard and you are ready to use it.

Worked a treat thanks for that.

Oh I'm on a 2.1 Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 unrooted.

Zascar

First time I tried it it was slow and weird but I think it was my rom, I reinstalled and now its brilliant! So much better, I hated having to long press or go to a different screen for commas etc.

I have not tried Swype or Swift keyboards yet, are they any better, worth it?

hongler

Hey all,

Just downloaded the gbkb.apk to my phone (unrooted Desire running 2.2). I tried installing from the notifications bar but I got a 'parsing' error.
Its currently in the download folder on the sd card but I have no option to install it in Astro File Manager, probably missed something simple.....

Any help appreciated.

S.M.B.

I'm finding Swpes latest beta release to be their best yet.

Everyone should grab it before it closes again.

Zascar

Linky?

S.M.B.

Swype Beta

robinph

Am I missing a setting somewhere, or is there no "wobble" feedback thingy with this keyboard?

TheDoc

worked as easy as pie, downloaded file from through my phone and it wasy easy as ****

Keith186

robinph wrote: »

Am I missing a setting somewhere, or is there no "wobble" feedback thingy with this keyboard?

Its in settings.

JimiMac

I downloaded the keyboard ok and it's selected in the keyboard settings but I can't see any difference to the previous keyboard- either it's appearance or features. ??

coldfire1x

JimiMac wrote: »

I downloaded the keyboard ok and it's selected in the keyboard settings but I can't see any difference to the previous keyboard- either it's appearance or features. ??

You need to do this.

If you have installed it then here's what you need to do:
1. Settings->Language & Keyboard->Gingerbread Keyboard (Enable it - checkbox).
2. Now when you go to compose new messages, press and hold in the empty space where it says 'Tap to compose'. That will give you the Input method. Select Gingerbread keyboard and you are ready to use it.

JimiMac

coldfire1x wrote: »

You need to do this.

If you have installed it then here's what you need to do:
1. Settings->Language & Keyboard->Gingerbread Keyboard (Enable it - checkbox).
2. Now when you go to compose new messages, press and hold in the empty space where it says 'Tap to compose'. That will give you the Input method. Select Gingerbread keyboard and you are ready to use it.

Just done that and it worked fine- Thanks coldfire!

bd250110

Thanks for the link.

Just added this to my desire on 2.2. It's a lovely keyboard. Much better than stock froyo/HTC keyboard. I like the punctuation bar along the top of the keyboard. The keyboard is really, really close to iPhone now and is, in some aspects, better. Make the phone much more agreeable.

I've been using my desire in preference to my iPhone 4 all weekend and loving the speed of the thing. It's insane. The colours on the S-LCD looks awesome too. (I dont remember my previous AOLED desire bin as nice or as crisp). I still think the Market is a bit weak, the perfect solution for me is one of each! Lol.

Zascar

It would be great if they had a smilie button like the Swifkey keyboard does.

eoferrall

Zascar wrote: »

It would be great if they had a smilie button like the Swifkey keyboard does.

It does, the bottom left button puts in a smiley and if held brings up a pop-up with all the smilies

Zascar

Ehhhhh, unless I'm doing something very wrong, I do not have that button. Bottom left brings up the numbers and characters keyboard. Yes you can type : - ) but the swiftkey actually gives you a list of smilies: http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/swiftkey-new-beta.png

eoferrall

Zascar wrote: »

Ehhhhh, unless I'm doing something very wrong, I do not have that button. Bottom left brings up the numbers and characters keyboard. Yes you can type : - ) but the swiftkey actually gives you a list of smilies: http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/swiftkey-new-beta.png

ehhh.. not to sure what is happening here but my phone has that button using the gingerbread apk in OP! one tap gives : - ) and a hold brings up a pop up with 15 smilies. I'm on stock android 2.2.1 on nexus one, not sure if that will make a difference?

mine looks like this:

the smilie changes to a go button when in search or the browser bar.