Using SwiftKey with a Google account? There’s bad news

Typing on our smartphones is a daily activity that we often take for granted, and yet behind the scenes there exist complex software that learn our style and our habits to speed up typing.

SwiftKey is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and long-standing applications in this field. Born in 2010 and quickly famous for having introduced the innovative swipe typing on the screen, the application was then acquired by Microsoft in 2016.

Now, years after that financial operation, the Redmond-based company has decided to take an important step to consolidate its services, a move that will require a small sacrifice from many longtime users.

SwiftKey, important deadline in May and new access rules

According to recent communications that Microsoft has been sending to app users, starting this spring there will be a substantial change to the authentication methods.

Until now, those who downloaded the app had complete freedom to log in using various platforms: it was indeed possible to sign in via a Google account, an Apple account, or using the original credentials of the independent service.

Starting May 31, this versatility will cease to exist. Access will be granted exclusively to those who decide to use a Microsoft account.

Those who currently rely on external platforms to keep their data synced will therefore need to adapt in time, creating a new owner profile or linking the Microsoft one already in their possession.

What happens to the storage of personal data?

The main reason for accessing a modern virtual keyboard is the preservation of your typing data.

By signing up, the app saves your personal dictionary, the suggested automatic corrections, and your user-specific slang, making it possible to maintain the same user experience even when moving from one device to another.

With the introduction of the new directives, all these precious data will be transferred and automatically stored inside OneDrive, the cloud storage space provided by Microsoft and associated with the login profile used.

Those who choose not to log in at all can still continue to use the keyboard freely. However, this decision entails a total renunciation of synchronization features and of advanced personalization: every time you change phone or tablet, you will have to teach the software your way of writing from scratch.

Privacy and incentives for the transition

To facilitate the transition and persuade consumers to accept this forced shift toward its ecosystem, the company’s official communications highlight some collateral benefits.

The transfer to the proprietary cloud is presented as a necessary step to ensure greater privacy protections for consumers.

Beyond the security aspect of corporate servers, an incentive for subscribers is introduced: using the software will allow you to accumulate points in the Microsoft Rewards program. These credits can later be converted into real benefits, including discounts on Xbox games and the ability to make charitable donations.

Until the deadline of May 31, the previous authentication methods will continue to operate normally, providing users with a sufficient window to organize the transfer of their personal information without losing years of keyboard learning.