Nokia attempts to patent rotating numeric pad

Nokia has filed for a US patent for a mobile phone with a rotating numeric keyboard, writes The Register.

"The numeric pad can turn round to retain the correct orientation when the handset it flipped into landscape mode.

The application details what looks like a standard candybar handset. The clever bit comes when you rotate it through 90°: the screen slides up to reveal a QWERTY keyboard.

... Nokia original filed its patent applicaton back in September 2005, but the filing was updated yesterday."

Samsung vows to improve SMS experience

According to Engadget Mobile, Samsung wants the text messaging interfaces - like T9 and Motorola's iTap - and create a Gmail-like "text threaded conversation" using a new guided process for in-phone text messaging services.

"Samsung's new patent includes processes like mapping phone numbers from incoming text messages to stored pictures of the sender and creating SMS threading that emulates an IM interface. " Read more

The Keyboard Bag

I'm not sure this works with cell phones, or works at all for that matter, but I couldn't pass it up: A protoype of a bluetooth keyboard bag by Eleksen , who's already given us the wonderful Fabric keyboard for computers and other integrated tactile controls for clothing.

[via Gizmodo]

Font Text Designing Booming in South Korea

Now that text-writing has become digital, design-savvy Koreans have paved the way for a growing market for fonts, the style that is used in text design. According to Inside JoongAng Daily, revenue for buying fonts to use on blogs is increasing and graphics firms are developing more Korean fonts.

... "Some of the more popular fonts are those based on the handwriting of celebrities. These "star fonts" took two years to plan and develop, and have been in service since autumn of last year for the Internet and will be available for mobile platforms later this year. Fans of actresses Lee Hyo-lee and Moon Geun-young, or rock star Yoon Do-hyun can choose to "write" like their idols.

... Pyun Suk-hoon, head of Yoon Design, one of Korea's largest commercial typography-developing graphics companies, said that these trends show that fonts are now considered a fashion. Mr. Pyun said that since mobile phones are becoming more technologically advanced, in the future we won't even have to make separate Web fonts because digital platforms will support graphics with fine detail."

Fastap Keypad Goes Fashion

Slashphone reports on some new mobile phone keypad concepts from Digital Wireless' Fastap.

The new Fastap keyboard integrates letter, number and punctuation keys around the standard numeric keypad on a mobile phone.

Qwerty keyboard for cell phones

Eatoni, a comapny which develops software-assisted keyboards for handheld devices, are offering a new EQ3 Qwerty keyboard for mobile phones, available for free for the Nokia 668x range of phones.

[via favorite Red Ferret]

Eleksen rolls out much expected fabric keyboard

The much announced Eleksen a high-tech fabric keyboard - that can be used with PDAs and smart phones - launched on Monday, reports CNet UK.

The washable wireless fabric keyboar contains a 63-key Qwerty layout, and can be rolled up to form a compact bundle measuring just 48 by 126 by 32mm when not in use."

Related:

-- Eleksen's Bluetooth portable fabric keyboard

-- Fabric keyboard

Enhanced keyboard for Sony Ericsson 3G phone

Sony Ericsson showing off its M600 at 3GSM, a 3G e-mail phone with a qwerty keyboard. From the BBC's slideshow: "In pictures: Barcelona 3GSM show".

Digital Stylus for cellphones

Digital positioning company EPOS has developped a system which allows users to write directly onto non-touchscreen phone.

How cool is that? You can handwrite your text message instead of tapping away.

"The setup consists of a “base station,” (actually just a chip) which can either be embedded in the phone or attached as a peripheral, and a special powered stylus that relays its position to the base station."

[via Engadget]

Samsung Releases Keyboard Phone in U.S.

Samsung Electronics said Tuesday it is releasing what it dubs a “dual QWERTY phone” in the U.S., meaning a mobile phone with a typewriter keyboard as well as an ordinary touchpad that allows it to function almost like a mini laptop PC. [via Digital Chosunilbo]

"This is Samsung’s second phone with a keyboard. The first, the SCH-i730, was described by Business Week as suitable for stock trading. Lee Ki-tae, the head of Samsung’s IT business, said the product was more user-friendly for customers who send frequent text messages."

Predictive text firm tackles mobile browsing problem

Netimperative, mobile software firm Tegic Communications has launched a new mobile phone interface solution that could make browsing the web via mobiles a much easier task.

"The service has the potential to make browsing the Web via mobile a far less cumbersome task than before, as users will not have to make so many keypad entires to find what they want online. "

VPen: The write stuff?

Imagine being able to communicate in your own handwriting with your mobile phone, PDA, laptop or PC without any cables. The VPen does just that. It looks like a space age pen, but works like a mouse, pen, keyboard or graphic tablet. IST reports.

"VPen connects to numerous host devices using Bluetooth, which makes it compatible with a wide variety of hosts.

“Instead of clumsily entering SMS or other text through the tiny key pad of the GSM, or scribbling into your PDA, VPen allows users to write naturally on any type of surface,” explains project partner Alberto Zanettin of Philips Consumer Electronics. “The device uses an exclusive handwriting recognition software that processes characters written in many languages.”

You've heard of touch screens now check out touch keys

Phoneyworld reports on a new type of cell phone with a touch screen keypad, being developped in Japan by both NTT DoCoMo and Mitsubishi.

Read on and view more pictures

New-age keyboard: Trace, don't write

Phys.org via News.com reports that IBM has come up with an experimental keyboard system that lets users write by connecting the dots.

"Shark (Shorthand-Aided Rapid Keyboarding) is an advanced pen-based shorthand method that allows users to input words into mobile devices by tracing them letter by letter on a virtual keyboard.

Instead of tapping independently on four virtual keys with a stylus to spell "word," for example, consumers would put the stylus on "w" and then carve a continuous trail all the way to "d".

Users initially hunt for letters to write words, but the idea is that they fairly rapidly start to memorize the shape of common words and word components--and therefore, their dependence on visual guidance decreases. The computer assesses the user's final pattern, interprets it as a word from its database and turns it into text on the screen."

Reading phone text one word at a time

For those who have squinted to read text on their cell phones, Stanford University researchers think they have hit upon a better way: Do it one word at a time. News.com reports.

"The technique, known as Rapid Serial Visual Presentation, or RSVP, makes up for the tiny screens on mobile phones by presenting just one word at a time in the center of the screen for a fraction of a second before moving on to the next word. As a result, each word is far easier to read than is the case with standard presentations, in which a sentence or two of much smaller type scroll across the screen at a time.

In a demo version of the software, dubbed BuddyBuzz, the user gets to decide how fast the text scrolls. At its fastest, the words fly far faster than a reader can sound them out. But those who learn to read words without pronouncing them in their heads can actually read as many as 1,000 words a minute, making it potentially far faster than traditional methods of scrolling.

LG Develops New Touch Pad Cell Phones

According to the Korea Times, LG Electronics, the world's fourth-largest cell phone manufacturer, has developed touch pad technology that can be used in mobile handsets.

"The company said it is like using the touch pad on personal computers.

The spokesman added that the touch-pad technology is composed of a sophisticated sensor and embedded software that converts the finger movements of users into responsive control capabilities.

The sensor and the software can also recognize a user's fingerprints, a function that will ensure enhanced security.

... "This technology will change the rules of the mobile phone game in the not-so-distant future by creating a compelling new user interface," LG executive vice president Steven Ahn predicted.

Morse texter for Series 60 phones

Following stories which made the news, on contests pitting Morse code against text messaging - and coming out ahead (morse code is faster), (cf Morse Code Still Beats SMS and Morse Code Versus Text Messaging on Jay Leno's Tonight Show), Russel Beattie and Paul have come up with a Morse Texter app for Series 60 phones.

"It simulates telegraph text entry by mapping dots and dashes to the phone's arrow keys."

[via Engadget]

Eleksen's Bluetooth portable fabric keyboard

A fabulous looking Bluetooth-enabled fabric keyboard posted on Engadget. Click here to view.

"Should be out sometime around the end of June and come with drivers for Windows Mobile Smartphone, Symbian Series 60, and Palm OS 5 devices."

Writing Stylus For Use On Cell Phone Display

Wacom, a leading manufacturer of pen tablets and pens, has developed a small stylus with which to write on a cell phone display, reports Nikkei net Interactive.

"The stylus has a built-in circuit that receives electronic waves from a sensor underneath the phone's screen to input writing by the user

Because of its miniature circuit, the stylus measures just 3.5mm in diameter and 6.2cm in length, versus existing ones which are about 10cm long with a diameter of 8mm. It weighs just one gram.

The new product will be targeted for use by the elderly and others who have difficulty using buttons in composing messages on cell phones."

Microsoft's New Smart Phone Interface: Your Thumb

Microsoft Research scientists, in cooperation with University of Maryland researchers, have designed two interfaces to support easier use of PDAs and cellphones. Your thumb. [via Personaltech Pipeline via Mike's List]

"The interfaces allow users to operate the devices using a thumb on one hand.

In their paper, the researchers detailed thumb-as-stylus designs that allow users to operate hand-held devices using only one hand. Although existing stylus-based gesture systems do not preclude the use of the thumb, no systems have been specifically designed to be operated using the thumb, according to the researchers.

The researchers detailed the two different interface approaches in a technical paper delivered at this week's Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Portland, Ore."

It seems odd to me that this is sounding like a breakthrough innovation, as people are already using their thumbs to text message. One often reads about the new generation as "thumb tribes" and how prevelant using one's thumb in text messaging is - on cell phones not specifically enhanced for this.

See related articles and studies:

-- The rise of the thumb tribes - Taro Matsumura in Keitai Log has done some research on the origin of the term "thumb tribe".

-- All Thumbs, Without the Stigma - The thumb is the new power digit," said Edward Tenner, a science historian for the Smithsonian Institution who has spent time thinking about the interaction between hand and machine.

-- Thumbs take over for text generation - Children who grow up using mobile phones and gaming consoles are changing the shape and dexterity of their fingers and thumbs.

-- Interview with Sadie Plant - British technology researcher Dr Sadie Plant -- Director of the Cybernetic Culture Research Unit at Warwick University in the UK. Her findings outlined that children's thumbs are stronger and more nimble because they spend so much time texting and playing computer games.

Virtual Keyboard Could Empower Mobile

The much written about virtual keyboard, will be selling at Radio Shack as a stand alone unit. The slick, black standalone unit about the size of a small fist. connects to devices via Bluetooth.

According to Information Week, "the company's real goal is to build the virtual keyboard technology directly into mobile devices by mid-2006. That would shrink the size, extend battery life, and potentially let users rely on a small mobile device instead of a full-fledged laptop".

Nokia to use eZiText predictive text input technology

I'm a little sorry to hear this, being a long time fan of Tegic's T9. mobilemag reports that Zi Corporation, a predictive text input technology, has announced a licensing agreement with Nokia.

"The predictable software entry system provides mobile handset users a faster method of text entry, it uses a one-touch entry and word completion system while learning the users typing and behavior patterns to predict words.

It should provide for quicker, easier messaging, e-mail and web browsing on standard numeric keypad handsets, it's also available in 41 languages." But does it allow for euro speak?

Fabric keyboard

Force-sensing fabric companyEleksen will show a fabric keyboard and joystick at the beginning of next year.

The Bluetooth-enabled keyboard is aimed at mobile phones, PDAs and laptops, while the joystick is targeted at games players on the same devices.

[ via near near future ]

Related article:

-- Soft Texting [...] With reports coming in from around the world on repetitive stress injury, caused by too much texting, maybe a softer keyboard will help.

SMS shorthand is annoying: Official

Nearly half of mobile phone users want a guide on 'text etiquette', a study by research company YouGov has found, reports PThe Register.

"The study, carried out for predictive text software provider Tegic Communications, shows that:

-- Text shorthand is not popular, the survey found, and is only used by 13 per cent of all mobile users, but 23 per cent of 18-29 year olds admit to using it.

-- 54 per cent of respondents said that messages in shorthand were "difficult to understand".

-- 56 per cent of those surveyed have wished someone a merry Christmas via SMS. 70 per cent have used text to say 'happy birthday'.

-- Women are more prolific than men, with 46 per cent admitting to gossiping using SMS compared to 34 per cent of men.

-- Women send 19 text messages a week compared to men's 15.

-- 7 per cent of employees surveyed used a text message to say that they would be late, and seven per cent have 'texted in sick'.

-- The study also found that predictive text input software is popular, with 41 per cent of 18-29 year olds who use the software saying they couldn't do without it.

Related:

-- T9 Predicts Euro Speak - Predictive text, T9, in it's latest version allows for Euro speak. Mixing languages in the same sentence.

Handset-Theater and Virtual Keyboard

Samsung Electronics plans to launch a variety of handset accessories including handset-theater and virtual keyboard, reports Telecoms Korea.

"Handset accessories often enhance the function of handsets, increasing usability of cell phones.

An official of Samsung Electronics said Friday, “We will roll out ‘Anycall Theater' that includes handset rest in Korean market.” The product is just like a mini home theater with a quality speaker, the official bragged. For foreign users, plug-in speaker will be provided. Users can enjoy music or even have a conference call with the speaker, Samsung said".

T9 Predicts Euro Speak

This is fabulous! Predictive text, T9, in it's latest version allows for Euro speak. Mixing languages in the same sentence. [via 160characters.org].

"Tegic's T9 Text Input version 7.2 offers enhanced multi-lingual support, which makes it easier for users to alternate between languages when texting. It is not uncommon for users to switch back and forth between languages when speaking or writing to friends and family."

There are more than 800 mobile phone models available throughout the world today that include T9 Text Input and it is installed in about 500 million phones.

Motorola Plans Finger-Writing Phone

The FCC today approved the Motorola A668, a new tri-band GSM camera phone with a unique text-input technology called Finger Writing Recognition (FWR), reports Phone Scoop.

"The otherwise standard-looking keypad doubles as a touch surface, allowing users to trace English and Chinese characters with their finger to enter text."

Screen magnifier for mobile phones

Spanish company Code Factory has developed a screen magnifier to enable visually impaired people to better use mobile phones, reports BBC News.

The Mobile Magnifier software is designed to be used on Series 60 handsets running the Symbian operating system.

The software splits the mobile's screen horizontally in two so that half displays enlarged (up to six times) text or graphics and the other half is normal size.

Although the Royal National Institute of the Blind has yet to evaluate the product, its technology specialist, Steve Tyler, doubts whether split-screen magnification is what visually impaired users actually want. According to him, the best solution is for manufacturers to make their products accessible to everyone without having to add extra software.

Code Factory is still negotiating agreements with distributors and is unable to say how much its application will cost.

Click Wheel for Mobile Phones

Synaptics introduces MobileTouch, a new and innovative interface for mobile phones. [ via Popgagdet ]

"MobileTouch translates gestures for scrolling, selection and cursor movement into on-screen navigation, resulting in an easy to use interface that improves the user experience. The MobileTouch solution is based on Synaptics' capacitive sensing technology, which has shipped in over one hundred million of consumer devices -- such as notebook PCs and MP3 players -- since 1995. With MobileTouch, accessing and utilizing the advanced functions of mobile phones is simple and more enjoyable.

Now There's Another Way to Enter Text Into Your Mobile Phone

Mobystar's Maxinote's is a fast and friendly on-screen keypad. It's design allows you to keep your focus predominantly on the screen while performing the majority of input actions using your mobile's navigational key.

Maxinote aims to improve your texting efficiency by:

-- Reducing the need to continually divert your eyes away from the screen to the phones keypad for a new letter.

-- Eliminating the pause required between keypresses when letters are on the same button.

-- Reducing the amount of time needed to access non alpha-numeric symbols.

-- Reducing the amount of time spent retyping common words such as 'the', 'and', 'what' 'when' etc.

Click here for slide show of Maxinote screen shots. More in company press release here.