OsmAnd Maps & Navigation vs SwiftKey

OSM provides a map editable by everyone; just like the web-based encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

Using a community edited map allows one to correct isses they encounter. Combined with the monthly turn around, these edits are added for navigation quickly.

One can also utilize features to contribute back to OSM. This includes reporting a bug or adding a POI. This feature doesn't require an internet connection as the points can be uploaded latter upon request.

Lane guidance can assist in deciding if one should stay in the right or left lanes. OsmAnd provides detailed information on the number of lanes and which are valid for your chosen destination; based on the data available it may show too many or too few lanes.

Sometimes one needs more than just navigation, they have a need to view a map or specify a specific route. OsmAnd provides a very nice, detailed map. This can be good for seeing what is around you or showing a place you are talking about to a friend.

It also provides a means to add waypoints on the map which can be used to dictate a specific route (not simple enough to do routinely).

Utilizing the community driven OpenStreetMap data has allowed for monthly publishing of new maps that the user can use. Though that doesn't necessarily mean the map data has changed.

Through the use of an additional plugin OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is able to utilize contour lines on its maps which helps view the landscape and terrain.

This helps in optimizing route calculations based on vehicle's maximum speed or a country's maximum speed limits, typical driving speeds, width and height of the vehicle and so on.

This helps in avoiding often congested main roads and in casually discovering alternative routes, sometimes dirt roads as well, which are commonly far less-travelled in most places. Odd place for this option though, should be near the section where you can select which types of roads to avoid instead.

The prediction engine of SwiftKey is continuously being improved by using data from social networks, text messages or even emails from the user's device. Predictions appear above the keyboard as soon as a letter is typed. By adjusting to the user's writing habits and style, it really helps to save time when writing.

Swiftkey offers a wide range of different themes to add personality to your keyboard (some are free.. others paid for via in app purchases).

Has 61+ languages available that can be downloaded. So chances are the languages you need will be available.

Keyboard can integrate multiple languages into one seamless autocorrect engine.

You can choose between five different sizes to resize the keyboard.

The feature may seem odd but the ability to undock the keyboard is extremely useful in certain situations. For example when creating content or using difficult websites.

SwiftKey is competely ad-free.

Users can optionally display a number pad above the keyboard.

Swiftkey supports both popular methods of typing. Either way the methods integrate perfectly with the predictions featured above the keyboard.

When users type the name of the desired Emoji, a small list will come up where the right one can be selected.

Swiftkey is free to download and use, though there are in app purchases to unlock more features.

SwiftKey will even provide you exciting data about how you type such as a heatmap.

The more you use SwiftKey, the more your heat map will transform from perfect circles into blobs where you tend to press. From the Heatmap you'll know where you tend to make mistakes and how SwiftKey is improved. Other stats provided include:

• Distance flowed in meters
• Keystrokes saved
• Typos corrected
• Words completed

Even though SwiftKey is a third party keyboard, Swiftkey still uses the preferred Google voice dictation.

Any learned words, phrases (inc. email addresses) will be backed up to the cloud and available across multiple devices.

Among the layout choices is a split keyboard which anchors each half to the lower corners of the screen, where one would naturally hold a tablet device while typing, with the option to place a dedicated 10-key number pad in the unused space between them.