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Nov

2

2010

8Pen Android keyboard, newest Android keyboard with a steep learning curve, available for download

by Mikka Burrell
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There are many keyboard replacements available for Android these days, most of which are much better than the stock Android keyboard as well as free in the Android Market. We now have a new entrant to add to the mix, and it’s definitely the most unique Android keyboard yet. Introducing 8Pen, a gesture-based keyboard that looks to have quite the learning curve, but is very intriguing.

As of right now, the best soft keyboard for Android is arguably that of the Motorola Droid X; Swype is also an excellent keyboard solution. 8Pen is aligned in a X shape, and requires you to move your finger clockwise or counter-clockwise to type. The makers of 8Pen say that the method of entering text is meant to be like physical handwriting.

Hit the break to see a video demonstration 8Pen in action.

Update: Due to a request from 8pen, we have removed the download link. You can, however, download the keyboard in the market by clicking here from your device, or scanning the QR code below.


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» See more articles by Mikka Burrell

Categorized as Android Applications, Android News

Comments

  • curse

    cool idea, gotta test it..

  • Dr. Fill

    Cool idea, but placing my thumb on the center circle blocks the letters in the lower half of the “keyboard”. I can’t see the positions of the letter.

  • Robert

    Wow, it takes me so long to type, its insane. I’m going to keep using it for a little while though, see if I get faster.

  • http://www.photogaff.com Peter

    It doesn’t write the characters I’m trying to type on my Samsung Galaxy S. hmm.. not so great if it can’t type :)

  • oakvad

    Its deffinatly different. I’m gonna use it for awile and see if I can get used to typing with it. Takes me forever right now I think once I learn the letter positions it will be super fast.

  • purekillforce

    been using it for a day now. It was painfully slow at first but i am slowly remembering where characters are and can sometimes type out a full word without really checking where im going.

    and that is just after one day. It is definitely more accurate than standard keyboard.

    Hopefully i will get faster in time.

    Still prefer Swype but they wont release it as an app and swype isn’t enough to persuade me to buy a phone it comes preloaded on.

  • Mikka Burrell

    Thanks for all the feedback on this, everyone! I have yet to try out the 8Pen technology myself.

  • Mattack

    ive been using it about a day now, im at about 20 wpm. So the learning curve is sharp but alreday i’ve gotten rid of the letters :D