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Get the Ice Cream Sandwich keyboard on your Android phone

If you're excited about the upcoming version of Android and want to use the new keyboard now, just follow these steps.

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Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
Nicole Cozma
2 min read

Android Ice Cream Sandwich offers up a new keyboard with new features to make typing easier and faster.

You may have seen some of the new keyboard features when viewing the Galaxy Nexus video, or maybe you've read about them online. Fortunately, you can skip the wait and get the new keyboard right now.

Notice: This version will only work on smartphones and is not configured for tablets at this time.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 1: Head to the Android Market and install Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard, by johntanmi.

Step 2: Go back to your Home screen and press the Menu button, and then choose Settings. You can also open Settings from the icon in the app drawer.

Google

Step 3: Touch the Language & keyboard section of the next menu.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 4: Check the box next to Ice Cream Sandwich keyboard and click OK on the pop-up that follows.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 5: Touch the Ice Cream Sandwich keyboard settings option and adjust the keyboard to work the way you'd like.

Google

Step 6: Open an application you want to type in, like Gmail or SMS.

Google

Step 7: Press and hold on the input area. Select Input method from the pop-up and then Ice Cream Sandwich keyboard from the choices. You'll know you're using the ICS keyboard when you see the punctuation and autocorrect suggestions in blue instead of orange.

Google

Note that some features may be a little buggy; this is because the keyboard is in beta and your device is running a different version of Android.