Mangaluru: A new Tulu-script keyboard, ‘Kural Tulu Touch ’, that lets users type in the script, create stickers from the text, and share them in digital conversations was launched in Bengaluru Sunday.
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The developers said they plan to release an iOS version of the app. It is currently available on Android-based platforms. Download the TOI App.
Software developers Harshith Devadiga and Chaithra Poojary developed the keyboard, which was launched at the Tulunada Janapada Sambhrama organised by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy.
Harshith said the team developed the keyboard in about two weeks, building on a Tulu learning app they created around three years ago. Harshith said that mapping the font was one of the challenges they faced during development. The keyboard is currently available for Android phones through the Baravu Saravu app. Users can enable it and use it in apps such as WhatsApp . Typed content can also be converted into stickers and shared in chats. The app contains learning resources on the Tulu language and script. The keyboard uses Flutter and Firebase for the backend.
After installing or updating the app, users can access the “New Keyboard” option and activate it on their phones. Sharath Kodavoor, a founding member of Jai Tulunad, said the initiative aimed to bring the CIIL-approved Tulu script into the digital space. He said correct mapping of Tulu characters was important to prevent confusion among users. Banashri Avinash, who contributed Tulu-script learning content and videos to the app, said the application also has features for learning and practising the script.
The keyboard follows the familiar mobile keyboard arrangement, with Tulu-script characters corresponding to the keys. It supports letters, numbers, gunithakshara and votthakshara, and users can switch between Tulu and other keyboards. The app also contains a Tulu dictionary, basic sentences, audio-based learning material and heritage photographs. Users can suggest new Tulu words for inclusion in the dictionary, which are reviewed before being added.