Swype Android Beta!!

[jsh1120]

Apparently the Beta expires in 3 months according to Swype:

"The beta starts on March 5th 2010 and is capped at a limited number of registrants.
This beta version will expire after 3 months as we will provide periodic updated versions that will include new features and functionality."


Link: Swype | Text Input for Screens

Good catch. Hadn't noticed that. That suggests if one is willing to run unlicensed software it would be prudent to store version 5612 away somewhere. I'm suspecting, however, that Swype will provide an alternative at the end of three months.

 

[tjoebgen]

Thanks JHS and Rivers - all good information.

 

[SSHGuru]

I'm using the Beta version but since I installed the HTC keyboard I've actually been using that - it's very good.

 

[moot]

I'm using the Beta version but since I installed the HTC keyboard I've actually been using that - it's very good.

Which one are you using now? I'm a big fan of both, but when using Swype, I no longer have hardware qwerty prediction/spell check. For the time being, I'm using Swype.

 

[Anomander]

I used the previous "leaked" version for about two months, I think. I've had a similar impression from time to time but it's hard to say. I do know that the beta version is much larger than the earlier leaked version but I'm unsure whether it includes functionality or bug fixes that yields that greater size. The comparison is also undermined by having a different (and larger) set of other apps on Droid now compared to the period when I was using the leaked version of Swype.

All in all, trying to pin down the basis of performance differences on the Droid is very difficult. And not just for Swype. There are so many individual variations even on a single phone (GPS seeking, WiFi seeking, synching, etc.), much less between phones, that trying to make judgments about performance really requires a stopwatch and very careful testing with controls in place. Otherwise, it all comes down to unreliable impressions, imo.

I can see some of your points on here, but for how new the beta is I know I have about the same droid configuration (App wise) from my Leaked SWYPE to the Beta SWYPE (Version 5612). I use Handcent for my texting app and I noticed a little lag with the beta version then with the leaked one. It doesn't happen all that often, but you can tell when it does since you will swype some letters and my blue trail does not start right off. I never had that problem with the leaked verson. Overall though I still like the Beta version.

 

[tjoebgen]

I agree... the leaked version was just a tad faster, and a little better at predicting my words correctly.

 

[jsh1120]

I agree... the leaked version was just a tad faster, and a little better at predicting my words correctly.

Prediction improves with use. That's an especially difficult comparison to draw.

 

[REARless]

I agree... the leaked version was just a tad faster, and a little better at predicting my words correctly.

I am having the opposite experience, the new one is faster and more accurate for me. (DroidMod 1.0)

 

[Karbonkopy]

Was on vacation just got back, they closed the beta. ARG!

 

[jsh1120]

Was on vacation just got back, they closed the beta. ARG!

You're not out of luck. There is a version of the beta (5612) that is available for download. Do some searching and you'll find the link.

 

[alm0614]

what happens if i to a clean wipe and try to reinstall this beta

 

[tjoebgen]

I agree... the leaked version was just a tad faster, and a little better at predicting my words correctly.

Prediction improves with use. That's an especially difficult comparison to draw.

I'm basing my comparison on the performance difference of my first few minutes using the leaked version based on the first few minutes using 5612.

 

[tjoebgen]

what happens if i to a clean wipe and try to reinstall this beta

I tried that when my leaked version expired - did nothing. Beta was closed... eventually found this:
Droid.Swype.Beta.5612.apk

It's supposedly a fix for a bug in the first beta release. It's working for me (aside from the slight performance hit).

 

[funken]

How do you get caps to STAY ON?

 

[tjoebgen]

How do you get caps to STAY ON?

Hitting the shift key an extra time. The button changes color to an illuminated light blue (a subtle change - I like the prerelease version better - it had a green dot that lit up).

If a new sentence (and if using the Beta release), it is automatically in caps for first letter. You hit it once for now cap, a second time for next letter cap, a third time for full time caps.

If not a sentence, hit shift once for caps, a second time for caps lock