I initially tried FUTO and switched to Heliboard (which uses a closed-source glide typing library) because FUTO’s open-source version frankly sucked.
I didn’t know I could make it better.
Credit to @Nednarb44@lemmy.world :
It takes a lot of time and a lot of peoples typing data from my understanding. It’s relatively easy for Google to make the glide/Swype type since they have a huge amount of peoples typing data. FUTO on the other hand has been making an open source version for probably 6 months or so no, solely relying on volunteers inputting words on their website.
For those interested in helping make the library better: https://swype.futo.org/ (it
probablyonly works on mobile)
- Futo’s software (incl their keyboard) is not open source
- Their founder has ties to Curtis Yarvin. Look him up.
Drew Devault is a controversial personality, but his article on this topic has a good summary of the facts: https://drewdevault.com/2025/10/22/2025-10-22-Whats-up-with-FUTO.html
What part of the FUTO keyboard license isn’t open source? It looks like most of what it says is in line with the kind of stuff you find in the GPL, MIT, BSD licenses. Is the non-commercial restriction the reason people say it’s “not open source”?
That license places restrictions on your ability to modify the software, including your ability to remove content related to the payment of the licensor.
FUTO also admits that they aren’t truly open source: https://futo.org/about/futo-statement-on-opensource/
Our use of the term “open source” thus far has been not out of carelessness, but out of disdain for OSI approved licenses which nevertheless allow developers to be exploited by large corporate interests. The OSI, an organization with confidential charter members and large corporate sponsors, does not have any legal right to say what is and is not “open source”. It is arrogant of them to lay claim to the definition.
I’m 100% onboard with this. FUTO is opensource in all the ways I care about. It’s anti-bigtech and pro compensation of maintainers and developers. They are good in my book.
Not to be pedantic, but the more accurate term would be source available. If you aren’t allowed to modify or distribute the code yourself, it isn’t open. I’m not saying it’s bad, just not open.
The community has told us that “open source” has a particular meaning to them and suggested we call it “source available” instead. We have been reluctant to do so for numerous reasons .
I suggest you read the article as you are simply using the OSI bible. The bible of those calling AI code opensource , mind you.
I don’t agree with OSI either, and think their licenses are exploitative. But their definition is useful to call out orgs like FUTO.
The solution to devs being exploited by big tech is the GPL or AGPL, not whatever FUTO is doing. They’re trying to have their cake and eat it too: earn the goodwill that comes from claiming you’re open source, while keeping the same restrictions in place you’d see in a commercial software package, which keep users locked down to one vendor (aka “free beer” rather than “freedom”)
This isn’t a new idea invented by FUTO, it’s called “source available”. Gitlab is another example of this, as is Unreal Engine, and many others.
I really suggest you read the post. Your arguments have already been addressed there. GPL and AGPL do absolutely nothing for maintainer and dev compensation.
What’s the problem with drew devault?
I actually have no idea, but whenever he pops up I see people bring out the vaguely pointed pitchforks. I figured I’d point that out to avoid those people derailing the discussion.
Btw the founder of futo is a weirdo who associates with nazis
Definitely one of the weaknesses of Futo keyboard.
Thanks for sharing. Contributed a few swipe sessions. Website is a bit slow. Wish it loaded faster.
Really slow. I wonder why.
Cool initiative though.
Where can you download the dataset?
