Ever since Apple began accepting third-party keyboards in iOS 8, we’ve seen a huge influx of alternatives, including Android mainstays like SwiftKey. But now iOS is getting a keyboard from something of a surprising source: Microsoft.
According to The Verge, the company recently sent out an email to Windows Insiders (members of its beta-testing program) looking for iOS users who’d want to try out the keyboard.
It’s an interesting move by Microsoft, as it’s hard to imagine the app – which would likely be free – being a significant source of revenue for the company, unless it ends up featuring some sort of Bing integration.
That said, I personally think the Windows Phone keyboard is better than Apple’s and perhaps better than Google’s stock Android keyboard too. One of my favorite features is an integrated cursor for precisely navigating through text.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
There’s no word if Microsoft is planning on bringing the keyboard to Android too, but given the company’s recent penchant for developing apps on both platforms, I wouldn’t be surprised.
There’s no public release date for the keyboard yet. Microsoft tends to move from beta to public pretty quickly though, so it’s likely only a matter of a few months.
➤ Microsoft is bringing its excellent Windows Phone keyboard to iOS [The Verge]
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.