SwipeType Enables iOS Keyboard Hacks Without Requiring Jailbreak

New app SwipeType adds keyboard shortcuts previously only available to jailbroken devices.

New app on the block SwipeType adds short-cut features that were previously only available to iPhone users with jailbroken devices. The app is basically a turbo-charged replica of the iOS standard Notes app, with extra features, additional fonts, and many more sharing options. Once installed, SwipeType adds keyboard shortcuts to your iPhone or iPod Touch that enable you to edit text with a single swipe.

The app provides similar features to the jailbreak-only KBShortcuts package that bypasses Apple’s cumbersome text editing process, and replaces it with intuitive swipe shortcuts. For example, in SwipeType, swiping from the space bar to “C” copies highlighted text, while swiping to “V” pastes. The shortcuts are similar to standard keyboard shortcuts, making the app even easier to use.

According to the app’s features notes, SwipeType performs the following tasks:

• Email, Tweet, Post to Facebook and Post to Pastie with a tap of a button

• Beautifully designed UI With Retina Display Support

• Look Up Text on the Web directly With The in-built Web Browser

• Enable or Disable Auto Correction

• Fast application switching and backgrounding

• Live Character Counter

• Over 150 custom fonts

• More Than 15 Font Colors

• Auto Saves Text always

• Define Words With the tap of a button

The developer’s notes also state that a forthcoming update will contain iCloud and Dropbox support, in addition to a manageable documents library.

The SwipeType features are only available within the app itself – due to Apple’s restrictions, the shortcuts don’t work with other iOS apps. They also only apply to onscreen editing, and are not compatible with external hardware, which means you can’t use the shortcuts with Bluetooth or Wireless keyboards. Notably, an iPad-specific version of the app isn’t available yet. The App Store notes claim that the SwipeType is compatible, however the app is only developed for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Despite it’s limitations, SwipeType is an interesting example of how developers are taking jailbreak innovation, and finding a workaround for regular iOS users. The app might not have the flexibility of KBShortcuts, but it’s a good start. It also provides iOS users with a lot more control over customization than Apple’s Notes app. As well as fonts and colors, users can change the size and alignment of text for a friendlier user experience.

SwipeType costs $0.99. If you regularly write and edit text on an iOS device, it’s a worthwhile investment. The app is available to download now from iTunes and the App Store.

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