Tips for Easier Text Input on Smartphones

As the summer season comes to an end, many individuals find themselves back to their regular routines, whether it be work or school. With the increasing reliance on smartphones for various tasks, typing on the small onscreen keys can often be a challenge. However, there are several features available on smartphones that can make text input much easier.

Predictive text prompts, automatic punctuation, and shortcuts like accent marks on vowel keys have significantly improved the typing experience on small glass screens. To access these features, users can navigate to the Settings app on their phone. On an iPhone, the General and Keyboard options will provide access to various settings. For Android phones, the path typically includes System, Keyboard, On-screen Keyboard, and Gboard. Samsung models usually offer the Samsung Keyboard with similar options. These settings allow users to enable spell-check, text correction, and other aids.

Both Apple iOS and Google Gboard keyboards offer a compact keyboard option for easier single-handed input. On the Gboard keyboard, users can access this feature by pressing and holding the comma key or selecting the One-Handed button from the menu. Additionally, resizing or “floating” the keyboard on the screen is also possible.

To prevent mistyped logins and reduce errors, password-manager tools can be utilized. Furthermore, features like Slide to Type from Apple and Glide Typing by Google allow users to drag their finger across the keyboard, with the software predicting the intended word. The keyboard can also move the text-insertion cursor, offering greater control. On an iPhone, users can press and hold the space bar to reposition the cursor, while on the Google Gboard, sliding a finger along the space bar achieves the same result if the “gesture cursor control” is enabled.

Both Apple and Google provide keyboard layouts for typing in languages other than English or inserting emojis. While third-party keyboard apps are an option, users should exercise caution with unfamiliar software that may pose security risks. For those who have extensive text to enter, pairing their iPhone or Android phone with an external Bluetooth keyboard allows for traditional typing. Additionally, iPhone users can enable the Full Keyboard Access feature under Settings, Accessibility, and Keyboards to utilize navigational buttons and shortcuts.

For those who prefer a more portable option, folding keyboards are available. These keyboards can easily fit into a jacket pocket and expand into a full-size set of keys when needed. Prices for travel keyboards range from approximately $25 to $80, depending on size and features.

Speech-to-text technology has significantly improved over the years, allowing spoken words to be converted into editable text on the screen. Many apps, including virtual assistants, offer dictation capabilities. Apple’s Notes app in iOS 18 now allows direct audio recording and transcription. Android users can enable Google Voice Typing in the Settings app to utilize dictation features on the Gboard keyboard. However, users should be mindful of their surroundings when using dictation, as it may not be suitable for crowded areas or confidential conversations.

Proofreading or utilizing artificial intelligence for error detection is crucial before sending any text, regardless of the input method used. Typographical errors have a tendency to slip through, no matter how the words were entered.

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