CalliGrapher 8.0 Released

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.phatware.com/calligrapher/' target='_blank'>http://www.phatware.com/calligrapher/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, announces the immediate availability of CalliGrapher 8.0. Most notable new features of the award-winning handwriting recognition software include support for Windows Mobile 5.0, a new soft input panel called Write Pad and the Statistical Analyzer. CalliGrapher, one of the most popular Pocket PC handwriting recognition applications on the market, analyzes pen strokes written in any application window or in the designated Write Pad area, then converts those pen strokes into text and sends the recognized text to the target application. Employing advanced fuzzy logic and neural net techniques, CalliGrapher recognizes arbitrary alphanumeric strings as well as words contained in its integrated dictionary."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050829-CalliGrapher.gif" /><br /><br />PhatWare has just released CalliGrapher 8.0. It includes a lot of new features (too many to list), so be sure to visit the <a href="http://www.phatware.com/calligrapher/">CalliGrapher page</a> for all the details. For those interested in the upgrade policy, if you purchased CalliGrapher 7.5 between March 21, 2005 and September 1, 2005, you are eligible for a free upgrade by following the instructions contained within <a href="http://www.phatware.com/support/upgradeinfo.html">this page</a>. For other users, CalliGrapher 8.0 can be purchased from <a href="http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=172193&productType=2">Handango</a> for $39.95, and as always, a trial version is available. [Affiliate]<br /><br />There's also a review over at <a href="http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/phatware/calligrapher-8-0/default.asp">ClintonFitch.com</a>, so be sure to check it out.

[Jacob]

I wasn't too impressed with the upgrade from 6 to 7, in fact I was pretty much in the process of giving up on Calligrapher altogether.

That being said, after using version 8 it surprised me in that their handwriting recognition got significantly better at making sense out of what I write. It's gotten so much better that I'm using it as my primary input method again and loving it.

My only problem with it is the price... even though it provides a lot of value, the price is quite high.

[applejosh]

Is the handwriting recognition that much better with 8? I haven't tried it (since it was in beta, and frankly I never really used it since v.7 didn't seem to recognize my chickend scratchings that well (and editing was more of a pain in the neck)). I mainly use Version 7 for trying to decipher notes I write in PhatPad.

[caubeck]

The betas I've used over the last few months show a significant improvement in handwriting recognition. I'd go for it if you haven't tried it yet. I noticed one of the betas worked better for me than the final one, but I've been too busy to worry about that. It's the best input tool I've ever tried.

[PatrickD]

There is also an upgrade price of $24.95

http://www.phatware.com/support/upgradeinfo.html

Still a bit pricy for an upgrade but better than $39.95 :wink:

[Tye]

Is the handwriting recognition that much better with 8? I haven't tried it (since it was in beta, and frankly I never really used it since v.7 didn't seem to recognize my chickend scratchings that well (and editing was more of a pain in the neck)). I mainly use Version 7 for trying to decipher notes I write in PhatPad.
I've always felt Calligrapher was a neat addition to Transcriber, but not really a ground breaking improvement. With v8, I now believe Calligrapher has become a must have product.

The Write Pad recognition is truly incredible. This is where you'll notice the biggest improvements in the software and recognition engine.

This is, I believe, the first version of Calligrapher that actually learns from its mistakes due to the Calligrapher Statistical Analyzer (CSA). If you try it for a couple of weeks, or less depending on how much you use it, you will notice it starts correcting its text automatically.

Also, keep in mind that this is the first release of v8. I'm sure that they have some good ideas in the pipeline for future 8.x releases.

(If you have any doubts, just try v8. If you like the idea of HWR SIPs, you'll love this one.)

[Clinton Fitch]

I've always felt Calligrapher was a neat addition to Transcriber, but not really a ground breaking improvement. With v8, I now believe Calligrapher has become a must have product.

The Write Pad recognition is truly incredible. This is where you'll notice the biggest improvements in the software and recognition engine.

This is, I believe, the first version of Calligrapher that actually learns from its mistakes due to the Calligrapher Statistical Analyzer (CSA). If you try it for a couple of weeks, or less depending on how much you use it, you will notice it starts correcting its text automatically.

Also, keep in mind that this is the first release of v8. I'm sure that they have some good ideas in the pipeline for future 8.x releases.

(If you have any doubts, just try v8. If you like the idea of HWR SIPs, you'll love this one.)

During testing, I found the recognizer in 8 to be substantially improved. If you haven't used the product since 6.x or 7, I would highly recommend downloading the demo and trying it out.

As you point out, the CSA is terrific. It will learn the more you use it.

[surur]

There is also an upgrade price of $24.95

http://www.phatware.com/support/upgradeinfo.html

Still a bit pricy for an upgrade but better than $39.95 :wink:

I just made it under the wire by buying 7.5 it in April this year. The free upgrade registration system is a bit clunky though (you have to forward you handango email to them and wait 3 days for the code).

Surur

[Marcel_Proust]

Is the handwriting recognition that much better with 8? I haven't tried it (since it was in beta, and frankly I never really used it since v.7 didn't seem to recognize my chickend scratchings that well (and editing was more of a pain in the neck)). I mainly use Version 7 for trying to decipher notes I write in PhatPad.
I've always felt Calligrapher was a neat addition to Transcriber, but not really a ground breaking improvement. With v8, I now believe Calligrapher has become a must have product.

The Write Pad recognition is truly incredible. This is where you'll notice the biggest improvements in the software and recognition engine.

This is, I believe, the first version of Calligrapher that actually learns from its mistakes due to the Calligrapher Statistical Analyzer (CSA). If you try it for a couple of weeks, or less depending on how much you use it, you will notice it starts correcting its text automatically.

Also, keep in mind that this is the first release of v8. I'm sure that they have some good ideas in the pipeline for future 8.x releases.

(If you have any doubts, just try v8. If you like the idea of HWR SIPs, you'll love this one.)

Personally, I haven't found the regular mode that much improved in the betas, although I'm still building my CSA. But for whatever reason, I find the new Write Pad recognizes my handwriting much better, so you may want to give that a trial.

[PocketPC Addict]

Do you have to build the CSA manually or is it automatic?

[Tye]

Do you have to build the CSA manually or is it automatic?
From my understanding during beta testing, some basic and common errors are built into the CSA algorithm, but the real utility comes from your personal and continued use of it. The more you use it, the more accurate it becomes.

[Tye]

Do you have to build the CSA manually or is it automatic?
Maybe I misunderstood that the first time I read it:
By correcting the text in Write Pad from the pop up word list, the CSA file is updated and improved automatically. You do not need to "build" anything.

[Jacob]

Do you have to build the CSA manually or is it automatic?

You turn it on, but it builds on its own.

By the way, beta users have been given a nice discount on the upgrade(if they don't get it for free already).

I appreciate Phatware being nice to its beta testers :D

[Clinton Fitch]

Do you have to build the CSA manually or is it automatic?

You have to enable the CSA in the options of CalliGrapher but the building of the file is automatic. Remember though that it can take two or three weeks of daily use to build the file so be patient.

[juni]

Quick question: Does it support scandinavian characters?

Edit: Nevermind, I found the answer. You have to buy a language pack for 14,95$ in addition to Calligrapher for 39,95$. So all in all 54,90$ for the whole thing.

[CEGiven]

I was elligible for the free upgrade and decided to give Calligrapher another try. Version 7.5 was disappointing and I reverted to Block Recognizer. But version 8 is MUCH improved. Even before CAS has kicked in I have seen improvements in both Write Anywhere and Write Pad mode. I'm leaning to Write Pad since it is the faster of the two input methods for me. With just a couple hours of playing it looks like it may become my default SIP.

[Marcel_Proust]

There is also an upgrade price of $24.95

http://www.phatware.com/support/upgradeinfo.html

Still a bit pricy for an upgrade but better than $39.95 :wink:

It does seem a bit steep, but still in line, maybe on the high end.
Lucky for me, I beta tested.
They're a reputable company though and your investment in an upgrade path is well warranted, they constantly improve, and maintain good communications and offer upgrade paths.
This is contrast to a recent problem I've had with Trenotes from Fannsoftware. I tried to upgrade 3 months after the version 7 release, but the upgrade cost, no so cheap to begin with, was only good for 2 months, without warning! and they will "make no exceptions."

[applejosh]

Well, I bit the bullet and upgraded from 7.5. The Write Pad SIP was reason enough. It's much easier to use (IMHO), and the recognition is much better than 7.5. I assume it will only get better as that whole automatic learning thing happens. So far, pretty happy with everything except the upgrade price (which I still think is steep, but apparently low enough for me to fork over the dough).

[Jerry Raia]

I don't use it too often but the few times I have 8.0 is quite an improvement. I am so impressed that I have begun using it as my SIP for real rather than just toying with it as I had with earlier versions.

[Tanker Bob]

I'm trying it for the first time. So far, I'm impressed with its recognition abilities even with my chicken scratch. I've seen significant improvement in performance after just one week of use.

I'd like to get to Write Anywhere as a primary, but the Write Pad seems better at recognition at this point. The biggest problem I have with WA is making periods at the end of sentences when I don't need to add any letters. I have yet to succeed at making a "naked" period using WA. I always have to switch to the pad.

[juni]

I've been testing it out for a few days (the write pad only) and it is a bit difficult to use (haven't learned all the strokes yet). I guess I got too used to Decuma. :(

[blang]

I'm finding the write pad very difficult to use. The write anywhere works much better for me. I have neat writing so I don't understand why.

[Jacob]

I'm finding the write pad very difficult to use. The write anywhere works much better for me. I have neat writing so I don't understand why.

I have had the same experience (except I have messy writing :) ). As you've read the posts above some have had the opposite.

I don't know what the difference is and why the recognition appears to be different.

This essentially is two input methods sold as a bundle. I would think Phatware could do okay with providing each seperately for a lower price... but that's just me :)

[Tanker Bob]

OK, for the Write Anywhere gurus, how do I make a lone period or comma? Every time I try to make a lone period, it just moves the curser as close as it can to where I tap. When I try to make a lone comma, it tries to make a letter out of it. I can easily get a period or comma in the middle of writing other text. I'm getting frustrated with this simple task.

[Jason Lee]

with write anywhere you must make all punctuation with a word. you can't just add a period or a comma without writing a word to attach it to. for example you cannot write the word "end" and let it get recognized then add a ".". it will just register as a tap. you must write "end." same with the comma, it must be attached to a word. or there is a little on screen keyboard for punctuation and symbols that you can open from the tool bar or with a gesture. it floats and can be moved anywhere.

[Tanker Bob]

with write anywhere you must make all punctuation with a word. you can't just add a period or a comma without writing a word to attach it to. for example you cannot write the word "end" and let it get recognized then add a ".". it will just register as a tap. you must write "end." same with the comma, it must be attached to a word. or there is a little on screen keyboard for punctuation and symbols that you can open from the tool bar or with a gesture. it floats and can be moved anywhere.
Thank you! This is the mode in which I'd prefer to work, but I couldn't get around the punctuation issue. I'll play with the pop-up keyboard a bit.