Microsoft's SwiftKey makes a new return to the App Store, after it was discontinued back in October. However, it is back on the platform for iOS users again. Speaking about it in a statement to The Verge, Caitlin Roulston from Microsoft states that “Based on customer feedback, SwiftKey iOS has been relisted on the Apple App Store. Please visit Support.SwiftKey.com for more information."
The feature was a popular option on Android and so, it launched on iOS back in 2014 simultaneously with the launch of iOS 8, which allowed users to install third-party keyboards. Following this, Microsoft acquired SwiftKey in 2016. The swipe typing feature is now available on the App Store and remains online for Androids.
Image Credit: Amelia Holwaty Krales, The Verge
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- System Keyboard Integration
- The integration of system keyboards presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the fields of device manufacturing and software development.
- Customer Feedback-driven Development
- A focus on customer feedback-driven development can lead to innovation opportunities for companies in the tech industry, such as Microsoft's SwiftKey.
- Cross-platform Accessibility
- Cross-platform accessibility can create innovation opportunities in app development and user experience design with the return of SwiftKey for iOS and Android users.
Where This Applies
- Device Manufacturing
- The return of SwiftKey's system keyboard integration presents disruptive innovation opportunities for device manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, to identify and tap into the needs of their smartphone user base.
- Software Development
- Software developers can create disruptive innovation opportunities by heeding to customer feedback, such as Microsoft's SwiftKey, which was relisted on the App Store due to popular demand.
- App Development
- With SwiftKey's return for iOS and Android users, app developers can innovate their keyboard integration design to improve cross-platform accessibility and user experience.
