After a solid run of pre-install deals with device manufacturers, Swype Inc. has publicly released a beta version for Android devices not already on board. Users already running the official versions of Swype on their Android devices should not install the beta.
The business model for the text input solution for touch-screen devices has revolved around the OEM space as a pre-installed application thus far. But CEO Mike McSherry was already saying the technology would inevitably shift to an app download when RCR Wireless News caught up with him in September at the company’s new Seattle office.
If Swype is going to reach a billion devices — an oft-stated goal — it simply has to become readily available on more devices. The opening of a beta that was only available in private before is an early step in that direction.