New cellphone gives text-messagers a break
August 3rd, 2006 - Posted in OtherAvid text - messagers can say “Never again!” to the annoying number of keystrokes needed to type the letter “S” on a cellphone. Digit Wireless Inc. of Lexington has squished the entire alphabet onto a regular cellphone’s traditional 12-button keypad in a technology dubbed Fastap. Digit fit the alphabetical keys onto raised dots placed at the corners of number buttons. The phone also recognizes if users are trying to dial a number but accidentally hit letter keys.
Digit says phones with its Fastap keypad are meant for everyday users who don’t want to spend $500 for the latest Sidekick or who aren’t glued to their Treos. Chief executive Mark Connon said the keypad easily fits onto any mid price cellphone. Alltel Wireless , which covers much of the Southeast and the Midwest, has agreed to carry the phone for $59.99, after a rebate, with a two-year service plan. Connon said Digit is in talks with the area’s four major carriers to bring Fastap to New England within the next year.
KIM-MAI CUTLER
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