Keyboard Manager

I love Swype, at the same time, it is not as effective as some other keyboards in landscape mode.  I know that I have been looking for a way to change my keyboard depending on the orientation of my phone.  I found the answer.  There are a few caveats to this – you must be rooted, have more than one keyboard, and have an app like Root Explorer to be able to make the changes that are necessary via your phone.

I currently have Swype and the Gingerbread keyboard installed on my Evo, this will let me switch between the two.  This is a work in progress, it is not always smooth, but if you pull down the notification bar and hit the Keyboard Manager in the menu all issues will disappear.

1. Download Keyboard Manager to the root of your SD Card

2. Using Root Explorer move the apk to /system/app

3. Using Root Explorer, edit the file permissions like below:
— User: ‘Read/Write’ checked
–Group: ‘Read’ checked
–Others: ‘Read’ checked

4. Exit Root Explorer

Next time you open up the app drawer you should find Keyboard Manager there.

Update:
– Added option to disable notification icon
-’Start on boot’ feature is disabled because it’s not yet complete and tested… Sorry for the confusion
Bugs:
-On certain applications (i.e: Messaging on Samsung Captivate), the input window occasionally freeze on orientation switch. Exiting the app, and resuming should fix it.

Download Keyboard Manager here

How to install Gingerbread keyboard w/haptic feedback and more  here

Download Root Explorer here

Source and walk through found on XDA

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About the Author

Cameron Wright

My first Android phone didn't have an OS with a codename. I've owned a Nexus, Evo 4G, and now a Thunderbolt. I've made my rounds writing for AndroidFeens, AbsolutelyAndroid, thedroidguy, and currently write for GadgetU as well. I volunteer with the Red Cross (SEPA Chapter). My fiancée and I welcomed our first (and only child into this world in Feb - 2 months early).

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