CTIA: Poll shows keypad interface critical to texting

SAN FRANCISCO--Results of a survey commissioned by Digit Wireless and released at the CTIA IT & Entertainment event here this week show that the difficulty of entering text to be the number one roadblock to increased mobile data usage. The results obviously are good news for Digit, the developer of the Fastap keypad technology that features raised letter keys on a standard 12-button keypad. Fastap lets users enter text with a single keystroke and eliminates the need for triple-tapping.

Digit contracted Roper Public Affairs to conduct the U.S.-based survey, which showed that of 43.3% of those surveyed would use text messaging if they had a direct-entry keyboard. 21.2% said they would do more picture messaging, 25.8% would use more games, 45.1% would personalize with things like ringtones and wallpaper, and 53% would use the address book entry more.

Digit is positioning its Fastap feature, which is distributed to OEMs in a license model, not as competitive with Blackberry or other devices with integrated keyboards, but rather as an enhancement to basic handsets.

“This is for people who want a mainstream phone with the same form factor,” said Glenn Kiladis, senior director of marketing for Digit. “It maintains the 12-buttons people are used to having. It’s not mean to compete with business devices.”

The Fastap keyboard is currently available from only one carrier, Telus Mobility of Canada, on the LG 6190 handset. Digit expects to announce additional carrier deals, including some in the U.S., in 2006.