Keyboard options are one of the perks of using Android. There are numerous third party keyboard options available, some of which have proven easier to adopt. One of the slightly more difficult to initially grasp is Minuum, which at a quick glance — looks rather different from the traditional QWERTY layout. Of course, it is really the regular layout, just minimized.
Having said that, it looks like Minuum v2.0 has arrived and with the new number comes an official exit to the beta period, as well as a 30-day trial version. The regular version of the Minuum Keyboard is priced at $3.99, and both the paid and free versions are available at this time. They can both be found in the Google Play Store.
This free version is listed as being a 30-day trial, and if nothing else, that should prove much more useful as compared to the standard 15 minute window for returns offered by Google. The folks behind the keyboard tout Minuum as being a “smarter, smaller keyboard that lets you do more with your screen space.” They also mention how you can “type fast without worrying about precision.”
Aside from offering more screen real estate, Minuum also has perks to include word prediction, gesture shortcuts, a dictionary, voice typing and more. And for those wondering, you are able to expand the Minuum keyboard to the more traditional layout — you simply press on the keyboard with two fingers.
SOURCE: Minuum Blog
One of the main reasons I stick with SwiftKey (aside from getting the paid version for free) is that it includes arrow keys. Makes making precise edits and corrections in Gmail for Android a snap. I think I tried Kiis and arrow keys were not an option so I went back.
I’d be willing to give this a try (to get back screen RE while typing) if I knew it had arrow keys. I guess that is what a free trial is for 🙂
They have arrow keys in one of the “drawers” – it takes a moment to get used to but you can use a gesture to open the drawer with the arrows in it.
It’s actually really great, I got it from this article just to try it and have no regrets yet. The word prediction is really well done and it has a normal keyboard if need be. Thanks 😀
I absolutely love Minuum! I got it from their IndieGoGo campaign last year. Totally worth the money. It saves so much screen real estate on my tablet. (I still use Swype on my phone for one handed typing). The library and word guessing makes typing so much quicker when I can use two hands to type on my tablet. I imagine as I get better with it I’ll learn to do it with my thumb on my phone.
Definitely worth a shot!