Written Android App Review
For a limited time on May 20th, SwiftKey’s VIP forum was open for anyone who wanted to join and get in on the beta test for SwiftKey 2. I happened to be one of the lucky people who got in on this announcement and was able to download and install the new beta. I think SwiftKey users everywhere will be thoroughly impressed with the new version and if you don’t use SwiftKey yet, you should! Its intuitive interface makes typing and texting a breeze and is much better than the default android keyboard. In fact, I can type faster now with SwiftKey than I can on my hard keyboard! Now THAT is saying something!
SwiftKey CEO Jon Reynolds
Features
While there will be new features, some have stayed the same. Most importantly, the ability to learn as you type has not only been preserved, but upgraded immensely. In fact, the app will soon allow you to link your Facebook, Twitter and GMail accounts so that it can learn from those as well! Syncing doesn’t take long and dramatically improves the predictive and auto-correcting abilities. It is noteworthy to mention that SwiftKey only looks at what YOU have sent, not what others have sent you (for GMail, this means your sent box). So don’t worry about the hoards of junk mail and corporate advertisements you receive – they won’t be factored in.
Another unique feature of SwiftKey is its multilingual capabilities. As it is, 14 languages are currently available and the new version will bring out three more – Indonesian, US Spanish (I didn’t know there was such a thing!), and Canadian French. Out of the soon 17 languages available, chances are most users will speak at least one of them. This feature makes this a universally appealing app and definitely one to download if you use the on-screen keyboard regularly.
The new version boasts an impressive 96% accuracy – beat that Apple. This means no more auto-correct fails, and this can be a true lifesaver, marriage saver, friend saver… you-name-it saver! Ironically, Touchtype, makers of SwiftKey, offered their app to Apple as well and was declined. That’s fine by me – it just gives me even more bragging rights about why my Droid is better than the iPhone.
But what if you don’t feel like typing? No worries, SwiftKey has you covere there as well with their voice-to-text option. This can be enabled to display on the keyboard interface so you can simply touch a button and talk away.
Design
While the original keyboard layout was nice, let me assure you the new one is AWESOME. I have honestly never typed so quickly with an on-screen keyboard. While I won’t win any speed-typing contests even now, the dramatic increase in speed makes me actually want to type on my phone. This just might be a lifesaver for all the writing I do – allowing me to jot down ideas or even piece together rough drafts quickly and easily. I would love to show you the new keyboard, however at this stage in the game, it would likely be against usage policies. Rest assured though, you won’t be disappointed.
Value
I have only used SwiftKey for a short time and, of course, only just got the Beta this morning. However, I can say with confidence that this single application just made my entire phone more valuable to me now that I can type quickly and with confidence. This will be a must-get when the full version is finally released to the Android Marketplace!
Author’s note: It is unclear when it will be released officially and there is discussion of another Beta run beforehand. It is also noteworthy to mention they are also working on a tablet edition as well. I can actually type fairly quickly on my 10” tablet, so it will be interesting to see how SwiftKey can improve on that ability. There is a rough beta out currently and I plan to check it out and perhaps review it as well. Whatever you do – keep your eyes peeled for a release date on this app!
Android Apps Review Details: The original SwiftKey Android app is available for free as a 31-day trial and for $1.99 for the full version. This app requires Android 1.5 and up. You may download the trial from the Android Market.
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