Technology simplifies text editing on handhelds

Natural Input Solutions has created a technology that simplifies the editing of text documents on handheld computers by allowing people to select a block of text and to edit it with a stylus, similar to making corrections on a piece of paper. The "main purpose is a better way for the end user to use a stylus and a handheld device to edit text," said Sean Maxted, the inventor and head of the Toronto-based company. "We're looking at is basically getting away from the keyboard and the mouse and all that." The software, Natural Input, is designed to work with current speech and handwriting recognition applications. Maxted, who recently received a U.S. patent for the technology, is looking to form partnerships with software makers and possibly handheld makers. --John G. Spooner, Special to ZDNet News