Steno Keyboard Pocket brings stenographic writing to iPhone. Instead of one key per letter, you press several keys at once. A dictionary translates that chord into a word, a phrase, or punctuation.
HOW IT WORKS ON A PHONE
Press your chord, then press Translate. The Translate key sits where the space bar normally would, so the rhythm is chord, translate, chord, translate. On a screen this size that is more reliable than trying to lift a whole chord cleanly, and it means a mistimed finger does not send the wrong word.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Pocket is Translate only. It does not include lift to send, the steno mode built around it, or the wide proportioned board those need. Those are on the iPad app, Steno Keyboard. If you want to write steno with both hands, that is the one to buy.
YOUR DICTIONARIES
Import Plover format JSON, or RTF/CRE files from most CAT software. Dictionaries are priority ordered, so a personal dictionary can override a general one. Large dictionaries are supported.
FOR LEARNING AND FOR LOOKUP
Look up how any word is written, and read a plain English explanation of what an entry's formatting codes actually do. Define a word you just wrote without leaving what you were doing. Useful for drilling a brief on the bus even if the real writing happens elsewhere.
PRIVATE BY DESIGN
Nothing you type leaves your device. No account, no analytics, no server of ours. Translation happens locally.
REQUIRES A DICTIONARY
This is a custom keyboard and it needs a steno dictionary to do anything. The app can download a free starter dictionary, or you can import your own.
I love this app! I am a court reporter and CART captioner who is always adding to her dictionary. Oftentimes, I will encounter a word while I’m out and about and think to myself, “Is this in my dictionary?” I’ve been using the Notes app for years to keep track of words to add. It’s very tedious and I don’t always get around to it. With this app, I have a dictionary file that I am always adding to directly from my phone! Then I export it as an rtf and update my dictionary file on my computer. I’m also able to search what I have in my current dictionary if I forget an outline.
Developer Response
I'm so glad you like it! Let me know if there are any features you'd like to see in the future. :)
Getting used to it. Best $5 I’ve spent in a while!
StenogalJessicaMarie
I was so happy that I found this app! Thank you for creating it! I do have a question. What or how do I write a word that takes more than one stroke? From what I could tell it’s only for one word strokes. I’m still playing around with it but please let me know. Thank you!
Developer Response
Thank you so much! To write multi-stroke outlines, just hit translate between each stroke and as long as there's a matching outline in your dictionary it will retroactively correct. :)
Fun to use
Naughtobot
It’s very interesting to text friends with it
A fix for dictionary export.
• Exporting one dictionary on its own works again, by swipe or by long press.
Version 1.6
The developer, MICHAEL ANGELO DURGIN, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
