Android (Rooted): Swype has released a new gesture-laden version exclusive to the Nexus S 4G. Here's what it does and how you can install it on any rooted phone.
The newest version of Swype just came out for Nexus S 4G phones, and it's pretty awesome. In addition to the super-fast gesture-based typing method, this version has quick swiping shortcuts for select all, cut, copy, paste, and can even send text to other apps like Twitter and Google Maps. Check out the video above to see it in action.
Users of the free Swype beta are sadly left out; this version is exclusive to the Nexus S 4G. Thankfully, the kind-hearted AproSamurai over at XDA Developers found an easy way to install it on any phone, no matter what model or carrier. For this to work, you'll need a rooted Android phone, a file explorer that can gain root permissions (like Root Explorer), and a terminal emulator. In addition, if you currently have the Swype beta installed, you'll need to uninstall it (from Settings > Applications > Manage Applications) before continuing.
- To start, download the zip file over at the XDA thread and extract it somewhere on your phone.
- Open up Root Explorer and copy the Swype.apk file to
/system/app/. - Long-press on it and hit "Permissions". Change the permissions to Read and Write for the Owner, and Read only for both Group and Other.
- Go back to where you extracted the zip file and copy the libswypecore.3.25.91.30637.so file to
/system/lib. - Long-press on the libswypecore file and change the Permissions once again to Read and Write for the Owner and Read only for both Group and Other.
- Exit Root Explorer and open up your terminal emulator. Run the following three commands, hitting Enter after each one: su
sync
reboot - Once your phone reboots, you should be able to long-press on any text box and choose Swype as an Input Method.
As usual, you can access Swype's preferences in Settings > Language and Keyboard.
Update: Swype has contacted AproSamurai and asked him to take down the zip file. They said they'd be releasing a beta for registered users soon, though, so if you didn't get in on the action, don't worry—we should be able to try it out soon.
Haven't rooted your Android phone just yet? Head on over to our always up-to-date rooting guide for the complete instructions.
Nexus S 4G Swype (How-To) | XDA Developers via Android Police
You can contact Whitson Gordon, the author of this post, at whitson@lifehacker.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.
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