Microsoft’s new Word Flow keyboard sets world record for speed, supports 16 languages initially

Concluding week, Microsoft finally unveiled Windows Phone 8.1 to the world. One of the subtle new features was the Word Catamenia keyboard, which brings 'shape writing' to the mix, in addition to the familiar 'touch typing' for text input. Developed by Microsoft Inquiry, the technology behind Word Flow is completely unique to Redmond, being proprietary applied science and building off of the already first-class automobile-complete feature. Heck, it now even predicts emoji for you too.

We demoed the new keyboard in our hands-on video but at present information technology's been confirmed to be the fastest in the world. In a video posted by Microsoft Research a few days ago – and lost in our shuffle – Word Flow tin can certainly hold its ain equally it was used to set the world tape for fastest keyboard by a 15-year old named Gaurav Sharma.

The winning entry typed is exactly 160 characters and proves to be quite the thumb twister:

"The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom set on a homo."

Yikes. The time it took to type was simply 18.44 seconds, chirapsia the old record past 20.53 milliseconds. Both of those numbers are quite impressive in their ain right, equally typing those two sentences would exist challenging under any circumstances. Brand sure you watch the above video to see information technology happen.

Tim Paek, senior researcher at Microsoft, describes the benefits of Word Flow:

"Instead of borer every single letter, you're drawing a line that connects all the messages of the word yous're trying to write. When you continuously draw that line, you are defining a shape. Eventually, you finish thinking nigh the letters birthday and develop muscle memory for that shape."

In using the keyboard extensively, we have to admit that Word Period is the real deal. It requires little to no learning, and information technology doesn't even have to be enabled as you tin dynamically switch between touch typing and Word Flow according to your whims. That's a winning combination and lessens the demand for third party alternatives.

Likewise, nosotros can now confirm that Discussion Flow will launch on Windows Phone eight.i in 16 languages, including:

English (Republic of india); English language (United Kingdom); English (Us)
Hindi (Latin); Polish; Portuguese (Brazil); Russian; Castilian (Mexico); Spanish (Spain); Finnish; French (France); German; Standard arabic (Kingdom of saudi arabia); Italian; Turkish; Dutch (Netherlands)

Language localization is ever problematic, leaving some groups of people left out. Nosotros're glad to meet Microsoft coming out the gate though with more than simply English language (US), ensuring that 8.i hits its stride in its biggest markets when released.

What do you recall of Word Flow? Are you a touch typist or someone looking for a new way to bang out those text letters?

Source: Microsoft Enquiry

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