DigitWireless
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Fastap keypad layout certified for action in China
Fastap-equipped phones aren't exactly commonplace in North America, so hey, maybe taking the input method to the world's most populous country (and one of the most prolific consumers of cellphones to boot) is the answer. Digit Wireless has announced that the Chinese version of the Fastap keypad layout has now been officially blessed by China's "Standard Scheme of Chinese Phonetic Alphabet Input with Universal Keypad" protocol, allowing phones sporting said layout to be sold within the country's borders. The platform apparently makes Pinyin entry and mixed Chinese / English entry a snap, though we're really none the wiser; any Chinese speakers in the house want to chime in on whether the layout makes sense?
Telus brings Fastap to Canada with LG 490
It looks like Canadians are getting a second shot at Digit Wireless' love-it-or-hate-it Fastap keypad layout with Telus' introduction of the LG 490 clamshell. As you might recall, this same model came to Alltel a couple months back, though we're guessing the Telus incarnation is cleansed of the NASCAR fodder strewn about on its American equivalent. Strangely, Telus customers are going to pay a good deal more for the phone, commanding $129 CAD (about $115 USD) on a two-year contract compared to Alltel's $60 -- the carrier must be brimming with confidence that 38 keys are exactly what text-savvy Canadians yearn for.
