Via Blogos, I was fascinated to read that the new Mac Snow Leopard OS features a Chinese input method editor (IME) that allows users to input characters via track pad.
Here’s a video of it in action (with some rather odd musical accompaniment):
What’s particularly interesting is that this IME began on the iPhone.
Here is a screen grab of the Chinese IME on my iPhone — and my sad attempt at inputting a character:
It’s interesting to see innovations migrating from phone to PC, certainly a sign of things to come.
Another great mobile innovation migrating to Snow Leopard is the capability of using market detection via SkyHook Wireless’s Wi-Fi positioning service (used for iPod Touch). This could be extended to support regional configurations as well when traveling. Additional info on http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/31/a-pawful-of-quick-snow-leopard-tips/
Thanks Marcelo — I’ll check this out. I guess this feature is particularly relevant for laptops since they don’t have GPS, not yet at least.
Pretty cool — especially the music!