keyboard issue with S89 Elite Finless Bob 1.2

[joemamasan]

forgive me if this is a noob mistake, but i cant find or figure out the answer to this problem

after a few minor issues, i successfully installed the rooted Finless Bob 1.2 version on my S89 Elite
the only issue i am having is

(for example)
i go to the Google Play store
get over the the search box
the AOSP keyboard comes up
BUT
i cant enter any letters using the remote like i did on stock rom
no button i can press on the remote will cause letters to appear or be depressed on teh AOSP keyboard
if i hit the 'mouse' button on the remote, i can manually move the cursor over the keyboard and get letters to appear
but this is a huge PITA
instead of moving around the AOSP keyboard, the remote just moves around the various items on teh Google Play store

i have scoured the internet for any info on this issue, and repeatedly tried any related setting in Android options, including the 'remote control' setting on the device options

if anyone has any ideas about this, i would really appreciate it
thanks

btw i have also tried the Swiftkey Tablet app with the same results

[Drum]

I gave it a try with the remote that came with the unit, and managed to get it to work myself, ie - hit the mouse button, then used the arrow keys to move the mouse around, then select a letter with the ok button. It works but is a major PITA to do this way. If you don't have a USB or Bluetooth keyboard & mouse, &/or have an airmouse / keyboard at least on order, you probably want to get something to make your life a lot easier.

[Drum]

I gave it a try with the remote that came with the unit, and managed to get it to work myself, ie - hit the mouse button, then used the arrow keys to move the mouse around, then select a letter with the ok button. I managed to get past the items on google play, and on to the keyboard by moving sideways, then down, and selecting pointer on and off.

It works but is a major PITA to do this way. If you don't have a USB or Bluetooth keyboard & mouse, &/or have an airmouse / keyboard at least on order, you probably want to get something to make your life a lot easier.