Motorola Droid Forum

(http://vpnavy01.ipower.com/lgdare/toilet_newspaper.gif)  When Swype was nice enough to give us the world’s first hands-on with their ultra-nifty alternative keyboard on the Android platform, I wasn’t about to leak the installation files. It’s just not my style. Now that someone else has gone and leaked them, though, I’m more or less obligated to show you how to get it up and running. I tell you, folks — this blogging thing is one endless inner conflict.


After coming up with an awesome name for their blog, the guys over at DroidMuff.in got their hands on a beta copy of Swype for Android and uploaded it for all to share. This specific installer won’t work on every Android handset — in fact, it won’t work on most. This one’s tailored to work with WVGA phones, so it’ll work fine on the likes of the Moto Droid and the Xperia X3, but not the Droid Eris or HTC Hero.

If you’re ready to dive in, here’s how to get it done:

   1. Download and install the Astro file manager from the Android Marketplace
   2. Download this zip file
   3. Unzip that file, which will give you a file called “[mfhs]Swype-SwypeReference-WVGA854-trial-release.0.35.3959.apk”
   4. Copy the APK file to your handset’s SD card
   5. On your Android handset, go to Settings > Applications > and check the box next to Unknown Sources
   6. Use Astro to browse for the apk file on your SD card, install it.
   7. Go to Settings > Language and Keyboard. Enable the Swype keyboard.
   8. You should now be able to switch between the standard keyboard and the Swype keyboard by tapping-and-holding on any text input field.
   9. Enjoy!

Just installed this today. Pretty cool . . . although I can still text much faster with the physical keyboard, this is very nice for one-handed texting in portrait mode. Can't wait to see the finished version.

I didn't know about Swype so I did some research and found some articles and videos about it. Wow. That was AWESOME lol. I'll have to put this on my Droid and try it out. Of course, I type extremely fast on the physical keyboard but to have THIS as a standard on-screen keyboard..doesn't hurt.

Edit: Just finished the tutorial of it. Man. I. Can. Type. Fast. With. It. Not AS fast as I can with the physical keyboard..but I can see myself getting much faster if I use it more. It's so cool to swipe it in a second's notice and have the word "quick" be typed. That's potential right there.

im leary of doing this on my own  will there be an official release  one that can be downloaded from ap store  or one that will be part of an update  thanks

I'm sure there will be considering this was leaked and it will eventually be available by means of not leaking, but doing this isn't as damaging as say rooting your Droid. This is just applying another keyboard, sort of like applying a home replacement application. I would just do it. It's really neat.

I have it on mine and it's really cool. It's my default keyboard now!!

I just downloaded it...it's pretty cool but definately a learning curve to it, almost like learning a new phone

Definately a keeper!!!

Swype has released an official beta version for Android. You can sign up for the limited release on thier website: http://beta.swype.com/ (http://beta.swype.com/)

You will have to uninstall the leaked version first. In fact, I got a message saying my trial version of Swype had expired, and couldn't use the keyboard anymore, even though it was still installed on my phone.

There have been some issues with the launcher. I got a message saying "The Swype package you installed is configured for another device." According to Swype, just uninstall the app, and reinstall the launcher, letting it override the first one. Afterward, both launchers can be uninstalled.

(http://vpnavy01.ipower.com/lgdare/old_man.gif) Hey moto_oregon - I missed ya!  You realize it has been over a month since you left a message?

Sorry. I visit and read alot! Thanks for keeping this awesome resource for Droid users going!

I got the message last week saying my trial version of Swype had expired and it stopped working on my droid. I did find another keyboard in the app store that works the same way swype works, it's called SlideIT keyboard. It works great and it is now my default keyboard. I loved the Swype keyboard but this keyboard seems to work just as good. There is a Demo version (Free) and a Paid version (I think it cost me $8.22 US). I did get the paid version because it said it gives you full use of the keyboard.
Check it out, I think everyone that had the swype keyboard and liked it will really like this one also.

Thanks for the info. I have yet to check these out. I did use better keyboard for a while, but I didn't like it due to the bugs. That was quite a while ago. I think I will check this out.

(http://vpnavy01.ipower.com/lgdare/old_man.gif) For those interested...

• SlideIT Keyboard Lite (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-dasur-slideit-vt-lite-injA.aspx) (Free) - SlideIT is a new and revolutionary way to enter text easily and fast, and in a way that is much more fun than existing methods.  From now on, just Slide along the letters with your finger or stylus,and words “magically” appear.

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• SlideIT Keyboard (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-dasur-slideit-itDD.aspx) ($8.91) - SlideIT is a new and revolutionary way to enter text easily and fast, and in a way that is much more fun than existing methods.  From now on, just Slide along the letters with your finger or stylus,and words “magically” appear.

I am using Swype (got in the beta), but apparently it will not work with the replacement.  I hear Shapewriter http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-shapewriter-android-softkeyboard-jEpA.aspx (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-shapewriter-android-softkeyboard-jEpA.aspx) keyboard is better than SlideIT and has no demo.  Going to try it for a bit as an alternative for Swype. :)