The lack of solid input on Android Wear is worrying for the platform, looking like a companion to the smartphone rather than a platform by itself. Minuum, a keyboard developer, wants to add a bit more first party input, with a new small keyboard.
Instead of adding a full keyboard onto Android Wear, Minuum has a single-line of several letters. The keyboard uses different features in order to structure a word, allowing users to fast type out without needing to proof-read the message.
This is one of the first typing experiences available on Android Wear, most messaging apps will just refer to the smartphone app or allow the user to send a pre-made reply. It might be a little uncomfortable in the short term, but once users understand the interface, Minuum might be an easy experience.
Minuum is available to try out on the LG G Watch, Moto 360 and Samsung Gear Live, all three smartwatches currently available running Android Wear. Users will be able to use the keyboard on a variety of applications for Android Wear.
The beta has received quite a lot of criticism, with people complaining that Android Wear apps should go beyond the smartphone. This might be less to do with the app and more to do with Android Wear, which appears to just be a poor companion to the smartphone.
Still, we could be wrong, Android Wear might become a fruitful platform offering all types of apps and features. The issue we see currently is the lack of differentiation between the smartphone and the watch, leading to a better experience overall on the phone.
