topic Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue in Tablets

32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

gbil — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 05:57:35 GMT

After upgrading to 32.3.A.0.372 it is no longer possible to

1. select more than one languages for the BKB50 keyboard

2. and of course switch to another language

This is a major step backwards compare to previous android version therefore I expect that it will be fixed really really soon.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

Christofer — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:44:24 GMT

Hi @gbil,

It is actually still possible to set more than one language at the same time when using BKB50. However, you need to select language for Xperia Keyboard rather than for BKB50 itself. This can be done in Settings > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard > Xperia keyboard > Writing languages.

I understand that this can be confusing though so I will make sure to forward this, as well as your feedback regarding switching to another language, as user feedback. Thank you for bringing it up, and I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

gbil — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:56:08 GMT

I have already selected more than one language for the On-screen keyboard from the menu you mention.

The BIG question is how to switch between them from BKB50 ? CTRL - Space doesn't work as it did before.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

Christofer — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:51:06 GMT

I realise now that setting multiple languages for Xperia keyboard is only helpful if you use the word prediction of the on-screen keyboard while you use BKB50. It will not allow you to switch keyboard layout though, sorry about the misunderstanding.

I will forward this as user feedback and if I hear anything new about it I will let you know. Also, if you could send me your tablet's IMEI/IDID number in a PM I'd appreciate it.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

gbil — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:57:52 GMT

I will send you IMEI etc but this is major issue at the moment.

From my point of view as a multi-language user the functionality of the tablet+BKB50 on which I was depending on for the past year has decreased at least 80%. A prompt solution from Sony is not only needed but expected.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

Christofer — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:25:38 GMT

Thank you! I have forwarded this internally and as soon as I know something new I will let you know.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

Christofer — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:32:39 GMT

@gbil I'm afraid I've just received information that the reason this functionality is no longer present is due to how Android 7 works.

A workaround would be to use two different keyboard apps with two different languages set up. It is then possible to switch between them by tapping the keyboard icon found in the bottom right corner of the display while typing.

I'm very sorry for the inconvenience this causes.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

gbil — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 18:17:27 GMT

Hi @Christofer

I don't believe that is the problem. If you search a bit you'll find out that the Google Pixel for example supports changing keyboard layouts using the google keyboard AND a hardware keyboard shortcut. Unfortunately using the google keyboard with BKB50 doesn't provide the same functionality.

Therefore Sony should do its research first and fix this in their keyboard or at least make it compatible with the google keyboard.

Any other "workaround" is no workaround, is trying to hide the huge pile of dust under a small carpet.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

Christofer — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 15:47:13 GMT

I understand that you are frustrated but the investigation that has been made came to the conclusion that this is as-is behaviour for Android 7.0.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

matveychuk — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 21:34:56 GMT

You have to understand that such support team behavior is killing future Sony customers. The multi-language TabletZ4+BKB50 was the last chance. The absence of sony software drivers is not the question of android team, but yours one.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

matveychuk — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 22:17:50 GMT

By the way, I have 32.3.A.0.376 that is upgraded and all-fixed and unbugged 32.3.A.0.372. The same problem.

BKB50 does not change language layouts after Android 7.0

RussianOne1 — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:31:16 GMT

Just updated my Tablet Z4 to Android 7.0. Tried typing in English and Russian using BKB50 (purchased together a year ago) and found that I cannot use Ctrl+space to change languages. Seems that this shortcut is not available anymore and there is no other way to switch from one language to the other.

Any idea?

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

VadimK — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 18:03:12 GMT

Same problem on Z4Talet BK50 after update to 7.0 . That is not a little bug for working on tablet.

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

jadocek — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 21:32:57 GMT

Guys,

it is workaround but workable. There is app External Keyboard Helper, which allow to link infact any keyboard design to physical keyboard (e..g. to BKB50). when you install you will select it as you keyboard. It is not working with keyboard shortcut to switch Languages, but you add icon of this app and you can change UK layout, US layout and many other languages...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apedroid.hwkeyboardhelper&hl=cs&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dexternal+keyboard+helper&pcampaignid=APPU_1_KBWmWLvZNImPsAG8jYeADg

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

williamssimonp — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:30:59 GMT

This must be fixed now. The update should not have been shipped with this issue present. The ability to switch between languages on a physical keyboard is so basic. You have made my Z4 useless for what I use it for most!

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

RussianOne1 — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 13:41:27 GMT

Thanks, d_odge!

In fact workaround suggested in the earlier posts to use two keyboard apps works well. I use Swiftkey for English and Xperia keayboard for Russian. Two screen actions are needed to switch. Obviously not ideal, however, it is at least some sort of solution.

only one thing I do not understand: if I can manually switch why can't Sony develop a software solution???

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

jadocek — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:01:45 GMT

Honestly, no clue, why Sony support provides such statements. i would expect some out of box thinking as well...

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

jadocek — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 08:38:17 GMT

Guys, sorry to say that, but I realized it does not work. The way I discribed it it worked in all previous versions of android, but not Nougat. I will try to contact app developer...

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

jadocek — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 17:35:09 GMT

Yes, your workarround works!

Re: 32.3.A.0.372 android 7 upgrade and BKB50 language switch issue

gbil — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 16:28:33 GMT

@Christofer your reply is a 100% confirmation that your devs don't want to look into this.

Google with Pixel C a tablet running 7.x HAS such support with gboard using the Search+Space shortcut.

Therefore spare me the "as-is behaviour for Android 7.0" and do your research!