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Zi Corporation gets licensed for ALP
Windows Mobile couldn't be the only operating system on the block with its own predictive text software, now could it? Thanks to Zi Corporation's deal with Access Linux Platform (ALP), the upcoming release of the OS will contain both eZiText predictive text and Decuma handwriting software. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that existing devices running this OS will get the new applications; it will still require individual licensees to make that decision. eZiText is a variant of most predictive text systems currently available which also incorporates dual language support and phrase prediction. Decuma is handwriting software found on the Sony Clie (people still use those?) and has support for English, Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese.[Via Brighthand]
Big Brother is SMS savvy in some countries
It's no secret that China is rockin' some serious server power dedicated to filtering its SMS airwaves of unthinkable topics like Taiwan, democracy, and pornography, but other countries are getting in on the action, too. Belarus and Iran have both been called out in recent months for listening to its citizens' texts, and in Belarus' case, sending them as well. Although the technology for real-time filtering by keyword is largely homegrown (or so we hope), predictive text manufacturers like Tegic (disclaimer: Tegic is owned by Engadget's parent company's parent company, AOL) are receiving pressure from handset manufacturers to double- and triple-check their dictionaries for words that could be considered distasteful in countries with more oppressive governments than our own. Personally, discovering a word missing from T9 has never prevented us from typing it manually, but nonetheless -- between this and M-Track, we're about ready to head down into the Engadget bunker with a year's supply of Spam and just ride this whole thing out.[Via textually.org]
Zi announces advanced Chinese text messaging input system
Calgary-based Zi Corporation has announced an updated version of its eZiText predictive text input system that they say is the most advanced predictive text solution for China to date, making it even easier for users to break China's questionable texting laws. Zi's new system offers full phrase-level input for both phonetic and stroke modes and promises new levels of error toleration, as well as Cangjie support for users in Hong Kong and Taiwan. More details on how well all this actually works should start coming out when the system is unveiled at CommunicAsia in Singapore next week.
