I’ve tried several different virtual keyboards for my phone, including the standard Windows keyboard (blech, horrible), the SPB keyboard (ooh, much nicer) and the virtual keyboard that comes on HTC phones (really, really nice). But, today, I was reminded of a virtual keyboard I’ve wanted to try for ages. It’s called Swype, and the story that reminded me about it was simply one, from IntoMobile, saying that Nokia and Samsung had injected some cash into the project.
“Hmmm,” says I, my interest piqued. “If those two big names are getting behind it, it might actually be rather good. I’d best try this for myself.”
So, I thought I’d give it a try, to bring you, my dear readers, an impartial review. I have to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. The whole idea of swiping your fingers across the screen to type seemed like such an alien concept. I have to concede, I thought it would be rubbish, despite the news about Nokia and Samsung.
And then, I have to concede I was wrong.
It. Is. AWESOME.
The basic principle of the Swype keyboard can be summed up thusly: you drag your finger across the screen, roughly, more or less, sort of, in the direction of the letters you want to type. No individual tapping of letters, and you really don’t have to be that accurate when using it. So, that’s one benefit: it’s an absolute doddle to use, even on my phone, which only has a 3 inch screen.
And then, there’s the other benefit. Speed. Not only is it really easy to type (although you’re actually typing at all, in the traditional sense) words, Swype lets you do it at double-quick-super-pronto speed. Seriously, I’m not joking. Not only was I inputting text on this faster than on any other virtual keyboard, I was faster than using my hardware keyboard!
Sweet zombie jeebus, am I impressed. And bear in mind, this is on a year-old Sony Ericsson X1. Since Nokia have pumped cash in, imagine this on something like the Nokia N900, with a bigger screen and faster processor. Or, for WinMo phones, imagine it on the big screen of the HTC HD2.
I can say only one thing in conclusion. Swype is easily the best keyboard I’ve ever used on any phone, virtual or hardware-based.
Wow. Just wow.
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