predictive text input becomes mobile search

Tags: Business,  Carriers,  Design,  Devices,  Mobile applications,  Mobile web
February 28, 2007 by Barbara

I think the 800 pound gorilla just wandered into the room. Finally.

Users have plenty of trouble finding content on their computer. We just saw two major operating systems build in live content search. So why couldn't we do that on mobile devices when we have so much more control over the actual content? It's starting to happen, and could change how we use mobile devices.

When I last wrote about the problem, I was unaware of Qix from Zi Corporation. They've improved their product over the last year, with availability on a few phones (Windows Mobile, Series 60) and the ability to search operator portal content. It's exciting, but it will take a while to get traction (especially with their limited device support).

So, in comes Tegic. They've made major usability improvements in their new XT9: error correction and easier/automatic input mode switching (finally!). They've also announced T9 Discovery Tool [pdf, sorry] which replicated the Zi functionality (on-device plus portal keypad access). I find it particularly interesting that this has been picked up by Wireless Watch Japan but nobody else, despite Tegic's promotion of it at 3GSM.

Tegic has three things Zi is missing: AOL is behind them, they have a huge install base, and they are working on mass-market phones. This makes them the 800 pound gorilla. I look forward to seeing what Zi will do to best their long-time larger rival. Maybe partner with Google?

These events are important in several ways.