Microsoft continues to expand the integration of ChatGPT-driven Artificial Intelligence across its platforms, with the recent addition of Bing Chat into the SwiftKey beta app for Android. SwiftKey is a popular virtual keyboard for mobile devices that learns users' writing patterns to deliver more accurate text predictions and autocorrections. The new partnership introduces Bing's conversational AI directly into the SwiftKey environment, opening advanced dialoguing options to users.
SwiftKey users can now interact with Bing chatbot with selectable conversation styles, similar to the web-based version. Exclusive to the SwiftKey app, a Tone feature can rewrite users' just-typed text to match a specific voice, providing a deeper level of customization. The Bing-enhanced SwiftKey beta is available from the Google Play Store, but may not have reached all users yet, as the rollout is still in progress, according to Pedram Rezaei, Microsoft's Mobile and Commerce Division CTO.
Upon installation, SwiftKey users are guided through on-screen prompts for enabling the Bing AI functionality. Positioned above the keyboard, Bing offers three options, including a chatbot, a built-in search function, and the Tone feature.
The Tone is the most interesting addition. Upon inputting text into Tone, it generates four alternative interpretations based on distinct voices: Professional, Casual, Polite, and Social Post. While both Professional and Polite rewrite emotionally charged text to sound more neutral, Casual adds a relaxed vibe and often begins messages with 'Dude.' Social Post transforms text into hashtag-rich, emoji-sprinkled Tweets. However, Tone has a few limitations; it only works with text between three and 200 characters and does not support profanity.
Uncertainty remains regarding the prospects of an iOS version of SwiftKey with Bing AI functionality. The app had a rocky past on Apple devices, with Microsoft discontinuing SwiftKey support for iOS in October 2022 before restoring it a month later. We reached out to the company for more information about a potential iOS version, and will update this story accordingly.
As no-code platforms like AppMaster.io continue to advance innovation in the tech industry, the integration of AI-driven features like Bing Chat into popular mobile tools like SwiftKey demonstrates the synergistic potential of AI and application development. These advancements have the potential to reshape how we interact with technology and enable faster, more efficient communication.
