Google has released the latest version of its mobile operating system (version 2.3) named Gingerbread on the Android’s second birthday. While version 2.2 code-named Froyo was major in terms of improving speed, performance. Gingerbread focuses on improving user interface with new keyboard layout, support for internet and video calls, better gaming and media experience.
The most talked about feature of Android Gingerbread is new Gingerbread keyboard layout that is totally redesigned and optimized for faster text input and editing. The input keys are reshaped and repositioned for improved targeting so that keys will be press accurately even at high speeds.
The best part of the keyboard is the new improved feature of selecting the text. The new feature of selecting text is smart in Gingerbread keyboard that allows you to enter a free-selection mode when you long press a word. You can adjust the selection are as needed by dragging a set of bounding arrows to new positions, then copy that selected area by pressing anywhere in that zone.
The new keyboard also displays the current character when pressed and dictionary in a larger mode that is much easier to read and select.
New multitouch key-chording lets the user quickly enter numbers and symbols by pressing Shift+<letter> and 123+<symbol>, without needing to manually switch input modes. From certain keys, users can also access a popup menu of accented characters, numbers, and symbols by holding the key and sliding to select a character (via : Android platform highlights).
So, if you come so far, you come to know about that Android Gingerbread keyboard is one of the best Android keyboard till know. It includes more accurate targeting, better auto-correct, selecting text area, easy typing of numbers and symbols. The first phone was Samsung Nexus S that got all Android goodies but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy new Gingerbread keyboard!
I know you must be excited to get new keyboard while you are stuck with Eclair and Froyo in your phones. Peter Alfonso, a developer at XDA-Developers, made it possible to install Gingerbread keyboard non-rooted phones by downloading a simple .apk file and install it.
Let’s check out, how to install Android 2.3 Gingerbread Keyboard on any Android phone without rooting.
1. Download the Android Gingerbread keyboard for Android 2.1 (Eclair) here and Android 2.2 (Froyo) from here.
2. Copy your Android version .apk file on your mobile’s SD card.
3. Tap it and install the file.
4. Reboot your phone.
5. That’s it, you can now enjoy your new Android Gingerbread keyboard on your phone.
6. To use your new keyboard, press and hold the text input box (eg: messages, email), choose “Input method” and then “Android keyboard”.
7. You can also enable it from “Settings” > “Locale and text” and select Gingerbread keyboard.
There are some small issues with Gingerbread keyboard, i.e., auto correct is not fully functional and voice search will not work on Android 2.1 as voice commands is not supported in 2.1 version.
Having this small issues will surely not bound you to enjoy Android Gingerbread keyboard goodness in your recent Eclair and Froyo phones.
Do share your experience with the newly installed Gingerbread keyboard with us in the comments. 🙂