Canadian-based company, Zi, has released African language databases that enable Afrikaans and Swahili speakers to make use of "quick" text messaging services.
A mobile device language database provider, Zi developed the African language database using linguistics and native speakers, it says. The company now supports 54 language databases.
The company launched the African language databases for its predictive text products, eZiText for one-touch entry prediction and eZiTap for intelligent multi-tap entry, now available for the African wireless market.
Zi COO Milos Djokovic says the African language databases have been made available for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to embed on mobile phones.
By integrating Zi`s predictive text products onto phones, mobile phone manufacturers can enhance the text messaging experience for subscribers and drive increased usage rates for mobile operators, Djokovic says.
The database was developed because mobile operators and phone manufacturers in Africa are seeking to provide subscribers with predictive text messaging products to help meet the market demand for new wireless services, he says.
"We are discovering OEMs, including Nokia, Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson, are starting to target the African market.
"This is based on Zi`s market observation, as well as industry analyst growth statistics. For instance, Gartner predicts wireless subscribers in Africa to grow from 92 million in 2005 to nearly 154 million by 2010."
Djokovic says he is unaware of any other companies that have developed an African language database that uses both Afrikaans and Swahili.
"We have not approached SA`s mobile network operators, as we work with the mobile phone device manufacturers directly."
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