Swype brings its fast touchscreen keyboard app to all Android phones (Updated)
Swype, makers of innovative touchscreen text-input technology, will bring its software to all Android devices tomorrow, the company told TechCrunch, a technology blog. It’s not a full release of the software — its feature-set will be limited, and it will only be available for a few days.
The company’s touchscreen keyboard technology differs from virtual input methods seen on iPhone and Android devices. Instead of hitting individual software keys one at a time, it allows you to swipe your finger across the screen — at which point the software’s predictive algorithm determines what you’re trying to spell. The company boasts 95 percent accuracy for the software.
A Swype employee was able to trounce the previous Guinness World Record for texting speed using the software, so it definitely seems plenty fast. The software was previously only available built-in to certain phones, including the Samsung Omnia II and the Motorola CliqXT, so — aside from a beta release to some 25,000 users — its release tomorrow marks the first time it’s been widely available.
Swype is also meant for more than just phones — it can technically be used in any device with a virtual keyboard. With its widespread Android release, it could quickly become a useful text-input method for Android tablets when they show up. It’s also something that the iPhone could never see given Apple’s current app store rules. It proves how being a more open platform allows Android to innovate in ways Apple’s platform can’t.
Android users can grab the Swype app from the company’s site at http://beta.swype.com. Make sure to change your Android phone settings so that you’re able to install and run apps from “unknown sources.”
The Seattle, WA-based company recently landed $5.6 million in second-round funding, which was topped off with a $1 million investment by DOCOMO Capital.
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About the Author, Devindra Hardawar
Devindra Hardawar is VentureBeat's National Editor and lead mobile writer. He has been writing about technology since 2004, worked in IT support for several years, and studied philosophy at Amherst College. He now lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can reach him at devindra@venturebeat.com (all story pitches should also be sent to tips@venturebeat.com), and on Twitter at @Devindra.
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