SwiftKey’s massively popular keyboard replacement app for Android already had more than 200 language options available but the latest update adds at least 5 more, as well as a few specific bug fixes. That may not be nearly as exciting as some prior updates but probably won’t go unappreciated anyway. The languages themselves are relatively obscure and include Alsatian, Fongbe, Norman, Urdu (English), and Warlpiri. However, that doesn’t make their inclusion any less important for the company, as it works to maintain gains in terms of user base. Moreover, since keyboard apps are compatible with every other application, it really just opens the door to more users for both the keyboard and the platform.
Meanwhile, a total of three fixes have been named in the updated app description. As is usually the case, SwiftKey hasn’t provided any insight with regard to what was causing the issues, but it’s good to see those are being addressed. For starters, the developers have fixed layout issues when the combination of “Dvorak + split + undock” is used. Beyond that, the keyboard itself will no longer “lock up” when used in conjunction with Instagram to tag other users on that social platform. Lastly, the punctuation slider previously had an issue for some users which caused the period to automatically be selected or triggered when it was used. That should no longer be the case following the update.
It goes without saying that the other features that make SwiftKey so popular are still intact after this update, as well. That means users will still be getting A.I. driven autocorrect which learns the user’s habits and language use over time. SwiftKey Keyboard is also still loaded with theming options for personalization and swipe capabilities for faster word entry. Bilingual support is, of course, still present and now includes the new languages listed above as options to be selected when setting the keyboard up. As with every other update, this update probably hasn’t had enough time yet to hit every device for every user. Roll-outs tend to take between a few days and a few weeks, so users who haven’t received it shouldn’t be too concerned. Anybody interested in checking manually for the app update simply needs to click the Google Play button below.