Android hardware keyboard shortcuts

Most of modern (post 2010) Android devices can be connected to external controllers via their BT or USB ports (the Host Mode aka On The Go USB). In simple language, you can connnect a regular external keyboard or mouse to your Android phone via USB or Bluetooth.             

Now, the shortcuts and methods that you may be used to in Windows or Unix do not work the usual way in Android. There is no Delete. The function keys (F12 and such) do not work out of the box.

In my case, the run-of-the-mill Medion Bluetooth keyboard cum mouse (15 euro) set serves their purpose. One can press Alt-Tab to switch between the applications. The extra keys: Sleep, Volume Up, Home, Mail, at the top of the keyboard, work too, to an extent.

Amazingly enough, the Windows key is mapped to the Android Search key, and some combinations are supported by the stock ROM: Win+B runs the Browser, Win+E the Email client; see the full list here.

If you want to extend or remap the keyboard layout, you can use a keyboard remapper or special keyboard drivers. However, there is a more elegant way to add functionality to the Win+Key combinations: the in-built Quick Launch.

In the earlier Android versions, pre ICS, this tool was available in Settings, 

but in the ICS+ varieties this option is gone.

To access it, install Quick Launch from Google Play, which shows this hidden Settings page.