Swype is making its interesting touchscreen keyboard available to select Android users in a limited beta.
If you don’t know, Swype was created by the guy who invented T9 and it’s trying to be a new way for text input on touchscreen displays. Instead of clicking on letters, you swipe your finger in a continuous motion over the letters you want. The software quickly recognizes what you’re trying to write (even if you misspell it), and you can use the traditional tapping method if you prefer.
Originally, the company’s business model was licensing the technology to vendors, but leaked versions have hit Android and it’s clear there’s some interest from consumers. You can now sign up for the beta and try it out for yourself. The beta won’t be as full-featured as one that comes integrated from a handset maker, there will be limited customer support, and you can only use it if you have devices with HVGA and WVGA resolutions.
I signed up for Swype and put it on the Motorola Devour for my touchscreen keyboard needs. There’s definitely a learning curve because I’ve been conditioned to quickly tap the letters I want. I found it takes about two days of nominal use to get the hang of Swype and once it learns your tendencies and frequently-used words, it is a blast to use. Check out the demo video below and try it out for yourself and let us know how you like it.
[Via Phonescoop]