I've started doing almost all of my email on my MT4G, but it's slow going when you have to use the on-screen keyboard all the time.
What I'd really like is to be able to hook up a Bluetooth keyboard (such as the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard I have) for text input.
I've tried both BlueKeyboard JP and BlueInput. Both fail in a similar manner: they find the keyboard and pair with it successfully, but both fail to connect to the keyboard.
Comments I've read elsewhere imply that there are problems with HTC's Bluetooth stack that prevent keyboard usage.
So three questions/comments:
1. Is the problem really with the phone?
2. Is there something else that works?
3. HTC really should provide a solution--certainly in future releases, but also to existing users.
Thanks,
Paul
This is the answer I received from HTC:
I understand the importance of being able to use a Bluetooth keyboard with your myTouch 4G. Unfortunately, the Android Bluetooth stack on the myTouch 4G does not include SPP, Serial Port Protocol. Due to this, it makes the device incompatible with Bluetooth keyboards. At this time, there are not any plans on adding SPP to the Bluetooth stack for Android. I do apologize for any inconvenience that you may have experienced.
>>> I will be getting back to him to explain that it's HID protocol that many keyboards need (perhaps in addition to SPP) and to request addition of a more functional Bluetooth stack. I'll remind him that competing manufacturers do include Bluetooth keyboard capabilities.
That is terrible news. Typing on the phone has brought back my carpal tunnel. I was hoping to use a keyboard with the phone so I don't have to carry a laptop with me when I travel. This basically renders this phone as useless to me. Please let me know if you find a work around. And to the HTC people, SMARTEN UP! You will lose market share due to this oversight. Especially with Motorola's Atrix phone for which you can buy a keyboard, docking stations, etc!
Hi, all your posts have been helpful to me, so this is what I have discovered, and posted for you:
because apparently, it wouldn't have mattered which Bluetooth wireless keyboard I went out and bought, because my phone (myTouch) and the iPod Touch (2nd gen) don't have what's necessary to use a keyboard apparently.
They shouldn't include HID profile support under 2nd gen iPod touches in the table here:
support.apple.com/.../HT3647
, according to a post here and here:
support.apple.com/.../HT4112
discussions.apple.com/.../15083187
and, my personal experience trying to pair a bluetooth keyboard with my 8GB 2nd Gen iPod touch with iOS 4.2.1. It's the highest iOS a 2nd Gen can upgrade to, so I think they should change it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't been able to get a brand new Microsoft Wedge Mobile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard to pair with it.
I have gotten it to pair with a PS3, HTC One S running ICS, and MacBook Pro 13" mid-2010 release running OSX.6.8.
1800Microsoft is not much help, because they're simply not that smart.
Tmobile was more definitive in answering the question I had about my MyTouch 4G not having HID (Human Interface Device). 1800 937 8997 (say "PDA support")
I got my HTC Tmobile MyTouch 4G Glacier running Android 2.3.4 to recognize, pair, but NOT connect. I have NOT gotten the iPod touch 2nd Gen to even discover it, let alone pair it or connect it.
The following is an HTC community forum that also answered my question about if my MyTouch could use a bluetooth keyboard.
community.htc.com/.../42957.aspx
And this link is information about the phone I have, and could be useful for other phones:
www.phonescoop.com/.../phone.php
Apparently though, it wouldn't have mattered what keyboard I bought, because the 2 devices I can't pair it with simply do not have the Bluetooth profiles, or "stacks" necessary.
This llink did shed some light, but did not ultimately help resolve the issue:
www.microsoft.com/.../wedge-ssp
I ran into this page first, but I could not get any apps to work, because of course, I do not have SPP, or HID on my phone, or iPod touch for that matter.
androidforums.com/.../36576-bluetooth-keyboard.html