Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

So, ironically, SoC is the same with Moto Z Play. I already have SailfishOS booting on it (want to get more of hardware working before I publish the port though).

It should be more or less similar then in terms of porting, so we can (at bare minimum) have unofficial port (without Android support).

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

I don't mean to criticize the choice of 5.5" because I know it's the result of several constraints, and the device looks awesome, really (and 4.5" would be too awesome for my little heart), but I think bigger size of keys should not necessarily be a goal per se. More keys is good, but fewer keys can be pretty good as well if very well integrated in the OS (like N900 key combinations + onscreen special character keyboard).

Bigger keys and more space between them is typically thought as a good thing since we are the most comfortable with bigger, real-size keyboards. However, this keyboard will most likely be used with thumbs only, and not flat on a desk with 10-finger typing. For thumb-typing, larger keys/larger keyboards means more distance to cover with the thumbs, and I don't know what is the optimum size considering variation among people's hands, but seeing that I was more comfortable typing on the N900 than the TOHKBD and mistyped keys more often with the latter, I believe it's not huge.

However, again, I understand that there are multiuple factors leading you to 5.5", and I'll still happily give you all the money I can give you. :D

[Edit] Excellent news TheKit. Still holding my breath for an official Sailfish license with AD included, but it's good to know that ports would not start from scratch.

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

Me the moment i read MSM8953 knowing that TheKit is already on it

https://media.giphy.com/media/l5DQkB29oKck8/giphy.gif

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

I tried to estimate the size by taking a 5.5" phone and hold it like tohkbd/n900. It is no problem to reach everywhere with both thumbs but we will see when Moto KBD is available to try out.

Very good decision to save work and effectively "slap" a new phone onto the already constructed Moto Mod Kbd :D

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

I'm not the first one actually, there is a port for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (based on LOS13).

Official SailfishOS ports are usually based on AOSP, but chenliangchen will have access to full Android tree anyway.

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

Wow that sounds like a plan, man :)
Any estimate on the time-frame you are targetting with this project to release?

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

SailingChen

@topic

I'm not really a fan of 2.5D glass.

Edit: I'm not a fan, because screen protectors won't hold onto our precious device.

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

That's a good point, but it's quite nice in combination with a gesture based OS.

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

Is the mentioned screen used in some other devices?
If so, that would mean an availability of the spare parts.

Re: The choice of OS of the new QWERTY device project
 

I would assume so, I think Chen plans on reusing as many parts as he can off the pre-existing market for this first Livermorium phone iteration, but confirmation would be nice. Provided that the screen glass is widely available/replaceable, I like the curved edges as well. It was great on N9, and even the best screen protectors don't feel as good as bare glass.