speech-to-text software maven Nuance Communications has unveiled a new advertising medium that's supposed to make it easier for companies to target mobile consumers. Dubbed T9 Nav, the search and discovery solution is now undergoing beta trials in the UK, with Tiger Beer and Times Mobile, the mobile Web site for the Times and the Sunday Times newspapers, signed on as keyword sponsors.

T9 Nav expands the Nuance smart keypad portfolio, joining its T9 Text Input and XT9 Smart Input mobile text input software that speed the creation of SMS and e-mail messages. This new family member uses predictive search technology to replace complex menus and navigation on mobile devices by enabling the user to simply enter keywords such as news, business, trains or cinema.

Tiger Beer's sponsored keywords, including "bar" and "restaurant," link back to the brand's Night Out mobile site. Times Mobile's keywords include news, sports, taxi and jobs.

UK consumers with S60 phones can sign up to participate in the beta program.

The software will be generally available in Q4 in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German and French.