Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Fleksy's Predictive Touch Keyboard Comes to iOS Apps with New Developer Tools
Fleksy today announced that its predictive touch keyboard is now available for iOS developers to incorporate into their apps through an SDK, allowing developers to replace the default iOS keyboard with Fleksy's popular alternative keyboard.
Fleksy's keyboard includes a number of features including sophisticated prediction and autocorrection, as well as swipe-based functions such as space and delete. The Verge has more on the launch:
Bringing Fleksy to other iOS apps is not without its challenges. Unlike Android, which is open to all sorts of third-party keyboard creations, Apple gives you its keyboard and nothing else. Developers can build their own special keyboards on an app-by-app basis, though it's uncommon. Google's done that with a handful of its iOS apps, while Wolfram Alpha's special search app keyboard takes up nearly the entire screen with custom buttons. Although it was rumored Apple was considering opening up to third-party keyboard makers, ultimately it didn't. But it did throw developers a bone by simplifying its software tools, says Fleksy founder Ioannis Verdelis.
"With every new version of iOS the work required on our part to build a keyboard SDK has reduced significantly," he says. "We're [now] doing stuff on iOS that integrates the keyboard deeper than it's ever been integrated."
Fleksy's iOS SDK initiative launches today with four apps:
- BlindSquare: Combines location and FourSquare information to assist visually impaired users in their daily lives [Direct Link]
- GV Connect: Phone and SMS client for Google Voice users [Direct Link]
- Launch Center Pro: Application launcher with shortcuts for frequently accessed tasks [Direct Link]
- Wordbox: Clean and simple text editor [Direct Link]
Fleksy plans to continue work with select app developers to bring its keyboard to their apps, eventually moving to open up the program to all interested developers.
[ 80 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
74 months ago
Worst Ad Ever!
That ad was so bad. I am not any closer to knowing what it was and have no desire for it.
That ad was so bad. I am not any closer to knowing what it was and have no desire for it.
74 months ago
So I type random characters to make legit words? Seems like a hassle to me.
74 months ago
But iOS actually does this pretty well already... without having annoying swipe gestures for each word?
74 months ago
So basically you just want iOS to become Android.
More Features does not equal Android.
74 months ago
Some of the long-wanted features that iOS has yet to add: 3rd party keyboards, improved file management, and the ability to set defaults for system apps such as email, calendar, browser, etc. If iOS 8 can get that done, while improving some of the UI issues and occasional lag in iOS 7, then it will be a win. More widget options for notification center (especially better weather), live home screen icons, and control center customization would be icing on the cake.
Glad to see this and hopefully it will add some pressure on Apple to implement official support across iOS.
So basically you just want iOS to become Android.
74 months ago
You asked for it
Be prepared for the inevitable "You should just buy an Android." I completely disagree with that sentiment btw. What you are asking for is more control in an environment (iOS) that you like. The bolded portion of your comment is a part of my wish list as well. None of the requests are unreasonable and they don't degrade the user experience. I think the ability for me to customize iOS to my personal likes would enhance the user experience; the user being me (not everyone using iOS). The widgets and such don't interest me as much, but to each his own. The ability to tailor your device to your needs is a very attractive idea to me.
Some of the long-wanted features that iOS has yet to add: 3rd party keyboards, improved file management, and the ability to set defaults for system apps such as email, calendar, browser, etc. If iOS 8 can get that done, while improving some of the UI issues and occasional lag in iOS 7, then it will be a win. More widget options for notification center (especially better weather), live home screen icons, and control center customization would be icing on the cake.
Glad to see this and hopefully it will add some pressure on Apple to implement official support across iOS.
Be prepared for the inevitable "You should just buy an Android." I completely disagree with that sentiment btw. What you are asking for is more control in an environment (iOS) that you like. The bolded portion of your comment is a part of my wish list as well. None of the requests are unreasonable and they don't degrade the user experience. I think the ability for me to customize iOS to my personal likes would enhance the user experience; the user being me (not everyone using iOS). The widgets and such don't interest me as much, but to each his own. The ability to tailor your device to your needs is a very attractive idea to me.
74 months ago
I like this!!
This is one area Android has iOS beat hands down. You can go download a myriad of different keyboards and try them out anytime you want. iOS you're stuck with Apple's keyboard no matter what.
I've yet to like an android keyboard though. I'd rather be stuck with something good than have sub-par options
74 months ago
So basically you just want iOS to become Android.
What he wants, doesn't have to be about Android.
Many OSes throughout history have allowed the user to choose the default app to open a file with, and sometimes to replace the keyboard.
Even crusty old Windows Mobile allowed these things.
74 months ago
I've yet to like an android keyboard though. I'd rather be stuck with something good than have sub-par options
huh? both swype and swiftkey are much better than the apple keyboard. sounds like you haven't really spent the time to even really use it.
[ Read All Comments ]
Taylor Swift revealed today on Instagram that she will be the next partner in Apple's "Music Lab" sessions, which are available in Apple retail stores.
The Music Lab session will...
Satechi today announced the Type-C Dual Multimedia Adapter, which plugs into two of the MacBook Pro's USB-C ports to offer a handful of add-on ports.
In total, this includes: one 4K HDMI...
Spotify today announced that it is extending its free-trial period for Spotify Premium to three months, up from the previous one month that users would have to try out the paid service. With this...
OtterBox today announced a new expandable wireless charging system that it calls "OtterSpot," which includes one charging base that can power up multiple batteries and a smartphone...
Apple appears to have ended U.S. online sales of its 'Designed By Apple in California' book, which chronicles 20 years of Apple product designs through 450 photographs.
A minisite...
T-Mobile appears to be experiencing a significant outage, with many T-Mobile customers unable to make calls or send text messages, reports TechCrunch.
Based on reports on Twitter and other...
Amid all the online chatter about Apple Card, you may have come across references to the "arbitration clause" in Apple's agreement, and how you should opt out of it if you intend to apply...
Over on our YouTube channel, we have an ongoing video series that's designed to highlight new, interesting, and useful iOS apps that we think are worth downloading and checking out
There are...
