SwiftKey becomes Microsoft Swiftkey Keyboard and adds new features

Four years after the acquisition of SwiftKey, Microsoft is adding its name to the popular keyboard app for the first time. In addition, the company is adding support for Emoji 12.0.

SwiftKey was acquired by Microsoft in 2016. While many fans of the app feared major changes from Microsoft, the application has remained almost the same until now, because Microsoft is renaming the beta version of SwiftKey to Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard. In addition, the app gets support for Emoji 12.0. The new taskbar has remained unchanged.

This name change is, after a number of smaller changes in the settings, the largest change that Microsoft makes in terms of recognizability in the keyboard app. The name change is not yet visible in the Play Store, but in the app itself. Although there is still in Beta, the new name can be seen in most places in the app.

Emoji 12.0 brings new emojis to Android users such as mixed-skin couples, hearing aids, guide dogs, prosthetic or robotic arms and much more.

In the description in the Play Store, Microsoft reassures users by indicating that the name has been changed, but that SwiftKey is still the same keyboard “you know and love.” We hope that the company keeps its promise and does not pull the plug over time as it did with Sunrise Calendar.

WHAT’S NEW

• SwiftKey has a new name – we’re now Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard. Don’t worry, it’s still the same keyboard you know and love
• We’ve added support for Emoji 12.0 which introduces an assortment of new designs – some examples include: flamingo, otter, guide dog, sloth, white heart, mixed skin tones when holding hands, and a gender inclusive couple. You’ll be able to access the new emoji upon opening your SwiftKey emoji panel. Note: to see them you need a device with Android 10 (or above).