What do you think of the new virtual trackpad for iOS 12, which is activated by keeping your finger on the virtual keyboard space bar? Once the trackpad is activated, you can also highlight text by taping once on the trackpad with another finger and then dragging. I think it is pretty nice. Does it do a good job of simulating a mouse-like experience....which is one of th major critisims of the iPad?
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All iPads IOS 12 - space bar activated virtual trackpad
- Thread starter Mainsail
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I like the feature and think it opens up for more possibilities with what they may do. Your phone is now your trackpad haha.
Nifty, however I wish I could invoke it while using the Apple Smart Keyboard. If it’s possible, I haven’t figured out how to do it . . Anyone know?
I believe in the past one used two fingers in the area where the keyboard would normally be but that doesn’t work.
I believe in the past one used two fingers in the area where the keyboard would normally be but that doesn’t work.
It would really be awesome if they could make the iPhone work as a trackpad for the iPad... kind of how it already acts as a pointer for keynote on the iPad...
I have a Logitech keyboard and there is a shortcut key on the top row that brings up the virtual keyboard, so you can activate the trackpad. I know the ASK does not have a top row of shortcut keys, but you can activate shortcuts with certain key combinations.....I am sure there is one for the virtual keyboard.
That said; It is a bit awkward going from physical keyboard to virtual trackpad just to activate the “curser”. Often, it is easier to just point at the text with finger or stylus and then use the arrow keys on the physical keyboard to navigate and highlight.
I think the virtual trackpad works most naturally when you don’t have a physical keyboard, so you are using the virtual keyboards and find the need to navigate and highlight quickly.
You could do the same thing pre iOS 12 by using two fingers on the keyboard.
You are right. Although, I found that hitting the keyboard with two fingers simultaneously was sometimes difficult for me, and I would end up getting a character rather than activating the trackpad. I have less trouble holding my finger on the space bar to activate the trackpad. Everyone is different.
You can still use the two finger gesture in iOS12.
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In general, any field where there is editable text (i.e. you have an I-beam/insertion/blinking cursor) you can use two fingers to move the insertion point. This works in small text fields (like a single-line web input text field) and larger text fields (like iOS Notes). Just two-finger-tap-and-hold inside the editable region then drag the insertion point where you want.*
Personally, I'd love to see Apple add support for its Magic Trackpad if only for the single purpose of moving the insertion point when writing.
*Doesn't work on the MacRumors forums!
In general, any field where there is editable text (i.e. you have an I-beam/insertion/blinking cursor) you can use two fingers to move the insertion point. This works in small text fields (like a single-line web input text field) and larger text fields (like iOS Notes). Just two-finger-tap-and-hold inside the editable region then drag the insertion point where you want.*
Personally, I'd love to see Apple add support for its Magic Trackpad if only for the single purpose of moving the insertion point when writing.
*Doesn't work on the MacRumors forums!
Well poop . . . It’s on forums (in Tapatalk app) that I do the most typing with the ASK and editing of posts. You’re absolutely right, it works in other text fields. Sad that the experience with the keyboard is inconsistent.