SwiftKey creates a personalized keyboard for Stephen Hawking

By Andy Boxall December 2, 2014

physicist_stephen_hawking — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Over the past two years, software keyboard experts at SwiftKey have been working with Professor Stephen Hawking and his team to create an improved, bespoke typing system for the scientist. The project has now come to an end, and the result is a predictive keyboard which reduces the amount of time Hawking needs to communicate, and dramatically increases his accuracy when typing.

Professor Hawking suffers from ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and uses a muscle in his cheek to activate a tiny sensor which “types” on his keyboard. SwiftKey was given access to Hawking’s books, and many documents unreleased to the public, ultimately coming up with a personalized piece of software built around his tone of voice, and specific use of words.

Although we can all use SwiftKey’s keyboard on our phones right now, our requirements are very different to the professor’s. SwiftKey charmingly calls its most common user a “fast and sloppy typist,” bashing out texts and tweets, while Hawking is a considered typist and an accurate speller, who writes complete books on very complex subjects. The final product has been integrated into Professor Hawking’s communications system, and will continue to learn, predict, and adapt to his own personal style.

According to SwiftKey’s Joe Osbourne, who ran the project from beginning to end, it’s estimated the revised system has doubled Hawking’s speech rate. “By understanding the way he uses language,” says Osbourne, “our technology makes it faster and easier for him to communicate, leaving more time to consider the secrets of the universe.”

SwiftKey isn’t exclusive to Stephen Hawking, and can be used by mere mortals too. The app is available to download for Android, and thanks to iOS 8’s custom keyboard option, also for the iPhone and iPad.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

Mobile

Best Apple Watch 8 deals: Save on last year’s model

Close-up of a person taking a call on their Apple Watch Series 8.

One of the best smartwatches can add a lot to both your fitness routine and your day-to-day style, and the Apple Watch lineup is one people turn to frequently. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the current most recent release, but the Apple Watch Series 8 is still plenty capable, and it makes for great savings because it’s a generation old at this point. There are some Apple Watch 8 deals currently taking place, and we’ve tallied them below for your saving pleasure. So whether you’re starting a new fitness routine or cleaning up your wardrobe, don’t hesitate to shop the best Apple Watch 8 deals while they last.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 45mm) (refurbished) — $255, was $273

This is the Apple Watch Series 8 45mm size, which is the largest you’ll find in an Apple Watch 8. It also has built-in GPS and the ability to connect to your cellular plan for connectivity anywhere you get a signal. This is a refurbished model of the Apple Watch 8. Shopping refurbished is a great way to land some savings, and you can do so knowing this watch is backed by Amazon’s renewal standards. It will still have all of the great features people love about the Apple Watch Series 8, including advanced health features and access to Apple’s software ecosystem.

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Smart Home

This is the best smart accessory you didn’t know you needed

Nix Mini 2 color scanner used to capture precise color tones on a toy

Vibrant colors are everywhere — in nature, our daily lives, and even our homes. Sometimes, you come across a color or a shade you really love that you want to recreate, whether for a new paint job, crafts or creative work. If you aren't a master in color theory, it can be tough to reproduce the more subtle and nuanced shades. But what if there was a small, portable smart device that could help you? I want to bring to your attention the Nix Mini 2. It's a color wizard that fits in your pocket and syncs with your phone. It has a built-in high-resolution and precise sensor that scans the color(s) you want and then transmits the data via Bluetooth to your Android or iOS devices. It also integrates with creative apps like Photoshop and Nix Toolkit to "bridge the physical and digital worlds." And get this: it's on sale today for $60, usually $99.

Here's why you would want the Nix Mini 2