The latest development build of the Google Android OS, named Cupcake, shows a variety of tweaks and new functions (new notepad app, list of running applications) but the one we’re interested is the virtual keyboard, pictured above.
Google has to get this right. The iPhone only works because of its excellent predictive text and error correction. The UI also helps let you know you got things right, with its pop-out letters. The only current Googlephone – the T-Mobile G1 – has a real physical keyboard, but if Google wants to expand Android into a proper range, it needs to make its virtual input perfect.
So, how does it do? Arron La, Android developer, gave it a go:
Because the phone does not auto-rotate (an option exists but it doesn’t work), it’s very hard to type on it. The sample keyboard also does not provide auto-corrections.
Not too good. This is, though, a development version, so things will doubtless improve. Remember: the Android OS itself went from a demo to finished product in less than a year.
Installed Cupcake Development Build.. [Arron La]
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