Predictive text

T9, which stands for 9-Key Text, is a proprietary predictive text technology for mobile phones. It allows words to be entered by pressing a single key for each letter, as opposed to the multi-tap approach used in previous generation mobile phones where multiple letters are associated with each key, and selecting a letter often requires multiple key presses. .

Combine the groups of letters for each phone key with a quick-access dictionary of words. Searches the dictionary for all the words corresponding to the sequence of keystrokes and orders them by frequency of use.

As it becomes familiar with commonly used words and phrases, it speeds up the process by offering the most commonly used words first, and then allowing the user to access other options with one or more presses of a predefined Next key.

The dictionary can be expanded by adding missing words, making it possible to recognize them in the future. After entering a new word, the next time the user tries to produce that word, T9 will add it to the predictive dictionary.

T9 is useful but can be dangerous as you can accidentally send something nonsense or say something else. For example: you might want to send a message to your girlfriend saying “when are you coming home?” This can come out in another way: “when are you going to leave forever?”

consultation

QWERTY is a standard layout for letter keys on text keyboards and thumbpads. Originally created for typewriters, it is currently the layout found on most English computer keyboards. It gets its name from the order of the first six keys on the top row, which form a pronounceable word.

On phones, the keys are usually much smaller and closer together. This means they can’t be used with two full hands like a full-size keyboard, but instead are designed to be used with two thumbs while holding the phone. Even traditional touch typing isn’t possible on a phone’s small QWERTY keyboard, the familiar layout makes it easier to find the right letter among a large number of keys.

People tend to choose QWERTY phones because they want a desktop-like experience, allowing the user to enter text quickly and easily. An example of a phone with a QWERTY “keyboard” is the BlackBerry 8310 Curve. Tech snobs tend to call the BlackBerry a “device” rather than a phone because it’s used for both voice and data.

If you’re interested in keeping up with your emails, then getting a phone with an email client, email support, and a Qwerty keyboard might be a good buy. Another feature to consider is the Qwerty keyboard itself. Some Qwerty keyboards have two letters per key, while others give you a full set of individual keys. It’s easier to adjust to a full set of keys if you’re a keyboard expert, but the two-letter-per-key system can speed up your typing using predictive text.

handwriting recognition

Online handwriting recognition involves automatic conversion of text as it is written on a special PDA, where a sensor detects movements of the pen tip, as well as up/down pen shifting. This type of data is known as digital ink and can be thought of as a dynamic representation of handwriting.

Handwriting recognition has been available on Windows Mobile smartphones for a long time, as an alternative to the on-screen keyboard. Handwriting recognition is good, but requires two hands. See Sony Ericsson M600i.

multi touch

Multi-tap text input is the system whereby the alphabet is printed under each key (starting at “2”) in three letters. The system is used by repeatedly pressing the same key to cycle through the letters of that key. For example, pressing the “3” key twice would indicate the letter “E”. Pausing for a set period of time will automatically choose the current letter in the loop, just like pressing a different key.

Multi-tap is more old-school, but you’ll find that you’ll tend to make fewer mistakes and never ask you to spell words. These days, most modern cell phones use predictive text and multi-touch. For example, the BlackBerry Pearl (Sure Type) uses multi-touch and predictive text which, combined with half the QUERTY, means you can write an entire email or SMS without ever having to change your word. It takes a bit of getting used to using your thumbs instead of your fingers.

Avoid the size problem

One solution to the text problem has been the touch screen phone. Ever since the iPhone came out, the touch screen seems to be the latest trend in the mobile world. This trend isn’t new though, as the touchscreen phone has been around ever since the LG Prada got rid of its keyboard. What the iPhone did that LG didn’t do was draw the world’s attention to the touch screen. Since the advent of the iPhone there have been many phones trying to outdo it, however most have been pretenders rather than true contenders. However, while the touchscreen has its market, the phone isn’t a decent business phone for emailing.

When it comes to writing text, size is clearly an issue, especially if you’re writing more than 200 characters. The best solution seems to be to use a combination of screen and keyboard. HTC has tried to solve the size problem by using a slide-out keyboard (for example: qtek 9100, HTC TyTN, HTC P4350). Although the phone is slightly larger than the standard Nokia/SE device, the keyboard and touch screen combination works very well. Perhaps a future solution will increasingly involve the use of speech recognition.