Before we start, let’s be clear. I am not a developer. I am not selling anything. This is merely just an idea based on my own insights as a creative writer. I would love to have different opinions on this one.
Problem: It’s really inconvenient to write long-form content on a smartphone. When the phone is in portrait mode, there’s enough room to see all the text, but the keyboard is too tiny for extended writing sessions resulting in fatigue. When you turn the smartphone to landscape mode, two problems arise: the keyboard takes up two-thirds of the screen, making it hard to see what you’re typing, and reaching the keys in the middle of the keyboard becomes difficult. Thumb mode isn’t a satisfactory solution either, as it leaves a sad stupid wasted space in the middle of the split keyboard.
When writing on a smartphone, screen real estate is precious. Tablets offer a split thumb floating keyboard mode, but they are bulky, heavy, and not comfortable for long-term typing. Carrying a tablet everywhere isn’t practical.
What’s available: I’ve tried a dozen writing apps (even Joe’s Termux with its high-condensed text) combined with several Android keyboards, but none come close to the experience of having a real keyboard (I prefer ortholinear split keyboards btw) attached to a smartphone for travel.
So, how can we fix the typing experience on a phone? Check these mockups.
Solution: The ideal solution would be to have a split keyboard that occupies the two top sides of the screen, with the text editor displayed in the middle. Full-screen mode to get rid of the status bar would be a plus. You would hold your phone like a Steam Deck or, even better, like the Nokia N-Gage (I know that there have been phones closer to what I’m describing, but the N-Gage is the most well-known form factor).
Additional benefits: This layout would be more comfortable to hold, similar to how you hold your phone when playing PUBG. Your index fingers would rest on the phone, and the bottom corners of the phone would fit into the palms’ cavity. Achieving this would be possible since the keyboard would be positioned closer toward the top corners of the phone (remember, the phone is in landscape mode).
Some other thoughts: Perhaps combining a keyboard with a text editor is excessive. It’s possible that a new type of keyboard that splits and allows you to view the text you’re typing in the middle would suffice. However, it’s uncertain whether this would work with every app.
Disclaimer: Please note that the following mockups provided are intended solely for illustrative purposes to convey the concept and potential user experience.
OMG is this a keyboard app that exists? I want that, NOW
Me too. This is some kind of interest check. If it gets enough traction, we’ll make it happen.
Being on a OnePlus 8t where side ways typing is basically not usable I’d be willing to try this out. Although I am no sure if the android API would allow for this and may cause a good amount of work
Googles keyboard already does this on their new pixel fold. It splits the kb in half. They would just need to float the app in the center of the kb. Could probably be done using picture in picture mode.
To me, the main thing about writing on a phone is the lack of well, a physical, full size keyboard. There are some foldable keyboards you can get that connect over Bluetooth if you want to go for long writing sessions. Otherwise, phones work just fine, with portrait mode as well.
@sawt Or just place the keys on the back and side of the phone - it’s much more ergonomic and allows for fast touch typing. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorded_…
this is such a good idea I can’t believe it isn’t already the standard lol
The buttons are really small, especially with the size of smartphone screens. That’s an even bigger problem when you consider the fact your thumb will be fat fingering the buttons, or the side of your thumb will rub up against unintended buttons. Part of why typing in portrait is bearable is the heavy use of autocorrect that basically carries the experience.
You mentioned a tablet in your post which baffles me. Because if you’re open to something that large, you can simply just get a foldable keyboard attachment, or get something like a regular 13" laptop which most people opt into. Any situation you want to long form type, you’re going to be sitting somewhere for awhile, which at that point just bring a keyboard. It makes no sense not to. Phone texting is usually short bursts.
In what situation do you have the time to type extended amounts of time, but are unable to have a backpack/suitcase/etc that had a laptop/tablet with a keyboard. What is the use case here where you’d have to type long form on mobile?
I actually said that carrying a tablet everywhere just in case isn’t just that convenient. That’s why I was looking to have a better typing experience on a regular slab phone (everybody’s daily driver) similar to tablets and foldables.
