Chinese IME: Microsoft or Google?

As an IT administrator, you may be asked to provide advice on the best Chinese Input Method Editor (IME) for your organization. An IME is a type of program that allows users to input Chinese characters into a computer system. There are several different IMEs available for Chinese users, including both Microsoft and Google offerings. Knowing the differences between these two IMEs can help you determine the best one for your organization.

Microsoft’s IME is called Microsoft Pinyin, and it is part of the Microsoft Office suite. Microsoft Pinyin uses a phonetic input system, which means that the user types in the pronunciation of the characters they want to input. This makes it easier for those who are not familiar with Chinese characters to type them. Microsoft Pinyin also includes a handwriting recognition feature, which allows users to write characters with a stylus or mouse.

Google’s IME is called Google Pinyin, and it is part of the Google Chrome browser. Google Pinyin also uses a phonetic input system, but it is more advanced than Microsoft Pinyin. Google Pinyin can recognize more complex Chinese characters, and it also supports handwriting recognition. Google Pinyin also supports a variety of input methods, including stroke and radical input.

When it comes to the differences between Microsoft and Google’s IMEs, there are a few key points to consider. First, Microsoft Pinyin is more widely used, as it has been around for a longer period of time. It is also more compatible with other Microsoft products, such as Word and Excel. Google Pinyin is newer, but it is also more advanced in terms of its input methods and handwriting recognition.

In terms of usability, both Microsoft and Google’s IMEs are fairly similar. Both offer a user-friendly interface and can be used with a variety of input methods. The biggest difference is that Google Pinyin is better suited for more advanced users, as it has more features and can recognize more complex Chinese characters.

When deciding between Microsoft and Google’s IMEs, you should consider the needs of your organization. If you need an IME that is easy to use and compatible with Microsoft Office, then Microsoft Pinyin is probably the best choice. If you need an IME that is more advanced and can recognize more complex Chinese characters, then Google Pinyin is probably the best choice. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine which IME best meets the needs of your organization.