Splicetoday

Digital
May 07, 2008, 01:05PM

Duck Off Shivhole

T9 software, the automatic word machine for text messaging worldwide, deliberately takes out swear words. A company spokesperson explains in this article, but doesn't address the obvious free speech restrictions on drunken texts to exes.

"T9 allows users only type using one key per letter, Baars said, estimating that T9 software is embedded in 3.2 billion mobile devices worldwide and has been a standard feature on most cell phones since the late 1990s.

A team of linguists created the software's database using algorithms, or rules for forming words, Baars said, and they then erased any profanity the algorithms created at the request of consumers and mobile device manufacturers.

Nuance has gotten recent complaints from consumers in Germany for having Nazi-related and anti-Semitic words programmed in the T9 software. Swedish consumers have also complained about compound profanity, in which the word in question is a combination of two non-profane words, she said.

However, Baars said, "if the word is truly offensive in the culture, we will take steps to remove it from the software."

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Discussion
  • T9 is quite elegant in its simplicity, not to mention useful. Also, as the article mentions, YOU CAN ADD WORDS to the database. So in those moments when nothing conveys how you feel like "fuck" or "pussy" would, a quick modification to the T9 dictionary allows you to share such brilliance with the world in only the press of 4 or 5 keys. And Mr. Glada: Do you care to elaborate on why you hate T9, why it is annoying? I don't like shitty electronic music, but I choose not to share this meaningless unqualified sentiment in a public forum.

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  • Thank you for restating my point. You are correct in asserting that it was obvious.

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  • damn is that a t9? I'd love to get my hands on one of those.

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  • sounds like one of you has a stick up your ash.

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