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RobOnTheCape · Jan 3, 2011, 07:08 PM

Uisng my iphone 4, whenever I type 'i" I will automatically get "I'n". Is there a way to delete this correction permanently? This especially since there is no use for that correction.

Thanks

pcryan5 · Jan 4, 2011, 01:58 PM

Would that be done via settings - general - reset - keyboard dictionary?

-Q- · Jan 4, 2011, 04:59 PM

There's no way that I'm aware of to edit the dictionary directly. And I don't know if hitting "reset" in the General Settings actually affects the words in the dictionary (my guess would be "it doesn't").

It's supposed to be a smart auto-correct - you could try typing 'i' a few times and actively canceling the the suggested word to see if it learns that way?

subego · Jan 4, 2011, 10:56 PM

What is the keyboard dictionary, then?

gradient · Jan 5, 2011, 04:25 AM

Originally Posted by subego

What is the keyboard dictionary, then?

I believe that the keyboard dictionary is where the auto-corrections come from, with the idea being that reseting it would wipe out all of the learned behaviour that -Q- referred to, reverting all of the auto-corrections to their default state.

ghporter · Jan 5, 2011, 07:36 AM

iOS logs each keystroke the user enters, and remembers how the user corrects entries. In theory this allows the dictionary to automatically customize itself to the user's style and habits. I have a big problem with the OS having a keylogger built in though...

Spheric Harlot · Jan 5, 2011, 07:44 AM

You're gonna have to back that one up with a link, glenn.

If iOS actually ran a keylogger, that would be rather HUGE news.

iOS logs the times you eschew its own corrective suggestions (by tapping on the "x"), and it adds address book entries to its list of known words, but that's it AFAIK.

ghporter · Jan 5, 2011, 07:52 AM

It's not "accessible," but it still logs every stroke. I'm looking for my reference source on this, and I'll post it as soon as I find it.

ort888 · Jan 5, 2011, 01:54 PM

It would be cool if you could dig down in the settings and see a list of all of the learned words and delete them one by one.

ghporter · Jan 5, 2011, 10:15 PM

The source for my key logging post is from a forensics newsletter. Still trying to dig up the specific one...

subego · Jan 6, 2011, 02:57 AM

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

iOS logs the times you eschew its own corrective suggestions (by tapping on the "x"), and it adds address book entries to its list of known words, but that's it AFAIK.

If you make up words, it adds them.

That's the problem the OP is having. The dictionary has added a non-real word.

Spheric Harlot · Jan 6, 2011, 03:39 AM

Yes, I know. It happens to everybody, because the first expectation is always that the iPhone is trying to get in your way, rather than OUT of your way (which is Apple's default).

I was talking with Glenn about keylogging.

subego · Jan 6, 2011, 04:03 AM

I got that part. I'm noting the OS also adds new words, which isn't on the list I quoted.

As you claimed your list was comprehensive, I felt it an odd ommission.

Spheric Harlot · Jan 6, 2011, 08:53 AM

That was the first of the two items on my list. "Logs" intended to mean "adds to the list of known words."

Sorry for the ambiguity.

subego · Jan 6, 2011, 03:35 PM

Ah, sorry. I thought you were only including the auto-correct cancels.

You know, I think I'm going to bow out of this thread (assuming I haven't already killed it). Just too high a ratio of me not understanding WTH anyone is saying. :embarrassed:

ghporter · 10:17 PM

Still looking for the newsletter with the reference. It's possible that the term "key logging" was used overly broadly in this newsletter. On the other hand, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably safe to call it a duck. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time at home to search for the silly thing...

However, on the iPhone Insecurity site, in the July 14, 2009 entry, Jonathan Zdziarski states

5. The iPhone OS has a built-in keyboard "logger" which logs nearly everything you type into the device's keyboard to auto-learn the owner's typing habits. As a result, endless logs of data are being created containing information typed in by the user. Even fields with auto-correction turned off have been seen to have some of the data entered in them stored in this cache.

Better references as they become available...

Spheric Harlot · Jan 7, 2011, 02:53 AM

subego · Jan 13, 2011, 12:08 AM

I think as failure for understanding this thread, my iPad has caught the I'n virus.

Holy crap, that's irritating.

ThinkInsane · Jan 15, 2011, 03:40 PM

Type the correct word five times in a row (make sure you x out the suggested change) and that should take care of it. Just start a new text, type five of the word you want five times, with spaces in between. You don't have to send the text or anything.

subego · Jan 15, 2011, 04:02 PM

Awesome! Thanks!

Was able to do it in (HAH! In in in, that feels good) the forum quick reply window.