Microsoft has announced that it has integrated Bing Chat AI into its popular SwiftKey keyboard for Android. This feature was rolled out on Wednesday and is available for SwiftKey Beta users. The integration allows users to quickly access Microsoft’s Bing chatbot by tapping a button in any app.
The Bing Chat integration inside SwiftKey includes two modes: chat mode and tone mode. The chat mode offers access to the chatbot, while the tone mode rewrites any text within the keyboard. This new integration makes the Bing mobile app redundant if users are willing to install and use SwiftKey everywhere.
Microsoft integrates Bing Chat AI into SwiftKey keyboard for Android
Users must download the beta version of SwiftKey. The beta version is available on the Google Play Store. The new Bing Chat integration can be accessed through this version. Microsoft’s CTO of mobile and commerce, Pedram Rezaei, confirmed on Twitter that the feature is “slowly rolling out,” but there’s no word on when SwiftKey iOS users will be able to try it out.
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Microsoft discontinued support for SwiftKey on iOS last year, but quickly returned the app to the App Store. Rezaei said Microsoft will be “investing heavily in the keyboard”. Just as the company was preparing to launch an AI-powered version of Bing.
The iOS version of SwiftKey lacks regular updates. Microsoft’s focus on AI may lead to Bing integration on the iPhone keyboard. This integration is expected to happen soon. Microsoft might also be responding to competition from a number of AI-powered keyboards on iOS that include ChatGPT integration.
Microsoft originally acquired SwiftKey in 2016 after the third party keyboard soared in popularity on Android and iOS. It’s one of the best Android key boards, thanks to its tracing, autocorrect, and theme support.
Overall, the integration of Bing Chat AI to SwiftKey is a welcome development for Android users. It makes it easier to access Microsoft’s chatbot without having to switch to a separate app. However, iOS users will have to wait for the feature to be available on their devices.
