Nuance Communications is expanding its T9 text-input solution to include a white-label Swype-like product called T9 Trace.
While Trace is similar to Swype, the continuous-touch text input method that allows users to trace through letters to spell words, T9 Trace is unique in that it’s now part of Nuance’s existing solution.
As a full suite of text-input tools, T9 finds its advantage over the competition by leveraging its existing customer base, which are large OEMs and operators.
Matt Revis, vice president of product management and marketing at Nuance, says that Trace finds differentiation in the way that it’s implemented.
“It’s a better user experience than any of the alternatives,” Revis argues, noting that those using Swype on Android have to flip back and forth between two or three keyboards depending on the task.
T9 includes all of Nuance’s text-input solutions, including Sloppy-type, standard keyboard, word prediction and Trace, in one solution that is installed by the OEM or operator.
Revis says that adding Trace to its solution was a natural extension of the existing T9 suite. “I think that continuous touch is really an emerging input modality because touch screen devices are growing and some people complain about a lack of haptic feedback,” Revis says.
Trace currently works with Nuance’s full portfolio of 80 languages, and Revis says the company is working on adding more. When asked when Trace will come to the iPhone via a standalone app, as Nuance did with its Dragon line, Revis said anything’s possible.
Filed Under: Devices
