Quadriplegic sets new Guinness World Record with Swype

Looks like Swype isn’t just any ordinary alternative keyboard – it can be also used in conjunction with TrackerPro, a head tracking device that allows users to control their mouse pointer without the use of their hands. This unique combination was proven by Hank Torres, a quadriplegic, to be extremely effective when he recently had his name entered in the Guinness World Records. Torres made his mark in the Records for being the fastest hands-free typist by successfully entering a complex phrase in 83.09 seconds. No simple feat, considering he did everything using only his head. The phrase he had to enter?

“The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.”

I think some people might even have problems entering that phrase with a regular keyboard! It’s good to see technology being used to benefit everybody, especially those who are in need. Swype itself is no stranger to the Guinness World Records, making its mark twice in 2010 alone – let’s what other records Swype can make or break next. I wonder how Google’s speech to text technology sizes up against Swype. Anybody care to give the official Guinness phrase a go using Google Voice?

George Wong
Categories: General
Tags: hands free, swype