⌨ ReplaceOSK 2.4 + TabTipProxy 2.5

What's New

While ReplaceOSK itself remains at v2.4, this release marks another major update for TabTipProxy. Numerous challenges surrounding the new invocation method have been solved, with only one known caveat remaining. Furthermore, this release now includes Windows 11 support, since Microsoft still hasn't removed the legacy OSK in the latest developer preview. 😓

ReplaceOSK

• Fallback to latest precompiled TabTipProxy binary if local compilation fails

TabTipProxy

• Fixed keyboard opening, but not closing when running TabTipProxy from .exe
• Fixed keyboard "bounce" (immediate open/close and vice-versa)
• Fixed Win + Ctrl + O not working in elevated applications (caveat: see "known issues")
• Fixed TabTipProxy desynchronization if TapTip.exe isn't running at invocation time
• Improved wait-for-release for Win + Ctrl + O shortcut

⌨ ReplaceOSK 2.4 + TabTipProxy 2.4

What's New

Version 2.4 is primarily focused on TabTipProxy, which was completely rewritten around a new, undocumented method for invoking the touch keyboard. Unlike previous methods, the new method works under all application conditions and does not require use of the taskbar. This change obsoleted registry modifications made in previous versions of ReplaceOSK, hence the main script was updated as well to reflect improvements to TabTipProxy.

ReplaceOSK

• Internal code improvements

TabTipProxy

• Improved invocation for stubborn applications (Chromium et al)--no more dirty fallback
• Fixed keyboard opening and immediately closing if Win + Ctrl + O shortcut is held too long

⌨ ReplaceOSK 2.3 + TabTipProxy 2.3

What's New

Version 2.3 is another major update that replaces Batch with PowerShell, thereby opening up many new opportunities for fixes and improvements.

ReplaceOSK

• Now written in PowerShell (with dirty auto-executer technology in the name of UX)
• Added fallback to download precompiled TabTipProxy if compilation fails
• Added taskbar touch input icon for manual invocation
• Added more detailed descriptions for currently-installed OSK
• Improved VB.NET compiler detection--no more false negatives
• Fixed auto-invoke not applying to 32-bit apps on 64-bit OS
• Fixed script failing with "Access Denied" error if Windows takes ownership of osk.bak

TabTipProxy

• Added fallback invocation for stubborn applications (Chromium et al)

⌨ ReplaceOSK 2.2 + TabTipProxy 2.2

What's New

Version 2.2 is a major update that finally realizes the original goal set out by ReplaceOSK and brings version parity with TabTipProxy.

ReplaceOSK

• Optimized process - restoring Legacy OSK will now properly skip other functions
• Improved VB.NET compiler detection
• Set TabTip.exe to always auto-invoke regardless of TabTipProxy or vanilla TabTip
  • Solves many failed invokations
  • Solved restart requirement - registry changes are now applied immediately

TabTipProxy

• Added FrameworkInputPane handler to properly detect when keyboard is visible or hidden (thanks, Bill-P!)
• Added icon to compiled executable

Known Issues

• TabTipProxy sometimes fails to invoke when a physical keyboard is attached
  • Workaround: Click outside an input area before triggering OSK (the taskbar is usually a safe place)

⌨ ReplaceOSK 2.1 + TabTipProxy 2.0

What's New

• Migrated TabTipProxy from JScript/Batch to pure Visual Basic
  • Opening/closing keyboard is now much more responsive
  • Visual Basic is able to interface with the keyboard process directly, opening possibilities for improved integration in future updates

Known Issues

• Closing the touch keyboard with the X button dismisses it, but does not remove it from memory. As such, it is currently not possible for TabTipProxy to tell whether the keyboard is visible. If the keyboard was not closed via TabTipProxy, OSK must be triggered twice to reopen (once to "close", and once to open again).

⌨ ReplaceOSK 2.0 + TabTipProxy 1.0

What's New

• Added TabTipProxy
  • Native Windows application compiled directly on the user's own PC during setup--still in a single Batch file!
  • Registry modifications and reboots are no longer required
  • Triggering OSK will both open and close the keyboard (*see below)
• Replaced pause events with timeout for a better touch experience
• Improved setup experience (now with color!)

Known Issues

• Closing the touch keyboard with the X button dismisses it, but does not remove it from memory. As such, it is currently not possible for TabTipProxy to tell whether the keyboard is visible. If the keyboard was not closed via TabTipProxy, OSK must be triggered twice to reopen (once to "close", and once to open again).

⌨ ReplaceOSK 1.0 - Pure Batch Edition

The initial release of ReplaceOSK. This version is a pure batch file, which has drawbacks but may be preferable to some.

To summarize:

Pros:

• Simple and transparent - nothing happens to your PC that you can't discern for yourself

Cons:

• Requires signing out and back in to apply changes to Windows Registry
• Performing Win + Ctrl + O only opens keyboard, cannot close it

Future versions will require compiled code, but will solve the issues with the Pure Batch Edition of ReplaceOSK. This initial version will remain available for anyone who favors it, although it is not recommended once updates become available.