Swype Beta for Droid
As described on Android Central, Swype has opened up their Beta for a limited number of new users, so go here to sign up if you want a chance try out this early version of Swype.
I had heard Swype was a new method for entering text using the on-screen keyboard that involved swiping the screen (obviously), but I didn’t know much more than that. I was skeptical about how well it could work – I’m a physical hardware keyboard kind of gal, which is one of the reasons I chose the Motorola Droid over the Eris.
However, I tried out the beta this morning, and I must admit I’m thoroughly impressed. Swype’s method of text entry is something that you have to take a little time to adjust to, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll see it can drastically speed up your ability to ‘type’ on the phone. Swype makes the biggest difference when typing long words.
See Swype in action in my quick demo video below.
A few notes about installing it: When you sign up, Swype sends you an email which you can access on your phone to download the installer file. You will have to go into your application settings and enable your phone to install apps from “Unknown Sources” since Swype is not available through the Android Market yet. Also, once you install it, check out the tutorial link on the Swype options screen – it will step you through the different “moves” you have to make for certain types of text entry.
If you try it, let us know what you think in the comments below!
I had left Swype on as my default keyboard and it showed up when I hadn’t been expecting to use it. It is so easy to use and worked perfectly! I’m definitely keeping it. If you are sometimes ‘lazy’ about typing, the swiping motion just feels really natural. They’ve got a winner here.
I was using Swype on my Droid when it first came out as the “leaked” version (prior to the Beta). It’s a GREAT option for a keyboard!
One glitch, which has been noticed with this Beta, is that if you have to reboot, it will tend to not work. According to the Droidforums.net, just switch the keyboard from the Android stock keyboard back to the Swype keyboard in this instance and it should work!
Thanks for the heads-up about that, Jodi!
I tried to download this app, but so far the ones I got said that my trial version expired. I am waiting for the Original to come out.
Yeah, I think the Beta is closed now, so any downloadable versions at this point probably aren’t legit. Hopefully the real one will come out soon! They’re already showing it on commercials, so I think it will!
My Swype Beta stopped working when my Droid upgraded to 2.1. I even uninstalled, deleted, and reinstalled the latest version from the Beta website, and it still wouldn’t enter text.
Then, today someone tweeted one they said worked. I was skeptical since it’s an older version on a random website:
“@barkleyfan If you are running a Moto Droid this works http://tinyurl.com/y6fjadf ”
…but it does work! I’m so happy to have it back. And Swype is pretty dumb for not releasing a version that all of their Beta testers with Android 2.1 can use! (Or putting it out in the Android Market – we’ll pay, it’s that good!)
[…] Swype […]