Swype is being called the fastest virtual keyboard and even achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest written text message on a touchscreen mobile device. Initially Swipe only was available for a few selected devices while nowadays it is possible to purchase the keyboard on Google Play Store. Just last month Swype confirmed to develop a version for iOS8 which will support for the first time 3rd party keyboards.
Worries about patent conflicts Developer 'eber42' plans to release his Sailfish OS keyboard as an open source project but worries about US software patent conflicts. There shouldn't be any problems with an open-source project that doesn't use code or protected names owned by Swype. Furthermore it could be an advantage that the Jolla is only sold in Europe at the moment where software can't be patented like under US law. Yet it is understandable that the developer wants to be certain before releasing his keyboard and therefore waits to publish it. The discussion about this keyboard and possible patent conflicts can be followed here (and please don't hesitate to add your knowledge): talk.maemo.org
Demo video of Swype-like keyboard
At the moment the keyboard only supports English and French but the developer plans to provide tools to easily add new languages. The current used algorithm is based on geometric properties of the curve drawn that walks through the tree of all possible words.
"The current algorithm is based on geometric properties of the curve drawn. It walks through the tree of all possible words (with scoring & heuristics applied very soon to trim the candidates tree) and try to assign a score to every possible word based on properties showing user "intention" (distance to key, speed, sharp turns ...)."
Ultimately there is a video which shows how this keyboard looks like on Sailfish OS:
