Microsoft Updates Word Flow Keyboard for iOS With Built-In Search

Now the app is a much better match for the Gboard iOS keyboard that Google released in recent months, VentureBeat reports.

The competition in the iOS keyboard space is starting to heat up even more, as Microsoft adds a Bing-powered search engine to Word Flow. You can also now easily find contacts when you need to share someone’s phone number and look up things like restaurants, news, videos, facts to help you win an argument, and the weather forecast right from the keyboard. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, though, as it is running on Bing. This is similar to what Apple is doing with emoji prediction in iOS 10’s new Messages app. The app will determine the best GIF that a person can use to express themselves and then present it while he/she types.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that it’s quite clear what Microsoft has set out to do.

Microsoft is, of course, aiming to compete with Google’s recently released Gboard app, which lets you search and send information, emoji, and GIFs from your keyboard.

In a word, this could be the Redmond company’s attempt to level the playing field, keeping its eye on the prize to dominate the market in the future.

There are also user feedbacks that suggest integration of Word Flow into SwiftKey would make it easier for iPhone users to type with just a swipe. The keyboard app also brought in a new one-handed texting mode in an arc shape (placed on one side). This goes without saying, but it can be turned off if it’s not up one’s alley.

Microsoft Word Flow is still not available for download on the Indian App Store of Apple.