Most such systems perform the hard computation on a powerful server, sending a trickle of data from the smartphone to the cloud - including everything the user types. Last October SwiftKey announced an alpha version of a new neural-network-based SwiftKey keyboard that does a better job of predicting which word the user will type next. One of the attractions of SwiftKey is that it uses artificial intelligence techniques to speed users' typing. Microsoft's executive vice president for technology and research, Harry Shum, confirmed the deal in a blog post Wednesday morning, after rumors began circulating Tuesday. The software analyses the pattern to identify which word they are trying to type. Software keyboards such as SwiftKey and Word Flow are used to speed up input: Rather than pecking at individual letters, users slide their finger from one letter to another, drawing a shape on the touchscreen. Spell checker and auto text with A.I.Microsoft is buying SwiftKey, the developer of a popular software keyboard for Android and iOS phones - even though it already has its own software keyboard, Word Flow. Type and text any way you like, with swipe-to-type, tap-to-type, and searchable emojis and GIFs. Microsoft SwiftKey provides helpful predictions, so you can get your point across fast, without errors. The custom keyboard provides autocorrect that actually works.

Microsoft SwiftKey caters to all typing tastes, with free designs and themes to fit any style.

The Microsoft SwiftKey swipe keyboard is always learning and adapting to match your unique way of typing - including your slang, nicknames and emoji.

Use your personalized keyboard to type and send emoji, GIFs and stickers just the way you like. Microsoft SwiftKey is the intelligent keyboard that learns your writing style, so you can type faster.

Swiftkey keyboard