App makes typing

An innovative new iPhone app allows users to type Khmer characters much faster than was previously possible, according to the developers. The Khmer Smart Keyboard uses a “swipe” function to give users access to all of the Khmer alphabets 33 consonants, 23 vowels and 12 independent vowels. Previously users had to press a virtual “shift” key to go back-and-forth between keyboards to access all the characters Each character on the Khmer Smart Keyboard displays two characters, and to type the second character users swipe down, instead of tapping. Product manager Kruy Vanna said that during their tests they found the users were able to type 40 words per minute with the new app, compared to just 28 words per minute using a regular smartphone keyboard. The keyboard also includes shortcuts, such as swiping left across the keyboard to backspace and swiping right to bring up symbols and numbers. Since hitting the iTunes store on October 13, the free app has been downloaded more than 42,400 times. The majority of downloads have been in Cambodia, followed by the US and Canada. The app has a five-star rating from users and reviews have been full of praise. One reviewer jokingly asks where the six-star rating option was.