iPhone 2.0 beta includes Chinese Handwriting Recogniton

iPhone 2.0 beta includes Chinese Handwriting Recogniton. iPhone 2.0 beta has a handwriting recognition support for its Chinese-speaking users. Both traditional and simplified Chinese input are supported with the new Chinese-language support. When you select Chinese input, you are given the option to use handwriting recognition allowing you to draw characters on the screen with your finger.

As you write the character (slashes and lines), four probable matching-character suggestions appear on the right side of the screen. With the ability to enter Chinese characters in both portrait and landscape orientation, the UI is incredibly flexible.

Apple was one of the pioneers in handwriting recognition technology with their Newton Personal Digital Assistant. While the original Newton contained a 3rd party handwriting engine that generated some early bad press, Apple later deployed their own much improved handwriting technology known as "Rosetta". Rosetta technology later found its way into Mac OS X under the name "Inkwell".

There is no support for English at this time. We'll have to wait and see if this new handwriting recognition hits the official release of the iPhone 2.0.