Unleashing Your Keyboard Potential: Exploring the Power of iOS 8 Keyboards
Before iOS 8, third-party keyboards on the App Store were limited to standalone apps, forcing users to copy and paste text into apps like Mail or Messages. However, with the release of iOS 8, Apple opened the door to a new era of keyboard customization, allowing third-party keyboards to seamlessly integrate across all apps. This change, coupled with Apple’s own enhanced default keyboard, QuickType, has revolutionized the way we interact with our iOS devices. Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of iOS 8 keyboards, exploring how to install, enable, and disable both third-party and default keyboard options, uncovering the benefits of each.
QuickType: The Smart Default Keyboard
At first glance, QuickType may appear to be a standard keyboard, but its subtle intelligence shines through after extended use. This powerful keyboard employs predictive text algorithms, learning your typing style and context to suggest relevant words in various apps like Messages and Mail. For instance, if someone asks, "Dinner or movie?", QuickType will proactively display "Dinner" and "Movie" as suggestions, streamlining your communication. Let’s dive into how to unlock QuickType’s full potential:
Navigating to Keyboard Settings: Access your iOS device’s Settings, then navigate to General > Keyboard.
Customizing Your Keyboard: Scroll down within the Keyboard settings to reveal a host of customization options. These options include Auto-Corrections, Auto-Capitalization, Check Spelling, Enable Caps Lock, and Predictive. Simply toggle the switch next to each option to activate or deactivate it.
Ensuring Predictive Text is Activated: If predictions aren’t appearing on your iOS 8 keyboard, ensure that the switch next to Predictive is turned On.
- Creating Keyboard Shortcuts: QuickType allows you to create convenient keyboard shortcuts, such as typing "omw" for "on my way." Within the Keyboard settings, tap on Shortcuts to configure these shortcuts.
Unlocking Third-Party Keyboard Potential
While QuickType offers a compelling default keyboard experience, a diverse range of third-party keyboards cater to users seeking advanced functionalities, such as swipe-to-type capabilities. However, it’s essential to be aware that these keyboards, while offering enhanced features, may pose a potential privacy risk as they could potentially record and store your keystrokes. While developers claim adherence to user privacy, it’s crucial to remember that verification of these claims can be challenging.
At the time of this writing, some third-party keyboards may experience occasional lag or even crashes due to ongoing development. However, these issues are likely to be addressed through future updates. If you’re eager to explore the world of third-party keyboards, follow these simple steps to get started:
Downloading your Preferred Keyboard App: Visit the App Store and download your favorite keyboard app.
Adding the New Keyboard: Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
Selecting a New Keyboard: Tap on Add New Keyboard and choose from the available list the keyboard you intend to use.
Ordering your Keyboards: Tap on Edit at the top of the keyboard list to rearrange the order in which your keyboards appear. The keyboard you wish to use as your primary should be positioned at the top of the list.
- Switching Between Keyboards: Launch any app that allows typing, such as Messages or WhatsApp. Tap the globe icon to switch between your installed keyboards. Some keyboards, like Swype, require you to tap and hold the globe icon to switch keyboards, whereas in most other apps, a single tap is sufficient.
Protecting Your Data: The Importance of Full Access
Apple prioritizes user data security by requiring keyboards to explicitly request full access before they can transmit data to their servers and potentially record your keystrokes. Without full access, a keyboard will be unable to collect any information you type. However, bear in mind that some keyboards may restrict their functionality if full access is not granted. Here’s how to provide or revoke full access to individual third-party keyboards:
Accessing Keyboard Settings: Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
Selecting the Keyboard: Choose the specific keyboard for which you want to manage full access.
- Granting or Revoking Full Access: Slide the switch next to Full Access to On to grant full access or Off to disable it. The full access toggle is a keyboard-specific setting, requiring independent configuration for each third-party keyboard.
Exploring Your Keyboard Options
As you embark on your keyboard exploration journey, consider whether you prefer the convenience and intelligence of the default QuickType keyboard or the enhanced capabilities offered by third-party options. Remember, the best keyboard is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to explore a diverse range of keyboards to discover the ideal solution for your communication and productivity on your iOS 8 device.
