Droid X/Droid 2 Tips: How To “Type” Smart Using Swype

Droid X and Droid 2 comes with Swype, a new way text entry on smartphones that does not require typing. Traditional text entry requires that each letter need to be typed on keyboard. However, Swype lets users glide a finger across the virtual keyboard on smartphones to enter text.

For example, if you move your finger on the screen continuosly touching the letters — DSAERTY — Swype will automatically recognize that the word you wanted to enter is “Day”. Take your finger off the screen before Swyping the next word. This will automatically create a space between the two words.

Swype technology was developed by Cliff Kushler and Randy Marsden. Swype’s website describing about its technology says that it

provides a faster and more intuitive way to input text on touch-screens. With one continuous finger or stylus motion across the keyboard, users can enter text at over 30 words per minute.

Here are some simple tips to get started using Swype on your Droid X or Droid 2.

How To Switch ON/OFF Swype on Droid X?

One way to switch ON/OFF Swype text input is to

Go to Settings
Choose Language and Keyboard
Select Input Method
Select Swype if you want to switch ON Swype or select Multi-Touch Keyboard if you want to Switch OFF Swype.

Another way to switch ON/OFF Swype text input method is to keep your finger holding on the text input box in email or text messaging and choose Input Methods among the options it gives. Here, you can either switch ON/OFF Swype.

How To Capitalize a Letter in Swype?

Swype automatically capitalizes the first letter of the word in a sentence. If you want to capitalize a word manually, start with the letter that you want to capitalize and move your finger above the virtual keyboard on the screen and then continue tracing rest of the letters.

How To Swype a Word with Double Letter?

To enter words with double letters, just make a circle on the letter you want it to be double. For example, if you are Swyping “book”, start with “b” and trace a path to “o”. At “o” you put a circle and then go to “k”.

How To Swype a Punctuation?

Punctuation marks share the key with a letter. For example “M” and “?” share the same key. To Swype a punctuation mark, you trace a path such that you go to the space bar after the punctuation key you want to type. To Swype a question mark, your Swype path should have “M” followed by a space bar.

How To Correct a Word Using Swype?

If you want correct a word that you Swyped, simply double-tap on the word. Swype will show a list of word options to correct the word. Choose the right one.

How To Add a New Word to Swype Database?

If Swype does not recognize the word that you intend to Swype, you can easily add the word to Swype database so that it will recognize the word next time when you Swype. Type the new word as you normally type and press space bar. The next time when you Swype the word, Swype will recognize it and use it from its database.