TenGO is a unique text entry method
that offers an alternative to the default software keyboard
and full screen keyboard systems. It uses an innovative
tap-and-scribe method that uses only 6 large alphabet
keys to type. The advantages are that you have lesser
keys to manage and the keys are larger, reducing the frustration
of missing and correcting. Unlike full-screen keyboards,
TenGo does not compromise your display space, as it uses
the same area that the default keyboard uses. The typing
with TenGo takes some getting used to, since it works
quite differently from the standard keyboard as it does
not immediately type the letter you are selecting, but
rather uses a dictionary approach to guess the correct
word based on the keys that you selected. In addition,
you can also target specific letters by using a scribe
method (striking them) and select word suggestions from
an interactive list that is displayed as you type. The
results are amazingly accurate and TenGo appears to be
picking the correct words most of the time, and in addition
it learns from the words you commonly use and becomes
more accurate over time. It offers additional features
to customize the input, add custom words to a library
and delete others. If you are looking for an alternative
to the default keyboard, then you should definitely give
TenGo a try - we found it to be quite a bit faster than
the standard keyboard input.
Uses the familiar QWERTY keyboard
layout instead of making you learn a new one
Support for VGA
devices
CONS
Incomplete help
and documentation
Should allow for easier shifting
to uppercase
Does not work
in "True VGA" mode
Overall Impression
I tried to measure my speed with
TenGO using the FitalyLetris game. Unfortunately, TenGO
is more word-oriented than letter-oriented and it did
not work well with FitalyLetris. The only way I could
get it to work properly was to use TenGO's scribing feature,
which makes it little better than the built-in keyboard.
I'd like to emphasize, though, that this is not a fault
in TenGO.
So, I timed myself with a stopwatch entering standard
phrases using TenGO, the built-in keyboard and Block Recognizer.
After trying this for about an hour, I found that my scores
with all three input methods were virtually identical
(and I was a fair bit slower than I expected). However,
there was a subjective difference in using the three different
methods. I felt like I was rushing and entering text quickly
with my usual method of Block Recognizer. So, I was quite
surprised to see that I wasn't any faster with it. By
contrast, using TenGO enabled me to have the same speed
without the frantic scribbling of Block Recognizer and
without having to hit the exact keys as on the built-in
keyboard. While this did not translate into immediate
speed gains, I believe that it will as I become more accustomed
to TenGO and utilize the "hot zone" more.
TenGO does not eliminate the learning curve associated
with alternative input methods but I do believe that it
will reduce it. The bottom line is that TenGO has become
my input method of choice for now. I recommend that anyone
interested in improving their input speed, download the
demo and give it a try.
I previously reviewed version 1.11
of Xrgomics TenGO (www.tengo.net)
and was quite unsure about it, however it has since grown
on me to the point where it is my favourite keyboard entry
method. As I was writing this follow up and a new version
has just been released I decided to take a quick look
and see what improvements have been made.
For those not familiar with TenGO, it is an alternative
input method which used predictive text combined with
letter grouping to provide an unusual but effective input
mechanism which minimises stylus travel and improves accuracy
by providing fewer but larger keys to strike. See my previous
review or the TenGO website for more information.
The first thing I noticed about the new version was that
the double chevron at the top right had disappeared. This
previously provided access to further choices when too
many options were presented. This button has not been
replaced by a right arrow at the end of any such list.
The benefit derived from this becomes apparent once text
is entered - the individual characters which are touched
when typing appear in that location and may be selected
as a new word. While scribing already permits new dictionary
words to be entered, I did find this method to be faster
and therefore beneficial.
According to the press release the new version includes
a number of additional features from the user wish list
though it does not detail them, the only obvious change
being the one detailed above. Nonetheless I do feel that
this is a worthwhile upgrade which appears to be at no
charge for existing registered users (my previous key
unlocking the new version).
TenGO has become and continues to be my input method of
choice for those circumstances where Calligrapher is not
well suited, I now give it 9.5/10.
I found this program to be an ideal
method for extended inputting sessions, such as taking
notes at meetings. It would be ideal for students and
anyone else who needs to do a lot of inputting and cannot
bother with setting up an actual keyboard. I rate this
product a must-have in my Pocket PC arsenal and will not
leave home without it. Tengo is also available in several
languages besides English. Think of it, using only six
keys to type almost any word. Tengo is an amazingly intuitive
treat and a valuable tool.
The pricetag is high, but if you
get used to this keyboard, you will thank yourself for
splurging on it. It is double the price of the competition
(SPB Fullscreen Keyboard and Typango),
but it is not fullscreen. I can type much faster which
makes the last forum browse before bed(while in bed) much
easier. It takes up a little more real estate at the bottom
of the screen, but it has not proved to be a trouble yet.
With a few minor changes this good be the Ultimate Pocket
PC input utility.
Pros:
Easy to learn
Easy to use
Ability to add words
Does not cover
too much screen real estate
Cons:
Somewhat of a
pain until you get a descent database of words
After extensive use of this program,
I have identified a few small issues that in my opinion
stop what is being a very good program from being potentially
the best soft text entry method available for a Pocket
PC. While the concept and interface of TenGO are both
excellent, there are a couple of niggles that impair its
efficiency.
Entering an 'i'
on its own for example is not automatically capitalised.
This means you have to select Shift before hitting
the key. This is something that should be automated
as per other soft keyboards. (For note: This is
now present in TenGO)
After entering
a period, you need to manually enter a space before
starting a new sentence. Again, this is something
that should be automatic. The same happens if you
select a word and a space is added automatically
and you then select a period. It doesn't automatically
shift the period back a place next to the last character.
(For note: This is now present in TenGO)
Recommendations
Word correction.
If after proof reading you notice an incorrectly
entered word, it would be a great option if you
could highlight this word and the preview pane would
display all possible alternatives.
An option to move either
the preview pane or space bar to allow the six keys
to be taller and narrower. At the moment, they are
very wide but just a little taller than a typical
soft keyboard size. This would perhaps allow faster
input for people who are less accurate with their
stylus.
An option to change
the layout from QWERTY to ABCDE as per a mobile
phone. This would allow people more used to a phone
than a computer to navigate the keyboard.
Conclusion
I have had to use a little restraint
while still remaining objective with the Gotchas on this
one. This really is a great text entry method and I think
probably offers the fastest increase in typing for the
smallest learning curve of all the available solutions.
As I have mentioned above, there are a few small points
that in my opinion stop this from being the ultimate text
entry method on a Pocket PC and I hope the two main Gotchas
are addressed in a future release. Kudos to Xrgomics for
bringing an alternative solution to the market that really
does offer many benefits. Those looking for a good speed
boost to their typing needs with minimal learning should
look no further. I see no reason why this can't be considered
the best overall text entry method available as the product
matures.
I have got a couple is things
that I would like to see in future releases.
The letter 'i'
is not capitaled by default. (For note: This is
now present in TenGO)
There appears
to be no delete button only a backspace.
(For note: This is now present in TenGO)
When amending
text mid sentence it is really easy to change or
erase that you have already typed.
Conclusion
I was exited when I first
saw Tengo but found it slow at first, but as you may have
gleaned from using it I consider it a must have program!
I think that a good knowledge of the layout of a "qwerty"
keyboard is essential to getting the most out of Tengo.
I now use it all the time it is great for writing longer
atricles like this one, but also for companies who use
custom words as it remembers your most used words. I really
have found it a lot more accurate and faster that transcriber
and I make less spelling errors that with the keyboard.
I would have given this program a 110% but I found that
the items on my wishlist mentioned above held me back...so
90% it is, I hope that the product is updated with the
extra intuitive features mentioned as that would be great.
:: The final rating is 90%
In conclusion, TenGO is a very nice
product, and very usable. There is however one (not a
major one) draw-back. The product is English (I saw a
German version at Handango), and as such has a very limited
use to non-English writers (For note: TenGO is now available
in English, German, Spanish and French). It is possible
to make up your own dictionary, but English stays of course
the preferred language, and it would take a lot of time
to add many words. But if you’re native English,
this could be the text-input method you’ve been
waiting for!
TenGo's mechanics are very
similar to the text input system found on most modern
cell phones; T9. T9 is based on the premise that as you
type the number on the keypad, the associated letters
are collected and the system begins to evaluate the possible
words that can be created from the group of keys pressed.
It’s a fairly robust method of inputting words on
a cell phone if you can’t use shorthand.
TenGo is very much like this system, but on steroids!
Graphics : 5/5
Very Clean interface makes
this input system very easy to use.
Final Thoughts:
I have tried a few alternate
input systems, I think I found TenGo to be the fastest
learning curve and the most comfortable input method.
If you use T9 on your cell phone, this input method is
second nature.
TenGO can add many other features
but it's TenGO's simplicity that attracts me. It may have
less features compared to its competitors, but none come
close to its ease of use and its ability to produce a
marked improvement in text entry within minutes of using
it.
This is exciting technology. TenGO could well replace
the thumb keyboard accessories for PDAs. Consider which
you'd prefer - a thumb keyboard with 26 buttons for each
alphabet, or a keyboard with 6 buttons? Why limit to PDAs?
Mobile phones could benefit from this technology. It's
something like the T9 input method, but with 6 buttons.
I can't wait to see some hardware accessories from TenGO
in the future.
If you want to speed up your text entry, but don't want
to spend time learning how to efficiently use it, then
give TenGO a try. How can you go wrong if you can type
any word you want by simply tapping 6 buttons?
My assessment of this product may differ from yours, so
give TenGO a try by downloading a 14 day, full featured
trial copy from TenGO's website.
Pros
1.
It's so easy to
use because it's in the familiar QWERTY layout.
2.
Noticeable improvement in
text entry.
3.
Less fatigue on
your hands.
4.
Less wear on
the screen protector.
Cons
1.
No major issues.
I've already highlighted my suggestions in my Wish
List above.
Maintains the
standard familiarity of the Qwerty Keyboard people
are used to.
2.
Does in fact improve the text
input performance of the user (will vary from user
to user)
3.
Easy to Install
and Easy to Use
Cons (in this case, solely
opinion)
1.
The price may
be a little too high (for me anyway). However, since
I have not seen anything like this regarding other
similar software, and does exceed the functionality
of the standard keyboard, it is worth it.
2.
No Cons relating to the software
itself. It worked just as advertised.
Conclusion
Everyone’s typing needs are
different, from power user to contacts & calendar
entry only. My personal opinion is that this excellent
program would be suited for the moderate to power user
(typer), but can utilize it.. I can see all the positive
benefits this program offers and have enjoyed taking a
look at it. Xrgomics did a great job at creating a wonderful
tool.
