Now, draw your text messages

Russia-based Synaptics has introduced its MobileTouch FlexPad for Pantech Wireless’ PG-2800 mobile phone. Pantech’s PG-2800 phone allows users to text-message others by drawing out characters with their fingers, which the software then translates into numbers and letters, depending on what the user was trying to draw out. “Our FlexPad solution demonstrates the ability of Synaptics’ MobileTouch solutions to simplify character entry and navigation,” said Clark Foy, Synaptics’ vice president of marketing, in a statement. While the FlexPad does not eliminate the use for a mechanical keypad, it does give users an easier option of converting what they draw on the FlexPad into words and numbers. It is currently available in Russia. — Agencies

Mozilla’s improved Firefox 2

SAN JOSE: The Mozilla Foundation has released an updated version of Web browser, Firefox, which features improved search functions and more protection against spyware.

Firefox 1.0 was released in November 2004. Improvements to Firefox 2.0 make it tougher for spammers and other advertisers to put “spyware” and other invasive programs on users’ computers. Some changes, such as an integrated spell check, are meant to help Internet users who post text on blogs, community sites. — Agencies