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Vol. 4 No. 5 Sept/Oct 1996 |
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Word Prediction: A Comparison
Michael Meyreles
Rehab Engineer, New Castle County ATRC
In the last issue of the AT Messenger, readers were introduced to word prediction/abbreviation expansion basics. Word prediction/abbreviation expansion programs can effectively increase typing speed by reducing the number of keystrokes needed to complete a word or a phrase. This article will highlight the important features of word prediction programs and allow the reader to compare four programs: Telepathic by Madenta Communications, Co:Writer by Don Johnston, EZ-Keys by Words+, and HandiWORD by Microsystems Software. All four of these word prediction programs work with most word processing applications. A few of the important features to consider when purchasing a word prediction/abbreviation expansion program are the platform and price, the dictionary, the display window, the word choice arrangement, prediction methods, and preferences relating to word processing mechanics.
The platforms (Mac vs. PC) on which these word prediction/abbreviation expansion programs run are listed in the chart on page 6. Telepathic, by Madenta, is currently the only word prediction/abbreviation expansion program with versions available for both the Mac and Windows environment. The Windows version of Telepathic will be available sometime during the summer of 1996. Except for EZ-Keys, the cost for these programs is approximately $300. EZ-Keys is $1,395 and comes as part of an augmentative communication package, which includes many other components and environmental control capability not offered by the other companies.
Each word prediction/abbreviation expansion program contains a dictionary that can be manipulated by the user, allowing the user to create his or her own personal dictionary. Phrases can be deleted, modified, and added to the standard dictionary. Even though the user has the ability to customize the dictionary, there may be occasions when a word not found in the dictionary is needed. In this situation, the auto learn feature, found in Telepathic, Co:Writer, and EZ-Keys, automatically adds new words to the dictionary.
The display window or word choice window is a pop-up window containing the predicted word list from which the user selects. Each one of these programs allows a person to change the size and font of the type within the display window. This feature could be beneficial to someone who is visually impaired. These programs also allow a person to adjust the size and location of the word choice window. Words are listed in alphabetical order in every program except Telepathic. EZ-Keys and HandiWORD word prediction lists always remain on the screen because the user enters text from within the word processing application. In Telepathic and Co:Writer, the user enters text within the word prediction window. When an end-of-sentence character is entered, the word prediction program sends the sentence to the word processing application.
The prediction list’s location on the screen may be dynamic or fixed. A fixed arrangement stays in one place on the screen as the person types. A dynamic arrangement will follow the sentence as it is typed, usually placing the word prediction list beneath or alongside the letter being typed. A dynamic arrangement does not require the user to visually shift from the text being entered to the word choice window, which some users may find distracting. Telepathic and Co:Writer use the dynamic word choice arrangement but offer the fixed arrangement option, while EZ-Keys and HandiWORD only offer the fixed arrangement.
These four programs are similar in their use of three prediction methods: predicting ahead, predicting by words and phrases, or predicting by grammar and usage. When predicting ahead, the program predicts the next word based on context without waiting for a letter to be typed. All four programs predict phrases that are associated with their respective abbreviations. Telepathic, Co:Writer, and EZ-Keys predict by grammar and usage. HandiWORD’s primary means of predicting is by statistical weighting. Statistical weighting refers to the frequency with which the word is used. Each program utilizes statistical weighting, which is important to the prediction process.
Preferences can be set within the each of the four programs that allow the user to control various word processing mechanics. For example, two spaces can be added automatically after an end- of-sentence character is typed, and single spaces can be entered after each word. Three of the four programs will automatically capitalize the first word of a sentence. This feature is especially useful for persons who are one-handed typists. HandiWORD does not offer this option; however, with a sticky key option built into the program, only one extra keystroke is needed per sentence.
Program-specific options available to each application may make the difference when evaluating these word prediction/abbreviation expansion programs. Telepathic, Co:Writer, and EZ-Keys offer on-line help. This is helpful for those looking for a quick solution without having to search through a manual. Telepathic and Co:Writer both speak each of the word choices. Co:Writer also speaks the finished text. This could be extremely beneficial to someone who has a visual impairment or a learning disability and benefits from the auditory feedback. Co:Writer and EZ-Keys also allow a person to make a selection by scanning through the word choices. All four programs allow the user to choose by number, by pointing with the mouse, or via alternate means of input such as an alternative keyboard or any mouse emulating device. HandiWORD and EZ-Keys require a hardware key to be attached to the computer. If these keys are not in place, the programs will operate in a demonstration mode only.
Word prediction/abbreviation expansion programs can assist computer users by decreasing the physical and cognitive demands of typing. There are several word prediction programs/abbreviation expansion programs available. The four programs reviewed in this article are available for preview/demonstration at the ATRC in your county.
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Comparison Chart [1]
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| Features | Telepathic 2.0 | Co:Writer | EZ-Keys | HandiWORD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Mac or Windows [2] |
Mac | Dos or Windows[3] |
Dos or Windows[3] |
| Price | $295.00 | $290.00 | $1,395.00 | $295.00 |
| Dictionary | ||||
| Number of words | 5000 | 2-40,000 | 4750 | 7000 |
| Add words or phrases to dictionary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Choice of dictionaries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Save and load personal dictionary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delete or modify dictionary words | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto learn | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Abbreviation Expansion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display Window | ||||
| Change size of type | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Font choices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjust size of window | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjust location of window | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjust number of word choices | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Max number of words | As many as the dictionary will predict | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| Always on screen | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Word Choice Arrangement | ||||
| Fixed or Dynamic | Both | Both | Fixed | Fixed |
| Alphabetic order | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hide word choices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Statistical weighting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prediction | ||||
| Predicts Ahead | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Predicts words and phrases | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Predicts by grammar and usage | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Word Modification | ||||
| Add Suffix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Add Prefix | No | Yes | No | No |
| Preferences | ||||
| Capitalize first word in sentence | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Sticky Key option built in) |
| Space after period | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Space after word ending | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Options | ||||
| On-line Help | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speak word choices | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Speak finished text | No | Yes | No | No |
| Choose by scanning | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Choose by number | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Choose by pointing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alternate input [4] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECU control | No | No | Yes | No |
| Hardware Key required | No | No | Yes | Yes |
[1] The model for this chart can be found in “Predictive Word Processors: Word Prediction Software” by B. Heinisch and J. Hecht appearing in the June 1993 TAM Newsletter (Vol. 8 No. 3)
[2] Windows version available Summer 1996.
[3] Windows version of this product described.
[4] Alternate inputs can include any alternative keyboard, any mouse emulating device or any switch interface.
