Popular Android keyboard SwiftKey is rolling out an update today that fixes a number of bugs and adds two vibrant color schemes. The version 3.0.1 update brings performance improvements (especially for those using a Jelly Bean device), adds Sky and Fuchsia color schemes, and Malay and Urdu to the language pack. This brings the total number of supported languages to 44.
For those using a Nexus 7 or who have received Jelly Bean on another Nexus device, predictions now appear when using Google Now. This is a very useful addition as the SwiftKey predictions are often quicker and more accurate than what Google Now churns out. While Google is of course very good at predictive text, sometimes the Google Now search feature is a little slow.
The predictions also work in other places where they were previously not appearing: the Dolphin HD web browser, HTC notes app, and standard Android browser when using Jelly Bean.
Below is the official list of updates and fixes, courtesy of SwiftKey:
- New Themes: Two new themes for summer, Sky and Fuchsia.
- General performance improvements.
- Improved application compatibility
- Google voice typing for Android 4.0 and 4.1 users – now allows continuous dictation
- Fixed Doubledouble and jumpy cursor problems in Chrome browser
- Dolphin HD browser had predictions
- Google Now adds predictions
- Fixed selection problems and crashes in Samsung default mail client app on Galaxy S3
While this takes care of a ton of issues, the nature of software and applications mean that bugs are often lurking. The SwiftKey team reported that the arrow keys are still not functional due to browser restrictions and predictions do not update when coming back from sleep. Users need to set a selection a couple of times in order for it to re-sync. SwiftKey is continuing to work on these issues, according to the company.
Download SwiftKey from Google Play (Free for 30 days, then $3.99)
Download SwiftKey 3 Tablet from Google Play (same pricing structure)
