Microsoft acquires UK and AI-powered predictive keyboard firm SwiftKey

Microsoft has bought the popular AI-powered keyboard app, SwiftKey for a reported sum of £174 million.

The UK-based artificial intelligence keyboard firm confirmed today that its predictive keyboard app, SwiftKey, was acquired by the software giant in a bid to improve their mobile strategy and AI technology. 

SwiftKey uses artificial intelligence to learn what kind of words you input over time and offer predictions to what you might type next. The app also features a 'swiping' feature that allows you to slide your finger from letter to letter to form a word instead of tapping each key. 

The award winning company, which was started by two Cambridge University graduates in 2008, hailed the move as a "milestone" in its short history and is the latest AI firm to be bought by Microsoft. 

"Our mission is to enhance interaction between people and technology. We think these are a perfect match, and we believe joining Microsoft is the right next stage in our journey," said Jon Reynolds and Ben Medlock of Swiftkey.

Another interesting achievement for the company is that SwiftKey is also the technology that helps operate Professor Stephen Hawking's wheelchair.