SEATTLE, August 2026: Urdu typing platform Matnsaz has launched its Android app, expanding its availability beyond iOS and bringing its shape-based Urdu keyboard to a much larger pool of smartphone users.
The keyboard is designed around the structure of the Urdu script rather than conventional English keyboard layouts, with the aim of making Urdu typing faster, simpler and more intuitive on mobile devices.
Matnsaz founder Zeerak Ahmed said the project was created to move away from software conventions built primarily around English-language computing.
He said the growth of smartphone and internet use among Urdu speakers had created a stronger need for software designed natively for the language rather than adapted from Western typing models.
Shape-Based Urdu Keyboard Uses Advanced Autocorrect
Matnsaz uses a simplified, shape-based keyboard that reduces the number of keys users need to press.
Its autocorrect system can automatically add dots and diacritics, helping users type with fewer keystrokes while preserving Urdu spelling and structure.
The system is powered by Makhzan, a custom Urdu language dataset created by Zeerak Ahmed with contributions from Urdu-language publications including LUMS’ Bunyad Journal, Al-Mawrid’s Ishraq and IBC Urdu.
Volunteers from different countries, working with LUMS’ Technology for People Initiative, later helped transform the dataset into material that can be used by researchers and developers.
Makhzan is available free of charge.
Makhzan Now Supports Urdu Language Technology Research
Since the original iOS release, Matnsaz says Makhzan has undergone several improvements aimed at making autocorrect faster, more accurate and better at identifying a wider range of typing errors.
The dataset is also being used by large language models to support Urdu-language training, according to the company.
The Android version of Matnsaz was developed in partnership with Lahore-based software company Tintash.
The company said the decision to work with a Pakistan-based development team reflected its broader commitment to investing in Urdu-language technology within the country.
Matnsaz Expands Open-Source Urdu Technology Ecosystem
Beyond the keyboard itself, Matnsaz is continuing to develop open-source infrastructure intended to support researchers and software developers working on Urdu-language products.
The project has previously been featured by publications including TIME Magazine, Rest of World and Translator Magazine.
Matnsaz has also been discussed at academic and cultural institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, New York University, the University of Reading, Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture and the Lahore Biennale.
With the Android launch, Matnsaz is now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, significantly widening access to its Urdu typing tools.
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