Monday, September 22, 2003
Intel Gives Backing To New Keypad
Posted by Brad Adrian in "ARTICLE" @ 03:00 AM
As we all know, one of the biggest complaints we mobile devices users have is how difficult text and data entry can be. More and more of us seem to be embracing SMS, but typing the text can still be exasperating. Intel seems to be on the case, though, because they're now backing a new keypad, called "Fastap," that's supposed to make text entry a lot easier.
Photo: BBC News
"At its autumn developer event, Intel showed off a concept universal communicator using the Fastap keypad that fits 26 letters alongside the numbers on a handset. The Fastap keypad does away with the need to press keys several times to scroll through the letters associated with each number.
"Fastap was developed by former Apple ergonomic design boss David Levy as a way to make it easier to enter text using the tiny keypad on a handset. The design puts letters of the alphabet on raised buttons that fit between the keys. Words can be typed by pressing the raised keys, and numbers by pressing the four keys that surround a particular number.
"Digit Wireless, which licences use of the Fastap technology, has signed deals with phone makers in the Far East but Intel is by far the largest technology firm to back the idea."
I've always had problems getting used to non-traditional ways of entering text; schemes like FITALY and T9 still confuse whatever part of my brain that's responsible for such things. But, this little keypad looks like it might be a great enhancement to future mobile phones or Smartphones. It's nice to see a large company like Intel involved, but I can't help but wonder why this hasn't taken off before now; I remember seeing announcements of its birth over a year ago. Does that mean that it simply needed the support of a strong provider like Intel, or is this going to be just another dud?
Photo: BBC News
"At its autumn developer event, Intel showed off a concept universal communicator using the Fastap keypad that fits 26 letters alongside the numbers on a handset. The Fastap keypad does away with the need to press keys several times to scroll through the letters associated with each number.
"Fastap was developed by former Apple ergonomic design boss David Levy as a way to make it easier to enter text using the tiny keypad on a handset. The design puts letters of the alphabet on raised buttons that fit between the keys. Words can be typed by pressing the raised keys, and numbers by pressing the four keys that surround a particular number.
"Digit Wireless, which licences use of the Fastap technology, has signed deals with phone makers in the Far East but Intel is by far the largest technology firm to back the idea."
I've always had problems getting used to non-traditional ways of entering text; schemes like FITALY and T9 still confuse whatever part of my brain that's responsible for such things. But, this little keypad looks like it might be a great enhancement to future mobile phones or Smartphones. It's nice to see a large company like Intel involved, but I can't help but wonder why this hasn't taken off before now; I remember seeing announcements of its birth over a year ago. Does that mean that it simply needed the support of a strong provider like Intel, or is this going to be just another dud?
