United Kingdom
Very
good
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SwiftKey X (Phone) – Type the Night Away
Tested version: 2.0.5.153
Latest version: 4.1.3.149
Requires Android: from 2.1
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Summary
Android comes with a virtual keyboard which can sometime seem like it has a mind of its own—there’s definitely room for improvement there which is just what the SwiftKey X (Phone) people must’ve thought to themselves. What they came up with is a virtual keyboard the can predict words and even full sentences, and it keeps getting better the longer you use it. Sounds like a dream! Is it? Find out in today’s review.
Features & Use
Section rating:
Test device: LG Optimus Speed / 2x
Android version: 2.3.5
Mods: MIUI
I’ve tested many keyboards but, truth be told, none have really struck a chord with me. So my expectations weren’t soaring when I decided to try out SwiftKey X (Phone), but I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised.
In a nutshell: SwiftKey X (Phone) susses out your style of writing and enables you to write entire sentences merely by hitting the space bar. Amaze-balls!
After you install the keyboard an assistant guides you through the primary setup. Up to three dictionaries (in three different languages, obviously) can be downloaded and stay active simultaneously. In my experience the system does a brilliant job at recognising which language I was writing in (I would say it is 99% accurate).
There are standard language packages, as well as personalised ones which SwiftKey X (Phone) puts together using data from Facebook, GMail, Twitter and SMS you’ve sent out. This means that SwiftKey starts ‘learning’ your personal language/i.e. style from the get-go. Transferring data from said external sources to SwiftKey worked like a charm, and the app keeps getting better and better the more you use it and the more it becomes knowledgeable of your way of writing.
The assistant even asks you to evaluate your own typing skills, that is it want to know how precisely you can type, in order to optimise the suggestions.
I’ve been using the app for several weeks now and feel it’s safe to say that it’s a great tool and time saver. I checked SwiftKey’s statistics and am told that my writing efficiency has gone up by 30% . I also didn’t have to type in thousands of characters.
Long press on ‘123’ and a separate keyboards only for smilies, symbols and arrow buttons opens up. This is especially useful for navigating through texts on devices that don’t have a trackball.
You can also choose to have the arrows displayed near the bottom of the display permanently.
You can also alter the appearance of the keyboard using the ‘Them and layout’ options. There are three themes to choose from: light, dark and a blue neon one. I like all three.
The keyboard can also be changed from QWERTY to QWERTZ.
Bottom line:
SwiftKey X (Phone) can help save a lot of time, period. The app can complete whole sentences for you and even knows which smiley is context-appropriate. I love that the app supports three languages as once, and I really wouldn’t want to have to make do without this app after seeing what a difference it can make.
Screen & Controls
Section rating:
SwiftKey X (Phone) is easy and intuitive to use. The setup assitant is especially useful. We’re knocking one star off because the settings are in English only.
Speed & Stability
Section rating:
SwiftKey X (Phone) runs absolutely smoothly. Pristine and stabile performance.
Price/Performance Ratio
Section rating:
SwiftKey X (Phone) can be downloaded for EUR2,80 from our App Center. Definitely well-worth the somewhat steep price.
Developer
Top App:
SwiftKey Keyboard
SwiftKey – the best-selling keyboard on Android #1 selling app in 38 countries, over (...)
SwiftKey – the best-selling keyboard on Android #1 selling app in 38 countries, over (...)
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Market Comments
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Used to be great, not anymore. I have used SwiftKey for years and recommended it to anyone using Android. But after the update to 4.0, it has become almost unusable for me. It misses so many of the letters that I type that I have to slow my typing to a crawl to get SwiftKey to register all my key strokes. What's worse is that the developer has completely ignored the issue. Emails to support get automated replies to go to their support forum. Many users on the forum have the same problem, but the subject has been ignored there as well.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Very Good Excellent app that was recommended to me. I hated typing on touch screen but SwiftKey has made it very easy. Highly recommend it.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Outstanding This is one of those key apps that everyone should have. It makes typing so much easier.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Excellent keyboard It's almost scary. Seems like it knows what I'm thinking.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Way better than standard key pads Predications are just insanely accurate
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Great until it stopped working It randomly uninstalled this morning when I updated,and now it won't reinstall.keeps saying error -24
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Love it I love SwiftKey. I've been using it now on two phones and my tablet. Never have any problems.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Used it on S3! Not my new Note2 The stock keyboard on the note 2 you don't have to long press or switch screens to input numbers (5 row key instead of 4). Would be nice for Swiftkey to have it as an option! A new keyboard would be nice! Preferably one inspired by the new Google tiles! Custom color options for numbers, letters, keyboard, and background would be nice too! Can't wait for the updates (easy 5 out of 5 with these options)!
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Amazing! I just keep returning to this. 5+ New update made it somehow faster and better.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Unusable First bought this application and the speed/accuracy was fantastic - was the given keyboard in Android market. Recent updates have resulted in the keyboard being completely unusable - my phone is noticeably slower when this is active; to the point typing has a delay on 5-10seconds and moving in any application where it might need to call SwiftKey causes huge delays. I am un-installing this until such time the performance can improve.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Satisfied I'm very satisfied with this app. The speed and anticipated text is great. Very much worth the money.
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
I like the"FLOW " ! ) .. But ..it needs work... It only gives one "choice " when typing a word.. Seems to slow down my phone? (MotoDroidRazrMAXXhd).. I was tired of erasing the UN correct word, so went back to TouchPal..& Swype
A Google User, Jun 19, 2013
Brilliant I had a iphone and this is a really challenger to that sms system, only downside is that you can't add words to dictionary
Swift key is pretty amazing. I'm glad that you have it at android pitt now. I like to jump from swype to swift key as they both suit me in different situations.