According to Zi, most single-tap solutions on the market require typing the whole word. Although this is typically a 50 percent improvement over standard multi-tapping, eZiText's predictive word-completion strategy does even better, by combining single-tap and predictive text technologies, Zi says. For example, in entering the word "Tomorrow" (see illustration below), conventional multi-tap technologies require 18 taps, whereas eZiText can do it in four -- a 78 percent improvement.
eZiText can be personalized by adding words to a "Personal Dictionary," according to the company. It also learns from a user's usage patterns by maintaining a "Used Word Dictionary." Advanced predictive features include dual language messaging, next word prediction, and phrase prediction.
Currently, eZiText supports over 40 language and regional linguistic databases. Additionally, it is adaptable to a wide range of portable devices including those employing limited keypads, full keypads, touchscreens, dials, or other forms of input, according to Zi. In addition to mobile phones, applications for Zi's text input technologies include ATM machines, car navigation systems, DVD players, game consoles, ISDN phones, karaoke machines, MP3 players, public information kiosks, and two way pagers, the company says.
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