4:22 PM
Kakrona Chan
San Francisco-based startup BlindType has just been acquired by Google, the former announced.
BlindType has developed a technology that removes the need to type with an on-screen keyboard. Users can simply start typing anywhere; BlindType will recognize their movements and translate them into text. In other words, users can write messages without having to look at their screens.
Currently, the keyboard on Apple’s iOS-powered touchscreen devices, including the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, is superior to the one used by Android devices. The acquisition allows Google to leapfrog its rival in this respect. A better keyboard might seem like a minor advantage, but for those who frequently write SMS or e-mail messages on their mobile phones and tablets, it’s anything but.
BlindType competitor Swype has been developing a nearly identical service for Android devices; we’ve reached out to the startup to find out if it plans to continue developing for the platform now that news of the acquisition has been revealed.
This is the official announcement from BlindType’s blog:
“We are excited to announce that BlindType has been acquired by Google!We want to thank everyone for their overwhelming support and positive feedback.We know that typing on your mobile device can be a frustrating experience, which is why we’ve worked hard to make touch typing easier and faster than ever – the way it should be.We’re excited to join Google, and look forward to the great opportunities for mobile innovation that lie ahead.The BlindType team”
Update (11:55 a.m. PT): A spokesperson for Swype told us that the company “will absolutely continue to expand its Android device lineup” despite news of the acquisition.
[via mashable]
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