The SwiftKey 4.5 beta first introduced emoji and an optional number row back in December. That same beta saw a holiday themed update a bit later in December with the introduction of an “Ice” themed keyboard. While there isn’t any set timeline as to when these beta releases graduate, they do see updates from time to time, and they can also expire after a set period. Well, it looks like the former has happened as the folks at SwiftKey have released an update.
As per the usual with beta releases, this one is available from the SwiftKey website. This update isn’t one that brings much in the way of noticeable changes. To that point, SwiftKey has mentioned how “the changes in this latest update are mainly under the hood.” A bit more specifically, this update will be dealing with performance and memory issues.
Some of these changes deal specifically with the emoji and number row support. These include how the emoji now appear larger, and also took care of an issue where the emoji were still being predicted even when disabled. Another emoji related fix includes a redesign for the UI which includes new space and backspace bar and swipe gestures to switch emoji tab.
The secondary characters have also been modified on the top letter row (when the number row is active). Remember, the number row is optional and as a result, this will only be noticed by those who have activated the number row option. Otherwise, the remaining items that have been addressed with this latest beta update include the following;
- Fixed performance issues when switching between tabs
- General memory problems fixed
- Fixed issue where Ice theme used extra RAM
- Fixed keyboard freezes
- Fixed issues when syncing
- Fixed problem with Trending Phrases not updating
- Fixed incorrect vibration feedback when scrolling
SOURCE: SwiftKey
Great update. Personalization wasn’t working for me last beta and it’s now fixed with this update.
If you go into the “About” part of swiftkey, it will tell you when the beta expires, if that helps. 🙂