Microsoft acquires popular keyboard app maker SwiftKey

Microsoft has acquired SwiftKey, maker of the popular keyboard app by the same name. The exact amount of the deal is not yet disclosed but is said to be $250 million. As part of the agreement, SwiftKey employees will join the Microsoft team.

Microsoft in a blog post said that it will continue to develop SwiftKey’s keyboard apps for Android and iOS as well as explore scenarios for the integration of the core technology in its product. The company also plans to integrate SwiftKey's technology into the Window's Word Flow keyboard in the coming months. 

SwiftKey, a London-based startup was launched for Android in 2010, and made available for iOS users in 2014. The app utilises machine learning, what it calls artificial intelligence, which makes use of a neural network, to offer predictive word suggestions to users. It's worth mentioning that the app which is used by millions of people worldwide is not available on Microsoft's mobile platform. 

Regarding the new acquisition, Microsoft said: "In this cloud-first, mobile-first world, SwiftKey’s technology aligns with our vision for more personal computing experiences that anticipate our needs versus responding to our commands, and directly supports our ambition to reinvent productivity by leveraging the intelligent cloud. 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."

About joining Microsoft, SwiftKey co-founders, Jon Reynolds and Ben Medlock, said: Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our mission is to enhance interaction between people and technology. We think these are a perfect match, and we believe joining Microsoft is the right next stage in our journey. Our number one focus has always been to build the best possible products for our users. This will not change. Our apps will continue to be available on Android and iOS, for free. We are as committed as ever to improving them in new and innovative ways.