On-screen Virtual Keyboard a Possibility for Pre

It was just about two months ago that we pointed your eyes towards WebShell and its on-screen software keyboard. The browser-based SSH input served more as a tease for our desperate eyes than an actual usable keyboard. But that’s changing, and thanks to webOS Internals we’ve got a native on-screen keyboard looking like a real possibility. By modifying the files that control the SYM pop-up extra characters list, a real on-screen keyboard can be crafted, as seen to the right. The keyboard works in both portrait and landscape orientations and is available as a patch for installation.

Now, before you get your Linux all in a twist rushing over to install this patch, take a moment to calm yourself. As is noted on webOS Internals, this patch is “pre-alpha” and not yet ready for prime time, so you should only use this if you really know what you're doing. There are a number of issues still to be addressed, but it’s simply exciting that progress is being made on this front. We'll be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the onscreen keyboard, hopefully it won't be too long before a truly functional variety is ready.

Mad props to rboatright for the tip and to everybody at webos-internals for the awesome work here!