In a surprising turn of events, EVKey, a widely used Vietnamese keyboard software for both Windows and Mac operating systems, has been officially discontinued after a prolonged period without updates. The announcement was made by its developer, Lam Quang Minh, on his personal Facebook page, leaving many loyal users feeling a sense of regret.
According to Lam Quang Minh, the decision to cease development was prompted by the increasing availability of other keyboard options on the market that offer similar features. "EVKey has not been fixed or upgraded for a long time," he stated, acknowledging the software's decline in support. Despite this, many users continue to appreciate EVKey for its strong compatibility with various applications and its reliability in online gaming environments.
EVKey was originally developed based on the open-source code of Unikey, a legendary Vietnamese keyboard software. However, it was enhanced to better accommodate modern applications that sometimes faced issues with Unikey, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel, Zalo, and Visual Studio Code. Over the years, EVKey gained a reputation for its simple interface, stable operation, and features like shortcut support, spell checking, and intelligent accent placement, all without the burden of advertisements. This made it a trusted alternative to Unikey for many users.
The last version released for Windows was 5.0.1, which came out on March 13, 2022, while the final version for macOS was 3.3.8, launched in mid-2021. Since then, the software has not received any updates, which raises concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with newer operating systems.
Despite the cessation of development, users can still utilize EVKey. However, the lack of updates may expose them to security risks and incompatibilities with future software. Currently, both Microsoft and Apple have integrated Vietnamese keyboard functionalities into their operating systems, diminishing the need for additional keyboard software.
In his announcement, Lam Quang Minh expressed gratitude to the community for their support over the years, while also apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the lack of updates. He recommended that users experiencing issues or requiring additional features consider switching to alternative software that offers similar functionalities and better support.
The discontinuation of EVKey has sparked discussions about the software's transparency and its adherence to open-source principles. Although it was built on Unikey's GPLv3 code, EVKey itself operates as closed-source software. This has led to questions regarding compliance with open-source licensing, particularly since the project's GitHub page does not publicly share its source code, complicating efforts to verify the software's safety.
In the past, some antivirus programs issued warnings regarding the EVKey installation file, which were later classified as "false positives." As of now, there is no verified evidence suggesting that EVKey has engaged in data theft or contains malware. Nevertheless, the software's use of Unikey's code without appropriately disclosing its own source has raised concerns about potential copyright violations, an issue that the EVKey developers have yet to address officially.
The future for EVKey users appears uncertain. While the software continues to function well on the latest Windows 11 version, the absence of ongoing support and updates poses risks in the long run. Users are encouraged to explore alternative solutions, such as the integrated Vietnamese keyboard in Windows, which supports both TELEX and VNI input methods, or to revert to Unikey, which has recently received updates after years of stagnation.
The discontinuation of EVKey marks the end of an era for a once-popular Vietnamese typing tool. As users navigate the landscape of available keyboard options, the legacy of EVKey will likely remain in the memories of those who relied on its features and capabilities.
