Huawei upgrades text input method with HarmonyOS NEXT

Huawei is giving a new makeover to the text input method with the latest HarmonyOS NEXT operating system. The company included a new IME (Input Method Editor) which brings several useful features, making the text input method more user-friendly.

IME kit for developers lets them use a more simplified and controllable text input method for their apps. This kit allows display and hiding of the keyboard with custom controls as well as switching input methods, based on the user preference.

For general users, HarmonyOS NEXT brings a global switching text input method. As the name suggests, device owners can easily change their input method. It currently supports long press for selecting a method and short press for recent methods.

The input method panel also supports one-click switching. The next add-on is ‘text preview’. As the name reflects, users will get a preview of what they are typing in real-time.

HarmonyOS NEXT input methods (Image Credits: ITHome)

HarmonyOS NEXT can generate these text previews irrespective of the input method. Whether it’s pinyin ( a phonetic input method), voice, or image with effects.

Worried about security? HarmonyOS NEXT text input method ensures that users’ data remains safe. If you install a third-party input method, the software system will notify you to enable it. Or else, you cannot switch to it directly.

HarmonyOS NEXT input method with security feature (Image Credits: ITHome)

Turning on the ‘full experience mode’ for the new input method will pop up a security reminder for users. Huawei has enhanced the text input method for blind and visually impaired consumers as well. HarmonyOS NEXT now raises the input area for blind typing and arranges the function keys at the bottom for quick access.

Just like applications, the new input method is adaptable to multi-device scenarios. It can auto-optimize itself depending on the device’s screen size. It can cover 70% of the tablet panels for better access.

HarmonyOS NEXT input method with multi-device feature (Image Credits: ITHome)

Smart Fill or the ‘One-click fill’ is another key feature that lets the input method recognize the clipboard and Huawei account data. Next, it suggests you fill in your phone number, name, as well as other details on the page open on the screen.

It seems Huawei has upgraded almost every segment with HarmonyOS NEXT. Perhaps we may find some more changes with the first beta rollout for device users.

HarmonyOS NEXT input method with smart fill feature (Image Credits: ITHome)