una mano

Product Introduction

1. Definition: una mano is a third-party iOS keyboard application (a custom keyboard extension) designed to enhance one-handed usability on iPhones. It is a software utility that modifies the standard keyboard's on-screen position.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to solve the ergonomic challenge of typing on large-screen iPhones with one hand. Its core value is providing a one-handed keyboard that moves left, centre, or right dynamically, placing the QWERTY layout within thumb reach without altering the user's muscle memory.

Main Features

1. Adaptive Keyboard Positioning: The keyboard's core functionality is its ability to reposition its entire frame. Users can manually select a static left, center, or right alignment. Technically, this is achieved by the keyboard extension rendering its interface within a movable container view, controlled via in-keyboard UI elements or system gestures.
2. Swipe & Motion-Based Repositioning (Plus Feature): For advanced users, the Plus tier enables gesture-based control. A horizontal swipe across the keyboard triggers an immediate reposition, allowing movement without interrupting the typing flow. Additionally, it includes a Motion Switch feature, where tilting the iPhone to a specific angle can trigger a keyboard move, leveraging the device's accelerometer and gyroscope.
3. Privacy-First Architecture & Layout Management: una mano's typing engine operates without requiring Full Access permissions, meaning keystrokes are not transmitted outside the iOS sandbox. Full Access is optional and used solely to sync settings. The app also features a modular layout system; the Basic tier allows activation of one layout at a time, while Plus enables multiple active layouts with swipe-to-switch functionality.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: It directly addresses thumb strain and the physical awkwardness of one-handed typing on modern, large-display smartphones. It eliminates the need for finger gymnastics or risky phone-dropping hand contortions to reach keys on the opposite side of the screen.
2. Target Audience: Primary users are iPhone users with larger devices (iPhone Pro Max, Plus models), individuals with mobility limitations in one hand, multitaskers who frequently type while holding something (e.g., a coffee, groceries, a child's hand), and accessibility-focused users seeking ergonomic input solutions.
3. Use Cases: Essential for typing quick messages while standing on public transport, responding to notifications while holding a drink, drafting notes while carrying items, or any scenario where the user's primary hand is occupied but text input is required.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike many third-party keyboards that focus on themes, swipe-typing, or AI, una mano specializes solely in positional ergonomics. It differs from iOS's native "Reachability" feature (which shifts the entire screen) by moving only the keyboard, keeping content in place. Compared to split or floating keyboards, it retains the familiar, unaltered QWERTY layout.
2. Key Innovation: Its key innovation is the separation of position from layout. It decouples the spatial placement of the input panel from the key arrangement itself. This allows for immediate ergonomic benefit without the learning curve of a new layout. The optional Full Access model is also a significant privacy-centric innovation in the third-party keyboard space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the una mano keyboard really free? Yes, una mano Basic is permanently free. It includes the core feature of moving the keyboard left, center, or right using a position button and allows the use of one typing layout at a time. The Plus features are unlocked for a 14-day free trial upon installation.
2. How does una mano protect my privacy when typing? una mano is designed with a privacy-first architecture. Core typing functions work without granting Full Access, meaning the keys you press in other apps are not logged, stored, or transmitted. Optional Full Access is used only to save keyboard settings and tutorial progress back to the main app.
3. What happens after the 14-day Plus trial ends? No paid plan starts automatically. After the trial, the keyboard reverts to the fully functional Basic tier, which remains free to use indefinitely. You retain the manual position button and access to all typing layouts (one active at a time). You will not be charged.
4. Can I use una mano to type in passwords and secure fields? No, for security reasons, iOS restricts third-party keyboard use in password fields and certain secure text entry boxes (like credit card fields). In these scenarios, iOS will automatically switch to the native Apple keyboard.
5. How do I switch between different keyboard layouts with una mano? In Basic mode, you can select and activate one layout at a time from the companion app. With a Plus subscription, you can keep multiple layouts (e.g., QWERTY, AZERTY, DVORAK) active simultaneously and switch between them instantly with a vertical swipe gesture on the keyboard itself.