Smart android keyboard respecting privacy?

Hello, could someone recommended a keyboard for android that is a bit smart in predictive typing? I used to like swiftkeybefore it was bought by microsoft. Not that swiftkey itself was much better but I was not so privy conscious at that time.

I recall swiftkey would require access to your texts and emails to train itself to your predictions.

Is there some similar foss keyboard where all the data then remains local?

I know swiftkey has an incognito mode, but then it stops learning from your typing.

tasankovasara,

github.com/dessalines/thumb-key/

The best, on F-Droid.

Cethin,

I tried thumb key and it just took too much effort to get used to. Not to mention it basically requires using one thumb instead of two, so it’s possibly slower.

aesopjah,

and also has no predictions, which really slows it way down since you have to type out each long word the whole way through instead of just getting it to the point of uniqueness and clicking the suggestion.

partizan,

Best keyboard I ever used and need - Hacker’s Keyboard: f-droid.org/…/org.pocketworkstation.pckeyboard

volleyballcrocodile,

I use the last Swype apk with network access blocked in NetGuard, because I can’t go without swipe typing. The personal dictionary still works.

I found with gboard and swiftkey the dictionary didn’t save words without network connectivity.

TheAnonymouseJoker,
@TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml avatar

Can you tell the last version number?

Steamymoomilk,

KryptEY is pretty secure

github.com/amnesica/KryptEY

Rustmilian,
@Rustmilian@lemmy.world avatar

florisboard not perfect, but a good choice.

possiblylinux127,

Go to F-droid and get your keyboard from there. (If you don’t have F-droid installed you should)

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

I haven’t installed something outside of it for ages. I used the foxy client for a long time, and recently droid-ify

Zerush, (edited )
@Zerush@lemmy.ml avatar

There are good and save keyboards in F-Droid, but, well, the problem is Android itself. F-Droid is essential to obtain apps which respect privacy, but this only patch some holes when Google itself control the entire OS.

Mobile phones and privacy is an oximoron, because of this, I never use my phone for important data.

  • Review apps on Exodus Privacy
  • Desactivate GPS/Localisation service, at least if you dont use it
  • Review permissions of all installed apps and set them to desactivate after use in the app settings
  • Disconnect WiFi when you go offline
  • Don’t use public WiFi, at least without VPN, even if it is only a free one (eg. like Calyx, FOSS, trustworthy, no account, encrypted, without datalimit, but only 1 server from the Calyx institute, anyway save enough for an occasional use, Techradar review).
  • Common sense (the user is the biggest privacy hole)
LunchEnjoyer,
@LunchEnjoyer@lemmy.world avatar

Sadly not a whole lot of good options, other than the other one already mentioned here.

However I’ve got my hopes up for the upcoming keyboard app by FUTO. (Louis Rossman announced it on his YT channel a few vids back )

Pantherina,

On GrapheneOS ironically you can just use whatever keyboard and disable network permissions. Android is great

possiblylinux127,

Or you could just use software that is actually free/libre. Graphene os misses the point

random65837,

What point are you claiming Graphene misses? FOSS apps on a system where Google has root access is what misses the point.

possiblylinux127,

True but ROMs like lineage os are much better. They still ship a ton on proprietary software but at least there’s none in user space.

random65837,

Same with Graphene, there’s no way around that if you want the phone to work. But I can’t agree with Lineage being better. They’re user debug ROMs, the dev’s are never willing to call a release stable, don’t even remotely have the hardening that Graphene does, and walking around with an unlocked bootloader is a huge security threat both from a physical and remote exploit that would attack the boot partition/space. Add to that you don’t have verified boot working, so you’d never even know it’s happened, or attempted.

Then there’s the microG problem of apps that need the play store verification to work, banking apps that won’t work, even apps that don’t do license checks and simply need to prove they’ve been paid for will be dead most of the time. Plus, Lineage out of the box is still contacting Google, yes, you can undo that, but how many are aware of that and actually finish de-googling it? If I was stuck with a phone that wasn’t a Pixel I (may) use it, but given a bunch of apps I want to work wouldn’t, would probably just sell the phone and get one that’d run Graphene. If you take user bias out of hit and logically compare them, saying Lineage is better than Graphene is basically impossible to do. You can run Graphene and have a phone that in most cases runs 100% normally, most apps that bitch about modified phones are perfectly happy running on it and the user gains the security and privacy upgrades, without the downsides. Clearly they still need to make smart app choices, but they also don’t have a phone that isn’t a constant pain in the ass.

possiblylinux127,

I’ve never has a libre app need play services. That would be bad programing by the developer

random65837,

OK, I never claimed one did. We’re talking the masses here, including the masses of people who still like privacy. Not one off use cases where people are content with F-Droid only phones, most aren’t. Most want the line of Privacy, Security, but also still have smartphones that are smartphones and not a bunch of outdated many times abandoned apps that look like they’re from the KitKat days. If you’re OK with that cool, but the majority typically isn’t.

Pantherina,

Yes of course, but for example people that dont know the language yet and need suggestions. What do you mean by that?

possiblylinux127,

The problem with graphene is that is shamelessly promotes proprietary software. They have build tools to try to make it safe to run non-free programs (proprietary software) but that entirely misses the point.

When you run non-free software you do not control the program, it controls you. There is no way to know what it really is doing and you can’t make changes to it or even see what it is doing.

random65837,

In no way do they “shamelessly promote” proprietary software. Assuming you mean the sandboxed play services, their neutured, have no priveilged access and youre 100% in control of what they can and cant do.

I’d take that above some band-aid workaround like microG, which does need priveilged access, and fails to do what the actual play services do.

There is no way to know what it really is doing and you can’t make changes to it or even see what it is doing.

So what youre saying is that you personally audit the entire code, including when updates happen, and then “make changes” when you see fit? If so, Congrats. Youre the 1%. Most dont code, can’t read it, and sure as shit dont have the ability to change anything, that’s simply a talking point for the blind trust of FOSS apps. Context (and reality) matter.

can’t and wouldn’t.

possiblylinux127,

You just proved that they promote proprietary software though. Like it or not they encourage users to not seek freedom which is something I can not promote

random65837,

I did no such thing, and they’re not “promoting” anything, you’ve clearly never used Graphene, nor familiar with the definition of the word Promote. The Play Services aren’t installed by default, nor are they even mentioned as an option during the installation. It takes a user intentionally going into the Graphene apps store, and installing them after the fact. They also make it a point to mention that most apps work fine without them. Maybe actually read how they work, because you’re clearly unaware. Some people want them, and microG is shit, which is why they developed that option.

Good_Idea_Poorly_Realized,

Agreed with Mr random. Graphene gives users options, it’s literally the cleanest phone install I’ve ever seen, there is no extra fluff installed. The users have to choose what they install. Full agency . We should celebrate more options for users.

Skimmer, (edited )

The problem with graphene is that is shamelessly promotes proprietary software.

How does GrapheneOS “shamelessly promote” proprietary software? I don’t think I’ve ever seen them do this. Maybe you’re referring to Sandboxed Play Services? But that isn’t “shamelessly promoted” or recommended, it isn’t even included in the OS, its just an optional app that can be installed for those who need it.

They have build tools to try to make it safe to run non-free programs (proprietary software) but that entirely misses the point.

I assume you mean Sandboxed Play Services again? That’s far from the only feature or benefit that GrapheneOS gives. They do much more work than just Sandboxed Play Services or making it safe to run “non-free” programs. They make it safe to run ANY program, regardless of license.

Pantherina, (edited )

I agree and also avoid using their Sandboxed Play Services. Their values are security and “making sense”. Its great to have the play services and store just working but as user apps. You can isolate them in a work profile without a problem.

There is no alternative, their point is that microG is not FOSS but a hacked together version of the proprietary play services parts, it may be verrry insecure as it needs to run as system app and often doesnt get updates. And it still talks to Google and actually sends lots of data.

Their approach is very economic. They ship regular play services, framework and store, but with a compatibility layer. This saves efford a lot and avoids breakages or blocking services (Aurora) over time.

Literally everyone can run GrapheneOS, thats the point. You dont need to use the sandboxed Play, but if you need it, it works.

It annoys me too that their preinstalled apps all suck.

  • AOSP filemanager is needed for portals ans USB, but it sucks
  • that gallery??
  • clock is old and damn blue
  • sms app uses very old runtime, showing a warning
  • aosp contacts

They promote Vanadium and literally installing binaries from some random Github release.

F-Droid basic uses the new libraries and should be preinstalled as user app. They have reproducible builds now.

And I wont use Vanadium, as it doesnt support Firefox Addons. It may be hardened in some way but without Noscript and Ublock in my eyes no browser is really hardened if it can run every Javascript or block all, breaking 90% of websites.

LoveSausage,
@LoveSausage@lemmygrad.ml avatar

I like that they don’t foce apps on me , I’d rather install what I need myself. F-droid is not the best app as I see it. I use neo store so do not want extra bloat.

Regarding Firefox , you are either running chrome/vanadium or chrome/vanadium plus Firefox. Since webview. So what you have with Firefox is at best the in use browser features. Open a link in an app and you still use the webview. Firefox on android has it issues as well (sandboxing) . So 1+1 = 2 issues. Using a VPN / DNS with adblock makes ublock unnecessary.

tomo,

i just run afwall+ on my aosp rom to block network perms from apps

Pantherina,

Isnt that a root-only app?

Because if it uses the internal VPN feature, EVERY system app can bypass it, and the Captive Portal app and others certainly do.

Only GrapheneOS fixes that afaik, providing their own Servers for captive portal, connectivity check, SUPL proxy server (strips off data and Google still has to manage because monopoly)

TheAnonymouseJoker,
@TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml avatar

Oh no, its just GrapheneOS, other Android forks disallow changing keyboard and disabling network permissions! Has to be the most deluded form of advertisement.

LollerCorleone,
LollerCorleone avatar

I use OpenBoard and is very happy with it.

markkdark,

I use a openboard + native library for flow typing. I was long time gboard user but open board is now best for me. github.com/Helium314/openboard

Tramdan,

Do you know where we can get the apk?

22rw,

On the releases tab of the project ;D

Tramdan,

Thanks. I don’t know how I missed that.

ScrambleVerdict,

Download obtanium and add it on there to get automatic updates

simple,

Oh neat, I had no idea someone was upgrading Openboard. I thought it was abandoned.

markkdark,

Last update was 3.Nov.2023 but use OpenBoard debug from Helium 314 from github and use Optanium for upgrade on android. github.com/ImranR98/Obtainium

selokichtli,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

markkdark,

Futo, I didn’t find on fdroid or github, where can I looking for it? Thanx

selokichtli,

I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with the word “futo”. Do you mean the swipelib file?

reboot6675,

You need to add the repository to fdroid

markkdark,

Thanx. Best regards

SE_DeepFried,

So helpful, I’ve been trying to find a replacement for gboard for so long that has the gliding functionality, plus clipboard and easily accessible microphone for speach to text typing (using Futo).

Can finally really consider replacing Gboard for good.

Than you!

Bluefruit,

Openboard is my go-to as well. I like how customizable it is as well. I need bigger keys otherwise i fat finger everything lol.

IlIllIIIllIlIlIIlI,

Where I can get native library?

MeWantHoneycomb,

Read the first entry under Features on the GitHub page.

IlIllIIIllIlIlIIlI,

I ctrl+fed “native” and “features” and got nothing. What am I missing?

IlliteratiDomine,
@IlliteratiDomine@infosec.pub avatar

Here’s a link to the anchor

IlIllIIIllIlIlIIlI,

I did not found it because it is needed to switch to “new” branch. The installation of the library is not trivial (adb and such), so I ended installing AnySoftKeyboard. Thanks for your help.

southernwolf,
@southernwolf@pawb.social avatar

Holy crap, I didn’t know about this fork before now. I kinda thought that OpenBoard was sorta… abandoned at this point, but seeing the improvements from this fork just made me go and try it again. Normally I just use GBoard with it’s connections disabled (CalyxOS, so that is possible to do in a secure way), but trying this out now to see if I can dump Gboard entirely.

Ohh,

Not sure I trust a random repo here. I dont have the skill to look through the code. In this regard I prefer - after all - gboard. The changes me login credentials get stolen by google are smaller than the chanches I am duped into installing a random keyboard from github. Just based on my threat model and my skillz.

GenEcon,

I use Typewise. A swiss company, by far the best keyboard layout and they don’t use any data from what you type.

robsuto,

Is it open source?

long_chicken_boat,

I’m guessing that it isn’t. So don’t use it.

GenEcon,

Its not open source, but if you really want to you can use an offline version. In this case no data gets shared at all.

nfsu2,
@nfsu2@feddit.cl avatar

Unexpected keyboard, was meant for termux but can be used for daily use. It’s difficult to get the habit of key positions though.

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

I tried it, but couldn’t find basic stuff like how to type áàâ from the letter a… Also no predictions

nfsu2,
@nfsu2@feddit.cl avatar

https://feddit.cl/pictrs/image/45db3e7e-1d9e-4b2d-9b7b-cdbf3421991e.jpegHere, its with the secondary functions of letter D, J and N. Yeah no predictions is not a feature but I like to scroll trough text with the space bar and delete backwards. Plus if you hold a key it keeps going like a regular keyboard which I like. Overall I think its a good option for composing emails if you get the hang of it.

22rw,

The first two features mentioned are also available with OpenBoard (the Helium-Something fork) afaik

Undearius,
@Undearius@lemmy.ca avatar

Florisboard

The developer has hit a bit of a roadblock reworking a back-end system and is requesting help, but it has a great feature set already and is super customisable.

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

I haven’t tried it yet and indeed I just read his post from 3 weeks ago on how to get back on better tracks. I will give it a try but I couldn’t see from its description that it would go beyond its focus on privacy, at least for the moment

RogueBanana,

Well what else do you need tho, it has glide typing, incognito move and auto correct is in development although would take a while. It’s not perfect but it’s already very much a fully decked out keyboard or it will be once suggestions are added.

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

Well my question was specifically about smart prediction (beyond autocorrect). I have found scores of privacy friendly keyboards. The one I have been using for a year is from simplemobiletools (they have a full suite of apps and I use most of them ie contacts, gallery, notes…) but I miss the prediction feature. As you say even autocorrect is not yet supported in florisboard…but that wouldn’t be enough for me. Personalised dictionary based on typing would be a start, but swiftkey goes beyond, it proposes the next words before you type them

RogueBanana,

It is also in the works along with auto correct… You really should try the keyboard first before coming to that conclusion. I am not saying it has everything now but don’t assume the developer isn’t planning to add more, that’s not a good assumption.

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

Given the project has been paused more than a year, I’ll wait and see

sic_semper_tyrannis,

Where did you read his post?

Tibert,

Florisboard git > discussions (in the menu should be after pull requests)

Tibert,

Currently florisboard doesn’t have prediction nor autocorrect prediction.

Due to complications in the development of that feature (either too heavy to run or not smart enough for prediction…) and the development of the app got stuck, until maybe recently where it seems to get some dev attraction on some topics.

Tho the prediction is still stuck. So you won’t have yet prediction or smart things in this keyboard.

just_another_person,

I just had the time with it, honestly. So many things are broken, like spelling and dictionary integration. I know the dev is reworking some things, but even the last release doesn’t work very well. Respects privacy, sure. Works well, naw.

GabberPiet,

Just installed last week, and the dictionary integration with two different languages works fine for me. Autocorrect is not yet supported, if I remember correctly.

just_another_person,

Prediction on dictionary, and prediction in general is broken. You essentially can’t type out anything aside from the base diction without getting crazy suggestions. Kind of a deal breaker.

Albinjose7345,

Florisboard

FreshLight,

If your phone is rooted you can use any standalone keyboard app you like as long as you block it’s internet access

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

Not rooted for once in a long time, but I’ll think about it. How do you restrict an app’s access?

Fisch,
@Fisch@lemmy.ml avatar

You don’t need root for it, it’s in the app info page

https://lemmy.ml/pictrs/image/bbd9571a-5447-487c-a1ef-643e42b30368.png

https://lemmy.ml/pictrs/image/b09c2b0e-fbce-49ea-b69a-09c4ae15d047.png

BeatTakeshi,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

I don’t see the same thing on android 12.? Only restrict background data.

CCMan1701A,

Not there on 14 with pixel, but it shows only 1mb used with is likely even I search for gifs

LinkOpensChest_wav, (edited )

Same on android 13. There’s not even a “Mobile data & Wi-Fi” category, just “Mobile data.”

You could use an app like NetGuard to block internet access, but I’ve not found that to be a very practical solution, especially for VPN users.

Edit: Looks like it’s a Samsung thing.

I really wish I didn’t have a Samsung. What a horrible way to treat consumers, removing a basic function of the OS.

AtmaJnana,

I’m on 13 and I have it. Your ROM probably disables it.

LinkOpensChest_wav,

What can be done about that, besides rooting my phone?

singularity,

Same on Android 13

AtmaJnana,

I’m on Android 13 and I have it. Your ROM probably has it disabled.

singularity,

Seems like it’s not available in Samsung’s OneUI.

AtmaJnana,

Samsung doesn’t want you blocking their spyware pointless apps.

Tibert,

It may depends on your rom/os brand. On my device (oxygen os 13.x), I can restrict access somewhere deep into mobile network settings (the translation may not be good as I have it in French) :

Settings > mobile network > data consumption > network access.

And here I see all apps. I can restrict mobile network, WiFi or both.

FreshLight, (edited )

If you do not have an LSposed framework or similar (formerly knows as Xposed Framework) you can either use Adaway for blocking the phone from reaching websites (keep in mind that this is globally, though) or e.g. AFWall+ for preventing single Apps to connect to the internet (Apps that don’t try to get internet access are not shown is the list provided by AFWall+).

If you have LSposed or similar I believe it is possible to install XprivacyLua. This was/is(?) a very powerful tool to manage every single access an app is trying to get. Why would a sketchy chinese calculator app need access to the contacts and the internet even though this was never allowed in the system settings?

AtmaJnana,

OP can’t use adaway or AFWall+ without root.

I’m in the same boat as OP (I have a device without root for the first time in a long time) and I miss both apps. I do use a pihole+VPN for what adaway does. But there’s no real replacement for AFWall/iptables without root. As pointed out, though, you can block individual apps in some modern versions of android. Fortunately, I have that.

FreshLight,

Yes but they asked anyway, so I posted a few options

authed,

you dont need to be rooted to block app’s internet access though

FreshLight,

This is depending on the OS one is using so I did not mention that it is possible on some operating systems

authed,

that was about android

FreshLight,

exactly

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