sspanak
commented
1 month ago This can be solved by having two separate buttons, one for changing the text case, call it SHIFT or CAPS (I like SHIFT better); one for changing the input mode: ABC -> 123 -> Predictive. There are a couple of things to consider though.
In Predictive mode, when the Automatic Captial Letters setting is on, you don't have much control over the text case. TT9 adjusts it before every word to ensure capitalized proper names, capitalized words at the beginning of sentences and whatnot. It will only preserve uppercase, if you have selected in advance. This means, when the mentioned setting is on, the potential SHIFT key will be useful only after typing a word. And this is the whole idea of Predictive mode - you just type without thinking too much and only occasionally adjust incorrect words. This does not mean I am against having a separate SHIFT key. I agree it makes sense to have it, I just want to point out it may not work as you expect.
My second concern is for when you use TT9 in invisible mode. There will be no indication you have changed anything. Perhaps, pressing SHIFT should trigger a toast message, just like changing the language does.
My third concern is there are too many functions and too few keys. You have already noticed that. I suppose I can rearrange everything like this:
On hardware keys:
- "ā±" (star key).
- Press to open the Command Palette (no change).
- Hold to change the text case before or after typing a word (SHIFT key)
- "#" (pound key)
- Press to select 123 -> abc -> predictive. (difference 1: there is no separate ABC capitals mode; difference 2: pressing while typing a word leaves the word as-is and switches to the next mode)
- Hold to change the language (no change)
These are the defaults, of course. You will still be able to reassign all functions to all keys from the Settings, like before.
On a touchscreen:
- The left F4 key (globe key):
- Press to select 123 -> abc -> predictive (1. there is no separate ABC capitals mode; 2. changing the mode leaves the current word as-is)
- Hold to change the language (instead of press to change the language)
- New icon(s) or labels to make it clear what it does (I hate icons)
- The left F3 key (keyboard key)
- Press to change the text case before or after typing a word (it becomes a pure SHIFT key and no longer changes the input mode before typing a word)
- Hold or swipe to select a different keyboard
- I hate icons
It is the best I can think of. I am not sure if rearranging the functions makes good sense, especially in the case of button phones. I would like to hear some more opinions or at least get a couple of thumbs up before proceding with the changes.
maverick74
WallK
Ok... i don't exactly know what to call this issue, but here's a case i believe explains my point:
1- in the middle of a message (using t9 mode in any language) i have to type an extensive number. 2- i switch to the numbers keypad and type the number, 3- now to get back to t9 assisted mode i actually have to type 3 times on the keyboard key... (i won't count the times i mistakenly type 4 times and have to get all 3 taps again...)
So, actually, what i mean is that i think there's too much options on the same key.
now, I have no idea where to put the various functions, but it's sometimes annoying... so i'm throwing you the hot potato (ahah)
Regarding the same key - but talking about the CAPS function - there is also another small (personal) detail i use to think about:
Those used to a PC keyboard (i believe gboard functions the same way), use caps in the inverted order!
Let me explain:
on a pc if you intend to type in CAPS you
on tt9 however you:
so... mentally it's inverted.
yeah... these are all nitpicking issues and you can safely close this (i'm really ok with it!!!). There are all these other more important issues to look at... I was just sharing some thoughts about my experience :)