Keyboard App SwiftKey Now Supports Emoji

Many Android users were no doubt overjoyed when Google enabled emoji support in the latest Android 4.4 KitKat update. SwiftKey was quick to follow suit, today releasing a beta update that delivers more than 500 emoji accessible through the popular keyboard app.

In addition to the addition of emoji, SwiftKey 4.5 beta also adds an optional numeric row, which the company says has been a frequently requested feature.

"SwiftKey 4.5 beta introduces two of the features most requested by our users so we're really pleased to bring them into the product. Emoji make typing and messaging so much more fun and expressive,” said Ben Medlock, co-founder and CTO of Switfkey in a press statement. “SwiftKey understands you so it will learn to suggest the emoji most relevant to you. Plus, the optional number row brings that extra level of customization for users. We hope everyone enjoys testing out our new beta - every bit of feedback helps us make SwiftKey better."

That’s right — SwiftKey 4.5 supports predictive emoji, for better or worse. As an example, the company says a user who types “pizza” might see an emoji of a slice appear as a suggestion. If you enter your boyfriend or girlfriend’s name, the app might suggest a heart symbol emoji — a feature sure to annoy many a significant other when it accidently asserts itself in the middle of a text-argument.  

Like most predictive engines, the app will learn your emoji habits, making it easier than ever to express yourself through little, stylized icons. While Android only rolled out emoji support with the latest KitKat build, SwiftKey 4.5 will work on Jelly Bean with a few minor differences.

Users interested in utilizing the new number row feature can enable it via the Themes & Layouts menu. The number row will appear above the text keyboard when activated.

The beta installer can be downloaded here.