After many delays due to a virus on my Windows XP computer and wasting time trying to fix it, then installing Ubuntu then trying to figure out why Eclipse kept crashing on Ubuntu (problem got fixed after running the update manager), I am very pleased to say that I have finally finished “Big Fingers Keyboard” – as you may have guessed it, it is a soft keyboard for people with big fingers…
I’ve learnt a lot developing this one – I have experimented with threads (though the feature using threads has been kept off v1.0 as too unstable at the moment), I have learnt how to develop a service instead of an application, and I have applied object oriented programming concepts. This is the first time I developed an app “thinking like an object” and while I am sure I have strayed back into the “thinking like a computer” territory from time to time, I am overall very happy with my experience.
On to my next Google Android app now, which will be a RSS reader… hopefully released sometime in May!
Hello, have you put this keyboard on the market? I would love to see a decent rss reader!
Comment by John Mercier — April 24, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
Yes, I put the keyboard on the market a few hours ago. Do a search for “big fingers” and that should show up
I’d love to hear your ideas about what would make a good rss reader.
Comment by Nat — April 24, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
Well I love using google reader so it would be nice for the app to sync with it. I should be able to read new entries offline. It should be easy to add new feeds.
Comment by John Mercier — April 25, 2010 @ 2:37 am
Thanks John.
I was already planning on syncing it with Google Reader, as I use it myself a lot, and making it easy to add new feeds but I can see the advantages of reading new entries offline – I hadn’t thought about it but it makes sense as GA phone users get charged for internet access. It’s a great idea, and I’m already thinking about how I can integrate it into the app. If you have any other ideas, keep them coming
Comment by Nat — April 25, 2010 @ 9:50 am
Natalie, I bought big fingers for my htc magic from vodafone australia, installed it, selected it in locale & text but the android keyboard still appears, so unfortunately I will have to get a refund. thought you might like the feedback.
update:
I didn’t follow the directions fully, have since chosen big fingers in the android keyboard settings on the keypad. sorry, you can delete my posts
Comment by Peter Holm — May 3, 2010 @ 1:56 am
Hello Peter
Thanks for the feedback and glad you managed to get it to work. Do not hesitate to comment on here if you have further requests about the app, as I aim to update it periodically.
Cheers
Natalie
Comment by Nat — May 3, 2010 @ 11:07 am
[...] but there is something you just can’t figure out how to do… Well, this was the case for Big Fingers Keyboard, my soft keyboard app for Google Android, but I am pleased to say that I have finally found a way [...]
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