Microsoft has acquired SwiftKey for $250 million

Microsoft has acquired SwiftKey for $250 million

 

Microsoft has acquired SwiftKey, the predictive keyboard company, for $250 million. Right now SwiftKey is installed on over 300 million iOS and Android smart phones, making it one of the most popular touch screen keyboards on the market. 

Right now SwiftKey is not available on Windows Phones, but this is expected to change in the future with this acquisition, though this will not affect the versions on other platforms. 

SwiftKey see themselves as a language company, rather than a keyboard maker, supporting over 100 languages on the Andriod version of SwiftKey. This knowledge is very useful to Microsoft, given their recent work with language translation over Skype and on some of their other software.  

Below is a statement from the two founders of SwiftKey, Jon Reynolds and Ben Medlock. 

  

  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.

 

  

Swiftkey currently has more than 150 employees in London, San Francisco and Seoul, though some of their talent may be expected to join Microsoft Research to work under Harry Shum, according to sources close to the company.

At present Microsoft has yet to comment on the deal. 

 

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