DotDash Keyboard
Free App
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About DotDash Keyboard
Are you looking for an on-screen keyboard that will work with your phone's small screen and slow CPU? Do you know or are you willing to learn Morse code? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, then this may be the keyboard for you!
DotDash Keyboard is a drop-in replacement for Android's on-screen keyboard. It allows you to enter text via untimed Morse code, using three main buttons: Dot, Dash, and Space (as well as Shift and Delete).
- Type a letter by entering its series of dots and dashes
- Press Space to end a letter and move on to the next one
- Press Space twice to insert a space between words
- Press Delete to clear the letter in progress, or delete the last letter typed if there is no letter in progress
- Type the symbol ".-.-" for the Enter key
- Swipe up off the keyboard for a Morse code cheat sheet
(IMPORTANT: This is an "Input Method", also known as a "soft keyboard" or IME. It acts as a replacement for the default Android on-screen keyboard. As such, it doesn't show up in your applications list. Instead, after installing it you will need to go to your phone's "Language & keyboard" settings screen and tick the checkbox next to "DotDash Keyboard" to activate it. Then, (if you're using Android 3 or later) when you use any text field you will see a keyboard icon in your notifications bar. Tap on that and select "Choose input method" from your notifications list.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Isn't this an awful lot like that "Gmail Tap" April Fool's Day joke?
A: It is quite similar, but it's no joke. This is a real, working on-screen keyboard which I've been using full time on my cheapo phone since February 2012. Imagine my surprise when my personal software project was perfectly replicated two months later in Google's April Fool's Day video, right down to my rationale for designing it! I was planning to add a few more features before releasing it, but the video made me decide to publish this sparse but fully functional version ahead of schedule.
Q: This is nothing like the setup I use for ham radio.
A: No it isn't. Sorry! I'd like to add some more ham-friendly features, such as audio feedback, and timing-based input using one paddle, two paddles, and/or iambic, but I haven't gotten there yet.
Q: But really, why three buttons instead of just one?
A: This was actually a design decision. Not only does my phone have a tiny screen, it also has a very slow CPU. I found that input methods based on drawing on screen (or other usage of timing) frequently screwed up when my phone's CPU would bog down. By having a separate button for dot, dash, and space, it doesn't matter how slow the phone processes things, as long as it eventually registers each screen tap in the correct sequence.
Q: Can I switch back and forth between this and my original keyboard?
A: Sure! Just go to your phone's "Language & keyboard" screen and make sure both keyboards are ticked. Then, use the "Choose input method" option in your notifications menu. This will let you switch back and forth as much as you want.
Q: Where did you get all those Morse code groups for punctuation marks?
A: I made 'em up! See the Github page for this project, for more details.
Q: Where can I report a bug?
A: https://github.com/agwells/dotdash-keyboard-android/issues
Q: Are you sure this isn't a joke? It doesn't show up in my applications list.
A: This is an "Input Method", and so it doesn't show up in your applications list. See the note labelled "IMPORTANT" at the top of this description for setup instructions.
DotDash Keyboard is a drop-in replacement for Android's on-screen keyboard. It allows you to enter text via untimed Morse code, using three main buttons: Dot, Dash, and Space (as well as Shift and Delete).
- Type a letter by entering its series of dots and dashes
- Press Space to end a letter and move on to the next one
- Press Space twice to insert a space between words
- Press Delete to clear the letter in progress, or delete the last letter typed if there is no letter in progress
- Type the symbol ".-.-" for the Enter key
- Swipe up off the keyboard for a Morse code cheat sheet
(IMPORTANT: This is an "Input Method", also known as a "soft keyboard" or IME. It acts as a replacement for the default Android on-screen keyboard. As such, it doesn't show up in your applications list. Instead, after installing it you will need to go to your phone's "Language & keyboard" settings screen and tick the checkbox next to "DotDash Keyboard" to activate it. Then, (if you're using Android 3 or later) when you use any text field you will see a keyboard icon in your notifications bar. Tap on that and select "Choose input method" from your notifications list.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Isn't this an awful lot like that "Gmail Tap" April Fool's Day joke?
A: It is quite similar, but it's no joke. This is a real, working on-screen keyboard which I've been using full time on my cheapo phone since February 2012. Imagine my surprise when my personal software project was perfectly replicated two months later in Google's April Fool's Day video, right down to my rationale for designing it! I was planning to add a few more features before releasing it, but the video made me decide to publish this sparse but fully functional version ahead of schedule.
Q: This is nothing like the setup I use for ham radio.
A: No it isn't. Sorry! I'd like to add some more ham-friendly features, such as audio feedback, and timing-based input using one paddle, two paddles, and/or iambic, but I haven't gotten there yet.
Q: But really, why three buttons instead of just one?
A: This was actually a design decision. Not only does my phone have a tiny screen, it also has a very slow CPU. I found that input methods based on drawing on screen (or other usage of timing) frequently screwed up when my phone's CPU would bog down. By having a separate button for dot, dash, and space, it doesn't matter how slow the phone processes things, as long as it eventually registers each screen tap in the correct sequence.
Q: Can I switch back and forth between this and my original keyboard?
A: Sure! Just go to your phone's "Language & keyboard" screen and make sure both keyboards are ticked. Then, use the "Choose input method" option in your notifications menu. This will let you switch back and forth as much as you want.
Q: Where did you get all those Morse code groups for punctuation marks?
A: I made 'em up! See the Github page for this project, for more details.
Q: Where can I report a bug?
A: https://github.com/agwells/dotdash-keyboard-android/issues
Q: Are you sure this isn't a joke? It doesn't show up in my applications list.
A: This is an "Input Method", and so it doesn't show up in your applications list. See the note labelled "IMPORTANT" at the top of this description for setup instructions.
All Application Badges
Free
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Android app
App History & Updates
Version update DotDash Keyboard was updated to version 1.2.1
More downloads DotDash Keyboard reached 10 000 - 50 000 downloads
Version update DotDash Keyboard was updated to version 1.1.6
More downloads DotDash Keyboard reached 5 000 - 10 000 downloads
What are users saying about DotDash Keyboard
Y
by Y####:
by Y####:
Unless there's a way to instantly choose a normal keyboard it's a totally useless app. Takes up so many pixels on the screen and no button for help or other symbols. Caps mode is only really good if a fully fledged keyboard is also available.
U
by U####:
by U####:
This app is in desperate need of an ENTER key. You can't do things like ener a URL in a browser and go there by pressing enter. It's a pretty major oversight. I would also consider adding a key that lets you access other characters, which aren't part of Morse. Other than that, it's a great app.
U
by U####:
by U####:
I tried out a few Morse code keyboards but this one is perfect. Doesn't require timing, so you can go as fast as you like, and pause whenever you like. Great way of showing the caps lock status, so obvious. Doesn't take long to learn morse code and good to learn a new skill. Wouldn't change anything.
U
by U####:
by U####:
I gotta say that this works way better than it has any right to. My phone screen is large, but in the past I have had dollar store phones where this definitely would have come in handy. I am using it to brush up on my Morse skills. BTW I am writing this with dotdash keyboard; it really works.
R
by R####:
by R####:
This is quite well done, but still could use some extra features. A tab key would be nice, and a special characters pallette, etc. But over-all, very well done.
U
by U####:
by U####:
It's very entertaning but lat of an Enter key can be problamatic
U
by U####:
by U####:
Not showing on home screen neither settings. I use Lenovo Phab
U
by U####:
by U####:
Poderia ter uma opcao de tutorial das opcoes do app
U
by U####:
by U####:
Wonderful! Typed with keyboard. Also, swipe up for decoder.
U
by U####:
by U####:
what hath god wrought
U
by U####:
by U####:
Fixed
V
by V####:
by V####:
Doesn't show up at all on my Moto X Pure Edition running 6.0. It's not in the keyboard list at all (Language & Input). Uninstalled and re-installed, still not there. Shows up on m LG G4 running 5.1, though. (edit: if you go into your Language and Input, click on "current keyboard" then click on "change keyboard" you have to turn on the switch for DotDash Keyboard. Then you have to go back and select it as your current keyboard then it works. Fantastic developer support for the problem I had.
Y
by Y####:
by Y####:
Confession: this review typed on a conventional keyboard
F
by F####:
by F####:
This app is in desperate need of an ENTER key. You can't do things like enter a URL in a browser and go there by pressing enter. It's a pretty major oversight. I would also consider adding a key that lets you access other characters, which aren't part of Morse. Other than that, it's a great app.
M
by M####:
by M####:
But I need to feedback sound or vibrate.
B
by B####:
by B####:
So good
M
by M####:
by M####:
Does not work on my S5 cell. Had to delete it.
T
by T####:
by T####:
If there was a way to switch from this keyboard to another without going back into settings this would be 5 stars. That being said if you can get this feature added in a future update i will surely change it to 5 stars. !!P.S. In the mean time "IME Switcher" is a great app for switching keyboards from the notification area.!!
M
by M####:
by M####:
When I first heard about "Google Tap", I was rather dissapointed since they used an idea as brilliant as that as an April Fool's joke. When I finally bit the bullet and got this app, all I have to say now, is WOW!!! It is just as good as I thought it would be. While it isn't as fast as a more contemporary keyboard, it certainly is a lot less frustrating, especially on my 7-inch screen. My only complaint is that the reference screen doesn't stay open while I type but hopefully the dev will fix that in time.
W
by W####:
by W####:
We did a speed trial. On two of three tests, this keyboard beat the stock keyboard in continuous input mode. Wow!
M
by M####:
by M####:
Absolutely perfect <3. I'd like to request, though, that you can switch keyboards by holding on the space bar, just like with Google keyboard and all the other keyboards.
M
by M####:
by M####:
It's a very good keyboard.
O
by O####:
by O####:
Very good keyboard. I like how there is a settings menu, caps button, and a send button for letters. Some apps have you wait for a letter to be sent, which makes morse input slow and no fun. Its also not clunky like other morse keyboards like with vibrate feedback.
M
by M####:
by M####:
You have to press the space key to confirm each letter that you type
T
by T####:
by T####:
Hi there Up to yesterday .-.-.. was a carriage return, today is nothing. Please, make it work again. It was my favourite morse keyboard and I want it to be again. A settings option maybe would be great. Thanks for this programme, The best around so far.
D
by D####:
by D####:
Just takes a little getting used to.
D
by D####:
by D####:
I found this because of Google's little joke. I'm glad you went ahead and put it out there. I like it better than the others. Cheers. Keep up the good work.
D
by D####:
by D####:
A way to access a reference sheet from the keyboard, like you click a button that has a (i) symbol and it takes you to a quick popup of a reference ageet for morse code woyld be great for us beginers
F
by F####:
by F####:
tried most of the ones on the market, this is by far the easiest to use :) please release a straight key update soon, thanks for the awesome app!
Z
by Z####:
by Z####:
Thanks I will be busy all holiday learning morse
D
by D####:
by D####:
It's very hard to send Morse code accurately without sidetone
A
by A####:
by A####:
Works perfect!
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
Dot dash keyboard. Letters arent entered until you hit space. This makes it easier for slower coders like me, but might get in the way of faster coders. The good: Optional Morse code for new line. Big buttons. No permissions other than keyboard. The bad: No ref sheet.
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
I think this is the best Morse keyboard I've found, works great. Just to ask, making it better, could it be possible to make it Holo? It's a simple app and I don't think it would be so difficult to improve it, because looks a bit old, anyway, works amazing and it's the best of its kind.
F
by F####:
by F####:
It would be nice if it had auto correct
V
by V####:
by V####:
Couldn't find t preview of dots n dashes.. that is making the typing hard .. and plz add a settings key too.. bcz evrytime i want to change the keyboard (QWERTY) i have to go to settings all over again.. where as other keyboard apps include the settings key to the space bar. Using ICS but looks like the bugs r hone but problem a raised plz look to it...
Z
by Z####:
by Z####:
Dot dash keyboard. Letters arent entered until you hit space. This makes it easier for slower coders like me, but might get in the way of faster coders. The good: Optional Morse code for new line. Big buttons. No permissions other than keyboard. The bad: No ref sheet.
O
by O####:
by O####:
Haptic and sound feedback please. long time no update!
L
by L####:
by L####:
Five stars because it does what it says. However some suggestions would be to add a sound for button presses. Also I would recommend adding a physical "enter" key, but that's just me. By the way I typed this with Morse code.
by U####:
this is without a doubt the best morse code keyboard i have been able to find, but it falls short in a few places... for one, it lacks a way to capitalize letters, aside from the option to automatically capitalize the first letter of each sentence. It also lacks any form of autocorrect and an enter button.