types

Beginner typing lessons

Rapid Typing Tutor may be a good program to help novice typists improve, but experienced typists looking to increase their speed may be frustrated by the program's interface.

The program contains a series of lessons that scroll across the screen as the user types. Users can choose from lessons consisting of letters, syllables, capital letters, digits and symbols, or text. As each lesson scrolls across, a keyboard diagram shows an outline of hands moving to the appropriate key. Users type through each lesson and are then shown their scores on speed, accuracy, and arrhythmic input. The main problem with … Read more

Nyko unveils four new accessories at E3

Hot off the heels of the company's Wand accessory release for the Nintendo Wii, video game accessory manufacturer Nyko debuted three new products at this year's E3 convention.

The Zoom Case for Nintendo DSi is certainly the most interesting DSi accessory we've seen yet, boasting an 8X zoom lens attachment. The protective case is textured for a better grip on the system and the zoom lens itself can be detached and transported in a case of its own. Good thing for that or this accessory would have removed the "portable" feature of the DSi.

For those PSP owners not choosing to upgrade to the new PSP Go, the Charge Flex Grip will provide your handheld (the PSP-2000 or the 3000) with an improved grip as well as up to 1.5 times more play with an embedded rechargeable battery. More high-res photos await!… Read more

Why your next phone could have Swype's keyboard

Keyboard technology may not seem as exciting as faster microprocessors, massive displays, or ever-decreasing form factors, but in many ways it's just as important to computing. Seattle-based Swype is trying to leave its mark on the evolution of user input by making "pecking" at keys obsolete.

Instead of having to find and press on-screen keys one by one, Swype simply has users slide (or swipe) their fingers across the screen. Its algorithm does its best to figure out what you were trying to write, then fills it in for you. With a growing number of handsets shipping without a physical keyboard, this software could boost typing productivity and data usage by mobile phone users. Best of all, it doesn't have to replace the existing keyboard paradigm, meaning users can still peck if they like.

However, one big hurdle in the race to get Swype on every new handset is competition from all sides. Big companies like Apple, Palm, Google and RIM have invested in their own software-based keyboard solutions, while some competitors have working versions that accomplish what is effectively the same thing. Those companies also have their own patents and algorithms that help the software figure out what word you were really trying to type in. Swype's creators think they have found the sweet spot of having a product that's ready for mass market now, and that can evolve with its users over time.

Touch and go Swype's technology was originally envisioned as a way to improve text input for disabled users. Those with limited dexterity are able to use Swype's system more easily than a traditional on-screen keyboard. It's also set up to support gesture tracking using Web cams, and with pointing devices like infrared remote controls, meaning it can be used on most hardware built within the last 10 years.

Swype's co-creator Cliff Kushler concocted it as an out-of-retirement project, and a follow-up to his previous co-invention T9--the text prediction algorithm that can be found in more than three billion mobile phones. Swype is trying to go beyond that though; following mobile phones the company has set its sights on tablet PCs, in-store kiosks, gaming devices and even televisions--basically, anything without a physical keyboard.… Read more

Laser-etched laptop tray made from recyclable materials

This Type Tray acts as a barrier between a hot laptop and your legs, which is great because up until now I've always used a pillow to protect myself from tech-related burns.

Veer and Scribble Product Design configured the tray to allow heat to dissipate through its 3/4-inch layer of 100 percent industrial wool felt. The Type Tray also features an intricate typographic design laser-etched into the surface, courtesy of P22 Kilkenny and Cavetto. The product also does its part to help Mother Nature by only using recycled (and recyclable) materials.

The Type Tray is available here for $… Read more

Save time while typing: Skip the apostrophes

As you probably know, the iPhone attempts to auto-correct as you type. If you key in "blogget," for example, it'll automatically replace it with "blogger" when you hit the space bar. But did you know the iPhone can compensate for missing punctuation as well?

Try it. Type "can't" without the apostrophe (and then hit Space). Presto: the iPhone fills it in for you. Same goes for words like "don't," "isn't," and "you're."

What this means is you can tap along without switching to … Read more

Webware Radar: Washington Post teams up with Simply Hired

The Washington Post and job search engine Simply Hired announced Friday that they have inked a deal that will allow Washingtonpost.com users to access Simply Hired's database of listings on the publication's site. According to the companies, Simply Hired's listings will be placed in widgets on news story pages. Most of the listings will be in Washington, D.C., but there will be some national listings, too.

In what may be a strategy Hulu might pursue with more shows going forward, the company announced Friday that it has posted answers from Joss Wheldon, the creator of &… Read more

Find that font fast

If your profession or hobby requires you to sift through various font styles, FontExplorer Pro is one of the best tools available for the Mac. Featuring a clean, intuitive interface, this software makes it easy to quickly sort through available fonts, view previews, and get all the info you need about each font type. Quickly browse through system fonts, fonts you've recently imported, and decide which ones you want active in your library.

Perhaps our favorite part of FontExplorer Pro is the ability to browse the Linotype Store from within the interface, allowing you to discover and purchase new … Read more

Tool to tackle touch typing

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is a touch-typing tutorial that uses fun games, adaptive lessons, iTunes accompaniment, and a goofy Viking character to help make learning to type more fun. This application takes a holistic approach to typing instruction, starting with basic good habits (such as how to sit for maximum comfort and efficiency) and following with timed lessons that adapt on the fly to give you more practice with any problem areas.

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor provides a lot of feedback on your progress, and two different games (Brick Factory, in which you build the Eiffel Tower, and Safari Park, … Read more

Tool to tackle touch typing

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is a touch-typing tutorial that uses fun games, adaptive lessons, iTunes accompaniment, and a goofy Viking character to help make learning to type more fun. This app takes a holistic approach to typing instruction, starting with basic good habits (such as how to sit for maximum comfort and efficiency) and following with timed lessons that adapt on the fly to give you more practice with any problem areas. Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor provides a lot of feedback on your progress, and two different games (Brick Factory, in which you build the Eiffel Tower, and Safari Park, … Read more