While SwiftKey doesn’t get the same amount of headlines as Swype (deservedly so, based on installed base), I think the company is trying to do some innovative things with input. The company just launched the SwiftKey X keyboard for phones and this also includes a version that’s optimized for tablets.
The SwiftKey X keyboard uses cloud-based technology to try and accurately predict what you want to type. The latest version can hook into your social networks to get a better feel for how you write and it will adapt accordingly. The tablet version (known as SwiftKey Tablet X) also has the added benefit of being able to turn into a split keyboard, which I found to be quite pleasant to use when holding a Xoom in landscape mode.
I also put the latest version of the SwiftKey X keyboard on my EVO 3D and found that it has been crazy good at predicting what I want after using it for a week or so. It’s been a great productivity tool and I love how you can adjust it depending on if you’re a sloppy typer or a very precise one.
Unfortunately, it’s kind of a pain to set up and that’s going to be tough when you consider that the company is competing with something that’s already on the phone and is free. When you download SwiftKey X, you then have to separately download the language, hop through settings to make it the default keyboard, sign into other cloud services for better personalization (optional) and then you’re ready to rock. I think the process is worth it but I can see how it could be off putting.
The SwiftKey X keyboard is available now for phones and tablets for $3.99 from the Android Market. The company will be running a two-day promotion where it will be about half the price and all existing SwiftKey purchasers will get a free upgrade.