Microsoft’s acquisition of predictive keyboard maker Switfkey now complete

2 min. read

Published onMarch 1, 2016

published onMarch 1, 2016

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Back on February 3, 2016,Microsoft announced its acquisition of predictive keyboard developer Swiftkey. The acquisition hints atMicrosoft’s ongoing investmentin artificial intelligence technology, machine learning, and cross-compatible solutions that provide real productivity advancements on Windows, iOS, and Android. Today,Microsoft updated their original blog postannouncing the acquisition with a single sentence:

Update March 1, 2016: Microsoft has completed the acquisition of SwiftKey.

That’s a real dearth of fanfare for an acquisition that is costing Microsoft a cool $250 million. Here’s Microsoft’s rationale for the deal:

This acquisition is a great example of Microsoft’s commitment to bringing its software and services to all platforms. We’ll continue to develop SwiftKey’s market-leading keyboard apps for Android and iOS as well as explore scenarios for the integration of the core technology across the breadth of our product and services portfolio. Moreover, SwiftKey’s predictive technology aligns with Microsoft’s investments and ambition to develop intelligent systems that can work more on the user’s behalf and under their control.

We’re looking forward to hearing more about how Microsoft intends to utilize the predictive technology that Swiftkey is known for. The Redmond company has its own similar technology in its Word Flow keyboard, which is making its way to iOS, and so in all likelihood Microsoft has more in mind than just making a better keyboard. Time will tell, of course, and we’ll be here to keep you up to date.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft’s acquisition of predictive keyboard maker Switfkey now complete#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft’s acquisition of predictive keyboard maker Switfkey now complete