Word completion

Word completion is a common feature in web browsers and similar text entry contexts. When a user begins the entry of a frequently-used word, the computer automatically completes it, or proposes a list of choices. For an example of a relatively successful application of word completion, consider entering "www.microsoft.com" in the address box of a browser. A user may find that typing "www.mi" is sufficient. The completions database in use in this ... more

Word completion is a common feature in web browsers and similar text entry contexts. When a user begins the entry of a frequently-used word, the computer automatically completes it, or proposes a list of choices. For an example of a relatively successful application of word completion, consider entering "www.microsoft.com" in the address box of a browser. A user may find that typing "www.mi" is sufficient. The completions database in use in this case is the user's browser history. "www.microsoft.com" would be a commonly offered completion. However, other completions may be available, with potential privacy implications, as this list may reveal the browsing history of other users of the computer. Similar problems may occur when word completion is used in predictive text systems as in the example identified by user:MeNext in a predictive text system ITAP marketed by Motorola, which uses word completion. Word completion can be ineffective for use in predictive text systems. Word... less