First, there was Swype. Then, there were lots of other third-party keyboards that followed suit and duplicated Swype’s unique way of inputting text on an Android device. Then, manufacturers got in on the fun: HTC and ASUS both offer “trace” functionality on their own keyboards that they bundle with their newer devices. According to some rumors, even Google will soon add trace functionality to the stock Android keyboard.
Enter SwiftKey Flow. SwiftKey, of course, is a favorite keyboard of many Android enthusiasts, and it’s often praised as having one of the best predicative text engines. But what’s the one thing it’s always lacked? Trace.
Well, the company now has a new version of its popular keyboard, with trace, currently in beta form. And it adds a nice, new feature that actually isn’t found in other trace keyboards at the moment: real-time word prediction while you are tracing. So, in other words, you can actually stop in mid-trace and select the word you want, if it happens to predict it correctly.
That’s pretty darn nice – and innovative – if you ask me. Right now, if you want to try this out yourself, you’ll have to sign up for the beta at SwiftKey’s site (click the source link below). If you do, be sure to come back and trace a comment, letting us know how it’s working out for you.
typo:
both off “trace” functionality
should be
both offer “trace” functionality
Good catch. Thanks!
I’ve really used this type of keyboard. I can imagine it would be quite good but probably takes some time to get used to
registered to be a tester just waiting for a response, I love swift key and think this would be fun to mess with
SwiftKey is my preferred keyboard but I’m not a big fan of tracing words.
I love SwiftKey, but trace faster. This is the best of both worlds. Plus, easier to install than Swype = win. Argh, I can’t wait for my beta access!
This looks awesome. I bought SwiftKey a while back but was already addicted to Swype by then so I had to go back. Now being able to swipe words AND have the legendary SwiftKey word prediction, that’s a win!
Only way to be more awesome would be allowing two thumb swiping, Keymonk style.
I’ve never been a fan of the swype-to-type. I’m more if a tap-to-type. But who knows. SwiftKey has gotten me this far. Hasn’t let me down yet. SwiftKey is awesome!!!
Swiftkey is an awesome keyboard! Cant wait to try this!!!
I’ve always loved Swiftkey but also always loved swype action. So glad these two worlds are finally colliding together.
This looks pretty sweet! Might have too take it for a spin.
There better be an option to disable it…I want no part of this Swype-like functionality. I bought SwiftKey because Swype sucks and I liked SwiftKey’s prediction.
I’ll be signing up for this. I loved the swyping too much to let the keyboard go, even though it was going to crap for a while. But it has been getting better over the last couple of updates. It’s not always accurate, but it is getting better. I just wish I could delete some words from their dictionary. I used to get “Getty” any time I wanted to use “get.” And I’d also have to watch for “or” or “our” when swyping.
I loved swype but I switched to SwiftKey because of the predictions and the voice to text seemed more accurate than Swype. But I like the combo, I’ll wait for the update. I’m sure it will be offered /integrated into SwiftKey 3. It better be cuz I’m not buying it otherwise lol
Love the idea of predicting mid-trace! I’ve thought of that several times on Swype when trying to trace a long word. Look forward to trying this out.
I used Swype and Swiftkey and think a swype like interface for Swiftkey sounds great. I’ll have to give this one a try.
Sounds cool.
Swiftkey is highly recommended by me. I actually have 2 copies. One one Amazon’s App store and one on the Play Store.