iOS Keyboard Maker SwiftKey Acquired by Microsoft for $250M

[MacRumors]

SwiftKey, the company behind the popular third-party SwiftKey Keyboard for iOS and Android devices, is being acquired by Microsoft, reports Financial Times. Microsoft is said to be purchasing SwiftKey for $250 million in a deal that will be announced imminently.

The SwiftKey keyboard has been available on Android devices since 2010, expanding to iOS in January of 2014 through the SwiftKey notes app. When Apple included support for third-party keyboards in iOS 8, SwiftKey was one of the first companies to produce a keyboard replacement app.

SwiftKey's keyboard is notable for its word prediction tools, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to make custom word predictions based on what a user has previously written. Microsoft will likely use SwiftKey's technology to bolster its own AI-based products, including its Word Flow keyboard and virtual assistant Cortana.

Article Link: iOS Keyboard Maker SwiftKey Acquired by Microsoft for $250M

 

[Paradoxally]

And now Swiftkey will go downhill. Time to move to Swype.

 

[skywalkerr69]

Microsoft. Interesting.

 

[ashwin4]

Swiftkey is one of my favorite keyboard hands down. Now please don't ruin this microsoft

 

[ikir]

SwiftKey, the company behind the popular third-party SwiftKey Keyboard for iOS and Android devices, is being acquired by Microsoft, reports Financial Times. Microsoft is said to be purchasing SwiftKey for $250 million in a deal that will be announced imminently.

The SwiftKey keyboard has been available on Android devices since 2010, expanding to iOS in January of 2014 through the SwiftKey notes app. When Apple included support for third-party keyboards in iOS 8, SwiftKey was one of the first companies to produce a keyboard replacement app.

SwiftKey's keyboard is notable for its word prediction tools, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to make custom word predictions based on what a user has previously written. Microsoft will likely use SwiftKey's technology to bolster its own AI-based products, including its Word Flow keyboard and virtual assistant Cortana.

Article Link: iOS Keyboard Maker SwiftKey Acquired by Microsoft for $250M

 

[Agent OrangeZ]

Waste of money...

 

[JorgTheElder]

How about "Mobile device keyboard maker"... they made an Android keyboard years before you put 3rd party keyboards on iOS.

 

[jayducharme]

It seems like a curious acquisition for MS, since they seem to be getting out of the phone business. I assume they'd want it for their Surface tablets.

Big day for "small" acquisitions: I also had just read that Zagg bought Mophie.

 

[enthusiastic]

With the one handed keyboard that was announced recently, I think Microsoft has a plan.

 

[gco212]

Hope they continue to develop their keyboards with the level of care they currently do. It's easily the best keyboard on the market.

 

[Studioman]

How about "Mobile device keyboard maker"... they made an Android keyboard years before you put 3rd party keyboards on iOS.

Weren't they making them for jail broken iPhones first, or was that the other company?

 

[cariacou]

Smart move!
I really like what Microsoft is doing recently. (In "doing" I count acquisitions too).

Apple's acquisitions on the other hand...
If it wasn't for beats you'd think they are broke

 

[Vanilla35]

Microsoft. Interesting.

I think Microsoft has been making stellar moves since Nadella has taken authority. Windows 10 is looking great, while Windows phone was never a breakthrough by any means, it is what it is; and one drive is great. I think he is taking Microsoft down the road they need to go down in order to succeed at what they're good at.

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

Just spitballing…maybe they're trying to find some semblance of hope to add to their tiny Microsoft band screen..? it's laughable, I know.

 

[Laurence Eckert]

They are a keyboard maker for Android and iOS. Don't make it sound like they are just developing for iOS (in the title), just because this is an Apple website.

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

So they can put it into a phone that no one uses.

Though the data is valuable. The user agreement allows them to view everything you type and record it. That means they know exactly what you write about and what you search for. That'd be great information for a search engine or a advertiser (both of which MS has) to have access to.

Surprised Google didn't go for them first based on that wealth of information.

 

[Bubba Satori]

And now Swiftkey will go downhill.

In what respect, Charley?

 

[maxsix]

SwiftKey was created in 2008, first released for Android in 2010

Not until four years later was it released for iOS in 2014

So boys and girls an appropriate headline reads "Keyboard Maker SwiftKey"

 

[TMRJIJ]

Oh well. Bye Felicia.

 

[anshuvorty]

And now Swiftkey will go downhill. Time to move to Swype.

Great statement. Made me want to check out Swype after using it a brief period when 3rd party keyboards was 1st announced for iOS. I am impressed with the updates that Swype made to the app since then! Looks like I have found a new favorite 3rd party keyboard. Thanks!

 

[JM]

Totally going to buy a Windows phone now.

 

[Nicky G]

$250 Million for a freaking virtual keyboard company? This is total insanity.

 

[Bubba Satori]

$250 Million for a freaking virtual keyboard company? This is total insanity.

It's almost as bad as $3 billion for Beats.

No, nothing is almost as bad as that.

 

[Zerog46]

In what respect, Charley?

Not to change the subject burns haven't seen the avatar in years.

 

[fullauto]

*Uninstalls Swiftkey*