New keyboard apps you'll love to use with your phone or tablet by Kim Komando

Smartphones have made our lives so much easier in many ways, but the on-screen
keyboard can drive you up the wall, especially if you need to write anything longer than a Tweet. Most smartphone keyboards have tiny letters and little room for error for adult-sized fingers.

Even the most careful writers can end up with embarrassing spelling mistakes. And you don't want to rely on auto-correct to fix them - usually it just makes things worse.

While there have long been apps to replace the standard keyboard on Android gadgets, the new iPhone software, iOS 8, allows the use of alternate keyboards for the first time.
They use cool ideas, new designs and predictive text algorithms to make writing texts and emails faster and more accurate.

Swype

If you're tired of the default keyboard, this app is for you. The Swype keyboard changes the entire concept of mobile typing. Instead of tapping virtual keys, you slide your finger to each letter of the word you're spelling.

Swype figures out what word you want based on the pattern of your movement. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it can be very fast, especially for one-handed typing.

Many Android gadgets ship with Swype already installed. If your gadget doesn't have it and you want to give it a try, visit the Google Play store and download it.

SwiftKey

If typing on your small keyboard gives you cold sweats, SwiftKey can help you type faster and more accurately. You no longer have to rely on auto-correct, which often makes embarrassing mistakes.

SwiftKey has a very smart predictive text algorithm that can make sense out of sloppy or rushed typing. The longer you use it, the more accurate it gets.
It learns and remembers your typing habits for email, text messages, or social media posts. Soon, it can tell the next word you want before you press a key!

There's a version for Android and Apple gadgets, and they're both free. So, you have nothing to lose by trying it.

Fleksy

This keyboard can read your mind. Well, not really, but it gets pretty darn close.
Instead of having to hit the keys exactly, Fleksy gives you much more room for error than the standard keyboards. Just type in the words and swipe to the right to add a space. It really is that simple.

To change a word or punctuation, just swipe down. If you want to add punctuation, swipe right again after a space.

Fleksy even has the option to become invisible so you can see more of what you're writing. You can still type on the invisible keyboard and watch Fleksy predict your message.

It's not magic, but it will certainly look like it. You have to try it to believe it!

Real keyboards

Those keyboard apps have you covered when typing on the go. But, for typing up long emails or documents, a physical keyboard is still going to work best. Fortunately, I have a few options in my store.

The iPad Air Flip Turn Case with Keyboard has many benefits. The turn case offers full protection and is adjustable so you can use your iPad as a tablet, laptop or movie player. It is easy to flip the case into a Bluetooth keyboard. There is also a version available for the iPad Mini.

If you have an iPad 2, 3, and 4, the Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard and Folio Case for new iPad is for you.

For Android gadgets, I offer the Power & Keyboard Folio Case. This case fits 10-inch tablets and provides protection and a Bluetooth keyboard. It also features a built-in 8000 mAh battery that delivers significant charging power.