SwiftKey Offers 'Swype-like' Experience With New SwiftKey Flow

dgstorm

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[video=youtube;kA5Horw_SOE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kA5Horw_SOE[/video]​

It's nice having options in life. After all, they do say that "variety is the spice of life"; however, sometimes if you have a choice between two things that are each equally as impressive, yet utilize different concepts, it makes it difficult to make a decision between them if you can only use one at a time. For the longest time, that is precisely what we have had on Android when it comes to keyboards. While there are a plethora of keyboard options out there, the two most notable ones are Swype and SwiftKey.

Swiftkey is a traditional style "type each letter individually" keyboard, but has a downright spooky way of practically reading your mind as it learns your typing patterns to predict which word you intend to type. Swype, on the other hand is a keyboard that allows you to slide your finger effortlessly from one letter to the next spelling out the word you want. This method can be very quick and smooth to a practiced user. Both options offer a novel approach to something we do everyday. Some people prefer one over the other (which could make for some interesting discussions), but others like both equally.

Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to choose between the two, but could actually dynamically do both on the fly? Apparently, the makers of SwiftKey think so, because they have created a new version of their keyboard called, SwiftKey Flow. Not only does this keyboard keep their "telepathic" predictive word engine, it also now includes a "Swype-like" feature for those who prefer to type that way. How's that for the best of both worlds?

Share with us what you think of this concept, and which keyboard software you prefer. Even if it is one that is not mentioned, we would like to hear about your favorite third-party keyboard.

Source: Introducing SwiftKey Flow | SwiftKey
 

mountainbikermark

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The Swype parent company added predictions to Swype and though better than nothing it's not on par with Swiftkey.
I have huge finger tips so slider or stylus are a must on a touch screen for me. Swiftkey can't keep up with my mistakes so I had to go back to the slider type and right now Swype works best for me.
Swift Flow on a Nexus7 vs the iWhatever mini? Just that much more of an advantage.

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TisMyDroid

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Me too! I am a swyper and I've wanted to see swiftkey inherit this ability for a long time. This is great news!
 

WildcatRudy

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If it wasn't for Swype I would not even have patience for a smartphone--I can't pick out the "keys" on a touchscreen without getting about a third of the letters wrong. A mash-up of Swype and SwiftKey is ideal though--I did dabble with Swiftkey and liked being able to "type" from the common predicted words presented to me.
 

johnomaz

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I quit using swype. Its lost its edge for me. There is just something lacking from it. I will buy this ASAP once its released.
 

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I started using Swype on my OG Droid back when it was an invitation-only beta. I switched to Swiftkey when I found out about it and I'm faster on Swiftkey than Swype but I can't wait to glide on Swiftkey. I signed up for the beta lickety-split.

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aaf709

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It might be worth trying out. I have Swype Beta on my ICS Bionic and sometimes it just stops working. I've been using TouchPal at the moment.
 

n0m0n

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Does this have shortcut options.
I got so used to shortcuts on the iPhone that that is the only thing I really miss.

EXAMPLE:
bf = bal fam which means balance family when I text my bank.
So all I type is "bf"

Wish there was a stand alone tweak or app that could offer that on my Razr MaxxHD

Thanks
 

mountainbikermark

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Does this have shortcut options.
I got so used to shortcuts on the iPhone that that is the only thing I really miss.

EXAMPLE:
bf = bal fam which means balance family when I text my bank.
So all I type is "bf"

Wish there was a stand alone tweak or app that could offer that on my Razr MaxxHD

Thanks

SlideIT has that for sliders, Thumb also has it for typers.

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akhenax

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I currently use Swiftkey and I like it on my phone. When I try to use the same package on my tablet, I hate it. I found out you have to get a special version for tablets, which was lame, and more money.

I would however consider getting this if they produce one version for both phone and tablets, allowing you to turn off the swipe feature for the tablet.
 

Sherry

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I am interested, was one of the original beta testers on Swipe on my OG. Signed up yesterday, will be interesting to see if it lures me away from Swype.
 
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