Google AOSP Keyboard 1.1 Hits Play Store

Android users stuck on a non-stock version of Android or simply not of the type to explore rooting and custom ROMs can benefit from Google’s recent move to release stock Android apps into the Play Store. The main purpose is to help the dreaded “fragmentation” argument by making core pieces of Android upgradable without the need for a system update – updates that are often ruined by carriers and manufacturers alike. One of the most useful updates, the stock AOSP keyboard, is now at version 1.1.

While the changelog is relatively minor, the small enhancements make using it that much more enjoyable. For tablets, long-pressing the top row of letters now flips over to number input (like how the phone version operates). Everyone will benefit from optimized key size/spacing for different languages and there’s even the ability to load external dictionary packs now. (Android Authority notes that the changelog doesn’t mention this particular feature.

Finally, Google is promising improved functionality down the line for future releases but is mum on what exactly those features are. Android Police suggests that Google is working on a feature similar to SwiftKey’s “Flow Throw Space” feature that allows users to string words together without lifting your finger, separating words simply by sliding through the spacebar.

It’s not a feature packed, socially aware keyboard like Swiftkey, but for what it is and what it tries to do, the stock AOSP keyboard is certainly capable.

Download: AOSP Keyboard (Google Play Link)