HTC IME Custom Keyboard on the HTC Desire HD
Alright, I need to geek out for a moment. I love my HTC Desire HD for multiple reasons: unlocked, Android, insanely large screen (I sometimes feel like I am talking into a personal DVD player), not an iPhone. But, I must say, the touchscreen keyboard out of the box was horrible. I don’t even have big hands (no wisecracks), but couldn’t ever seem to hit the buttons I needed to consistently. Enter the beauty of Android as an opensource project (take that Apple!). Without even messing around with the core of my phone, I was able to install a new keyboard that is insanely customizable (color, key size, background). I can’t even begin to credit all those who put this together, so just find out for yourself. Here’s how I did it and am told, you can install this HTC version of a keyboard (considered one of the best) on any Android phone. Just make sure you select the correct operating system version (i.e.- Froyo – 2.2):
- Head on over to: http://www.gimpsta.com/themer/
- Create an account
- Go through the easy to follow directions (Choose background, Key Color, etc.) – the amount of customization is really quite impressive
- Once you have chosen all your options, generate the keyboard and scan (with Barcode Scanner) the generated QR Code
- This should download the keyboard IME to your phone (most likely your SDCard) in a .zip format
- Open and install with Astro File Manager (or other File app – I like File Expert)
- Go to: Settings / Language and Keyboard and enable the HTC_IME Mod
- Exit and open a new Text Message
- Tap and hold on a text input box – a “Input Method” box should pop up
- Choose HTC_IME
Bam! New, customizable keyboard!!! If you want to change the settings, go back to Settings / Language and Keyboard and choose HTC_IME Mod Settings.
Love this stuff….nerd alert!
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