Tegic Bolsters Text Messaging Tech

AOL subsidiary Tegic Communications unveiled this week a new version of its T9 predictive text input software that adds support for backing up user-created preferences. When a user switches mobile phones, he or she can now simply download their T9 settings from the wireless carrier.

The backup function can store personal words, such as 2-6-6-5 representing "cool" rather than "book," as well as language preferences. Currently 49 languages are supported by the messaging technology.

"It's frustrating to want to upgrade to the latest mobile device, and yet feel tied to your current phone because it's finally just the way you want it. By being able to download language preferences onto a new device, we're making the decision to upgrade a much easier one," said Tegic president Bill Schwebel.

T9 version 7.3 builds upon the previous version of the software that enabled next word prediction and multi-lingual support. The company did not say which phones and operators would be incorporating the new technology.

Tegic also announced Tuesday the new T9 Mobile Suite, which integrates voice and handwriting technology as methods for user input. The software would allow users to compose text messages using a touch screen, speech recognition or handwriting recognition.

T9 Mobile Suite will be available to phone makers in early 2006, Tegic said.