Microsoft Acquires Surface Digital Pen From N-Trig

Microsoft has shelled out $30 million in acquiring the technology for the Surface Digital Pen from their Israeli partner, N-Trig. The company has been responsible for this type of digital writing, especially playing a key part in the development of pen-input technologies used by Microsoft and other tech companies. The move comes as a surprise, especially among claims that N-Trig was bought out by Microsoft for $200 million.

It’s a good move on Microsoft’s part, especially in the functioning of their products. However, there are doubts to this acquisition. After all, not too many products use a stylus (Samsung relies on them for their Notes). According to Tech Times, “It isn’t impossible to imagine that Microsoft could develop the technology in such a way that would be applicable to the average user.”

“For instance — as writing recognition technology improves, it could provide users with the option of writing rather than typing.

On the Surface blog site, the team said, ““We can’t wait to show you what we’ll deliver for our Surface Fans in the future. Digital pens have a ways to go to be as good as pen and paper on some dimensions, and we’ll get there.

“But more importantly, adding the ability to capture and share the work you do with a digital pen opens up possibilities that traditional pen and paper just can’t match. Today’s investment is another step that will let us push that innovation forward.”

No one knows what Microsoft could do with this technology. After all, a lot of graphic designers and image editors prefer Apple products. If Microsoft could find some way to blend a stylus pen with 3D interface, then they could change the game. If something like that could be done with the HoloLens? It’s possible.  Aside from their plans to improve the  stylus with their Surface product line, Microsoft hasn’t mentioned any future plans regarding the Surface Digital Pen.