Global InformationQ9 input method information
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The Q9 input method (Chinese: 九方輸入法), invented by Qcode Information Technology Ltd. of Hong Kong, is an input method that uses only the number keys on a numeric keypad to input Chinese characters into a digital device.[1][2] Invented in 1999 by Vincent Lau Man-kin,[3][4] it is considered an easy method to use even though it is a "structural" input method. (Most "structural" methods are considered difficult.) It is used on some mobile phones in Hong Kong. It provides an alternative to Cangjie input method as well, as this utilizes the numeric keypad on personal computers.
Lau's previous experience was as a television screenwriter for three decades.[5] A friend asked Lau in 1999 if he could create an input method capable of using the numeric keypad on the mobile phone to output Chinese characters. He spent three days creating the Q9 input method. Making the input method his company's primary product, he renamed the company from Quick Code Information Technology (Chinese: 快碼資訊科技) to Q9 Information Technology (Chinese: 九方資訊科技).[6]
However, besides its use for cell phones, the use of this input method on personal computers is limited, due to its proprietary nature and that personal computers do not have Q9 input method pre-installed. Since the speed of the input method relies upon using numeric keypad on PCs, this method is impractical for use on most laptops.
Q9 input method is available as an FEP on Symbian S60 3rd Edition mobile devices.
- ^ Ge, Wenjun 革文軍 (2017). 李嘉誠管理模式 [Li Ka-shing management model] (in Chinese). Taipei: 崧博出版. Retrieved 2024-02-18 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Hong Kong Industrialist article". Hong Kong Industrialist. Federation of Hong Kong Industries: 38–39. 2000. Retrieved 2024-02-18 – via Google Books.
- ^ Ng, Eric (2001-05-11). "GEM listing candidate cites 'very strong patent protection' as deterrent". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 2024-02-18. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
- ^ "曾創九方輸入法 應科院總監涉瞞利益批53萬訂單被控" [He previously created the Q9 input method. Director of ASTRI was accused of concealing profits and approving an order worth HK$530,000]. Oriental Daily (in Chinese). 2019-03-29. Archived from the original on 2024-02-18. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
- ^ "九方科技控股有限公司主席梁立人" [Vincent Lau Man-kin, Chairman of Q9 Technology Holdings Co., Ltd.]. Sing Tao Daily (in Chinese). 2004-04-27. p. B8.
- ^ "梁立人料九方明年轉虧為盈" [Vincent Lau Man-kin expects Q9 to turn losses into profits next year]. Metro Daily (in Chinese). 2003-12-29. p. P12.