Microsoft's Word Flow Keyboard for iOS is now in closed beta testing, and it seems that it's already performing pretty well.
Just a few days ago, Microsoft launched its Hub Keyboard on the Apple Store so that iOS users can try it out on their iPhones or iPads. The news took some by surprise, considering that Microsoft's Word Flow Keyboard for iOS is also in tow.
Some worried that Word Flow would no longer hit iOS now that the Hub Keyboard is available for Apple's ecosystem, but it's apparently not the case. Word Flow simply needs more testing, which is why it's currently undergoing a closed beta.
The Word Flow Keyboard has a special design that aims to facilitate one-handed use. Instead of shrinking the keyboard to one side, it sports a fanned layout that makes it easier to use with one hand.
This neat one-handed mode with a fanned keyboard layout first surfaced back in January, stirring great interest from the get-go. This layout basically arranges the keys in an arc rather than straight rows, and swiping gestures are also in the mix.
It's good to see the feature now reaching beta testing, as it means that it's still on the table. Depending on how well the feature fares in beta, Microsoft will likely decide whether it should include it in the final version of its Word Flow Keyboard for iOS.
The upcoming keyboard will also offer some neat personalization features, with various themes to cater to different tastes and preferences. Users will get to choose either from built-in themes or use their own photos to create their own theme.
MacRumors learned from one of its readers that Microsoft's Word Flow Keyboard for iOS is "incredibly reliable for a beta," rocking several cool features such as sounds, themes and the one-handed "Arc" mode mentioned above. Users will reportedly be able to access the Arc mode with a drag gesture.
"In its default mode, the Word Flow keyboard looks a lot like a standard iOS keyboard, but its one-handed mode sets it apart from other offerings," MacRumors points out.
Of course, the Word Flow Keyboard for iOS also includes standard keyboard features such as word prediction and auto-correction. A word-learning feature, meanwhile, will come with an on or off toggle so that users can choose whether they want to send usage information to Microsoft to improve word predictions.
Another report from iMore further reveals that Microsoft's Word Flow Keyboard for iOS will also include additional features such as a free built-in image library and quick access to Contacts via autofill.
It remains unclear for now just when the closed beta will end or when Microsoft plans to make its Word Flow Keyboard for iOS available to all, but one thing's for sure: the keyboard sports some pretty cool features, and it's edging closer to release.
