Skip to main content

Microsoft updates Word Flow to version 2.0, featuring Bing integration and more

microsoft word flow 2 update
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Microsoft’s Word Flow keyboard for iOS is about to get a whole lot more useful than it already is. The keyboard has just been updated to version 2.0, which includes a number of great features — one in particular that puts it up against Google’s Gboard keyboard for iOS, which was released just a few months ago.

So what’s the new feature? Search, of course. Using Word Flow, you’ll now be able to swipe left to bring up a series of new options, including one that allows you to search for GIFs, search images, contacts, and even the web. Of course, the search function is powered by Microsoft’s search engine, Bing.

Recommended Videos

The addition of search functionality isn’t the only change in Word Flow. The keyboard itself has also been given an update. For example, you’ll now be able to push your finger down and move it left to right on the keyboard to go through text, or up or down to fast forward or rewind through portions of your text, taking advantage of the 3D Touch feature introduced on the iPhone 6S.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

It’s important to note that you can use 3D Touch to scroll through portions of text in Apple’s keyboard, however the fast forward and rewind feature isn’t available — to use that you’ll need Word Flow. Word Flow also now proactively recommends emojis for you to use by detecting certain key words in your text.

Last but not least is the ability to change the theme of the keyboard, either with one of the default themes or with your own custom theme — another feature that puts the keyboard in competition with Google’s Gboard.

In general this is a pretty hefty update, and it might make you want to download Word Flow for iOS. If so, you can head to the App Store to get it for yourself.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
iPhone owners should update to iOS 15.0.2 right now
Multiple iPhone 13 screens showing iOS15.

Apple is advising iPhone owners to download its latest update to iOS and iPadOS 15 as it includes an important security patch as well as a number of bug fixes.

Made available on Monday, October 11, iOS and iPadOS 15.0.2 addresses an issue that could allow nefarious apps “to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.” In other words, it offers a way for a hacker to take control of your iDevice.

Read more
Apple finally releases iOS 14.5 with new privacy features and Find My app update
iPhone 12 models

After months of beta testing and delays, Apple has finally announced the release of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, the latest and greatest versions of Apple's mobile operating systems featuring a series of long-awaited features.

Perhaps the most notable -- and most controversial -- new feature is App Tracking Transparency, also called ATT. The feature essentially allows users to determine whether or not apps are allowed to track them across other apps and services. This tracking tactic is used by the likes of Facebook and Google to collect data on users that could ultimately be used to advertise to them.

Read more
5 Best iOS 14 HomeKit features: Adaptive lighting, Live View in Apple TV, more
Apple HomeKit logo.

In keeping up with its competition in the smart home space, Apple announced a trove of new features that will be accompanying iOS 14’s rollout. While we didn’t see any exciting announcements pertaining to the possibilities of a new HomePod, these new HomeKit features seem to make it easier for users to access their favorite connected gadgets.

The ongoing enhancements undeniably help HomeKit expand its features, but there’s still a core focus on privacy and security. It’s certainly what makes HomeKit attractive over its arrival. If you're eager to know what's on tap with Apple's smart home ecosystem, here are the top five new HomeKit features coming with iOS 14.
Prioritized accessories in Home app

Read more