Sideloading Apps

[Wifiguy]

Hello gang,
New to the Android world (iphone owner), really got sucked in by the resolution of the screen and speed of processor. Have some questions about side loading apps.

There two things that I want for my Nexus, but I didn't want to have to root the phone to get it. (Don't want to void warranty.)

I have been hearing about an android keyboard called Swype but it is not in the Android store. Can I get this app by sideloading or does the phone have to be rooted? Simple instruction of sideloading this app if possible is highly appreciated.

Secondly, trying to understand why Google didn't go with a optical mouse instead of a trackball, but since we have the trackball would be extremely cool to get the trackball to change colors depending on the type of notifications you recieve which to me would be cooler than a optical mouse.

I have heard on the podcast that this is possible. Can this functionality be sideloaded? Or do you have to root phone. Instructions would be great if sideload is possible. Thanks in advance for any help on these matters!!

 

[anon(6936)]

I got the Swype keyboard by going to their site and signing up for the beta (pre-root) - it worked great but I uninstalled. Wasn't for me. You can get Gesture Search from Google for free in the market (kind of a consolation prize
My trackballs can be customized by color but that is post-root.

If there is another way, I haven't tapped into it. Sorry.

 

[anon(12291)]

Swype can be sideloaded, the notification colors have to be on a rooted device, IIRC.

 

[Wifiguy]

Htc keyboard

Watched a demo of Swype on YouTube not for me. Listening to podcast, the HTC keyboard seems to be very popular. How do you get it? Can someone share a link? Is it better than the 4 dollar keyboard in market?

 

[Wifiguy]

Question about Smart keyboard. Just downloaded the free version of the Smart keyboard

And its saying that this application can has access to my keyboard strokes. Does this mean that developer knows what im typing as in passwords etc? Creepy.

 

[Krak-a-Lakn]

Yeah, when I saw that message I canceled the installation. I mean it's probably fine - it is just warning you that all your entries could be grabbed by the app. I went with another one that AC liked - Better Keyboard. Since it was from the market I felt a tiny bit safer

I don't have a rooted phone and really wish I had the color notifications. I'm hoping Froyo will add this.

 

[ILoveBlythe]

I like the HTC keyboard, it can be customized and has been with a few great devs working it now. You have to be rooted as far I know. You can try a keyboard like swype if you haven't found swype yet. Its called Shape Writer. Pretty decent IMO. You shouldn't post the link to swype if you have it as the devs have worked very hard on it and have asked that no one do so. If someone does the mods more than likely will take it down. Its there if you know where to search

 

[Cory Streater]

I wouldn't think you'd ever use Swype to type a password.

 

[ILoveBlythe]

That's funny.

 

[Wifiguy]

WOW, seems all the good applications require a rooted phone. Question is can you go back to stock Android like you can with the fruit phone, or once you root you void warranty?

 

[Kage_]

WOW, seems all the good applications require a rooted phone. Question is can you go back to stock Android like you can with the fruit phone, or once you root you void warranty?

Once you root the phone it voids the warranty. When the bootloader is unlocked a unlocked padlock shows up on the screen when you boot. As far as I know there is not way to relock the boot loader.

 

[ant]

swype beta can be found on xda forums and you can still tap to type passwords, slang, non-english, etc.

 

[Wifiguy]

Thanks

Thanks for all your help.

 

[ItnStln]

WOW, seems all the good applications require a rooted phone. Question is can you go back to stock Android like you can with the fruit phone, or once you root you void warranty?

How hard is it to root? Is it as hard as jailbreaking an iPhone?

 

[ILoveBlythe]

It's not hard ,you need too understand exactly what rooting is before you do it. If you searchon here there's a good write up about what it actually means to root. JMO

 

[AndroidianSlip]

just read through this thread and there is alot of good information on here, but i thought i might tidy it up and clarify some things.

You do NOT have to be rooted to install or sideload the Swype Keyboard or the HTC keyboard. The Swype keyboard apk file can be found on xda-developers as well as the HTC one. As for the HTC keyboard you will want the hi-res version. I used Apps Installer to install both from my sd card, before i rooted my phone.

You can use the Swype keyboard like any other keyboard, meaning you can make individual taps for each character like when tapping out passwords etc.