VentureBeat

Kannuu is a data-entry technology that could replace some forms of mobile texting, such as quickly searching for the name of a city in Google Maps.

Kannuu’s interface providers four choices on a simple, four-direction keypad, based on the letters they are most likely to choose. The software combines an intuitive interface with database indexing to simplify searches. For example, to find find and choose the city Cupertino, only four quick choices need to be made.

The software works by recalculating each time users enter a letter, offering the choices most likely to be needed next. In the search for Cupertino, Calif., for example, the letters C, L, S and N are the most likely beginnings.

In case the search is for a different city and none of the choices apply, the user can scroll progressively through more choices. Letters not likely to ever begin a city name (X and Z, for example) will be located near the end.

A similar selection method is in use in current GPS units, which narrow down choices as users enter letters on a full keyboard. By changing the interface to a simple directional pad and narrowing the possible choices to five, Kanuu reduces the time and thought needed to choose the next letter.

Although comparisons can also be drawn to T9 predictive text entry, which is part of most SMS applications on mobile phones, Kannuu is not meant for lengthy messages. It’s great for searching searching through databases, though.

Continuing the Cupertino example, on the second choice, the letter U is not presented, so the “More Options” button is selected. After U is chosen, few options remain, so the software can suggest Cupertino (see example).

Therein lies the other innovative part of Kannuu: Its ability to speedily search through possible choices and present them to the user. Sean-Michael Daley, the company’s CEO, told us that they’ve tested on databases ranging from “a file on your phone to all of Wikipedia,” without experiencing any slowdown in the software’s speed.

Other possible applications include searching through songs in an online music store, shopping for items on eBay, and replacing entry on devices like the TiVo, as well as nearly every form of data entry on mobile phones.

The company is in talks with both mobile carriers and internet services to license the service, and says it should have announcements of its first applications within a few weeks. It has so far only taken angel funding.