There are plenty of keyboard alternatives to the stock keyboard available for those of us who want something different. For example, I used to use Swype on my old Epic 4G Touch. I have Kii Keyboard on my Galaxy Note 10.1, and I have the stock Google keyboard on my Nexus 5. Typically, we see keyboards as things we can type on with two thumbs, for a smartphone, or normally with both hands, like a tablet. One keyboard maker, called Fleksy, is looking to bring their predictive keyboard to the small screen, literally. They want to put it on the Galaxy Gear 2 so that they smartwatch can have the ability to send and respond to text messages all from your wrist.
Needless to say, the layout of the keyboard is extremely compact. They are going to fit a full QWERTY keyboard on the tiny screen of the Gear 2, which makes us question how useful this service will be. Fleksy stands by their creation, however, releasing this statement: “Fleksy’s patent-pending technology is uniquely positioned for wearable devices,” said Ioannis Verdelis, COO of Fleksy. “Fleksy allows user to accurately type on any device, regardless of size, and we are very excited to work with Samsung to finally bring this unique technology to the Gear 2.0.” As to just how successful the keyboard will be, we will have to wait and see. I know I have not had the best luck with predictive keyboard apps, but I imagine there are plenty of you out there who have had success with them, and it is you that Fleksy is looking to market their product.
The announcement was not just solely for the Gear 2, however. Fleksy will be bringing their keyboard to all Android wearables in the near future, and they are already on phones and tablets. They just opted to start rolling out on the Gear 2, which is a good idea considering Samsung’s massive marketing and sales power. On a side note, Fleksy also opened their SDK for the app to iOS apps last week, so our dear comrades on the other side of the technological pond may see this app soon. What do you think? Is this a ‘swing and a miss’, or will the availability of a keyboard on a smartwatch catch on? Let us know your thoughts down below!