Microsoft just announced that it has acquired the technology behind the N-trig digital pen. The move highlights the company's growing interest in the stylus, especially when it comes to the Surface and Surface Pro tablets.
The step could mean a big shift in how Microsoft products – as we know them – function. It could also mean that the company will include a stylus in more of its products.
The digital pen has a long history. From its use in consumer-grade products to professional products, the stylus has only improved. It is however important to remember that the digital pen has all but died within the realm of consumer products.
When Apple unveiled the iPhone, many expected that the stylus would cease to be an important input method. Since then, apart from a few products – notably Samsung's note series – the stylus has been phased out of consumer use and into professional use for things like graphic design.
This trend will apparently continue. The stylus is still just an extra item to carry around, and when people can use their fingers to do the same tasks, it becomes an unnecessary addition.
That, of course, applies to technology in its present state. 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.
Microsoft even alluded to the possibility of further developing the technology in its blog post about the acquisition.
"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," said Microsoft in a blog post.
"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."
The acquisition could have a significant impact on how people view Microsoft today. While the company has been trying to push a more media-friendly image, it still has a lot of work to do. A lot of people in the graphic design and image editing markets prefer Apple computers and tablets. If Microsoft were to further develop the tech, it could change the way that graphic designers currently operate.
Only time will tell how Microsoft plans to implement its new technology — but it will certainly be interesting to see what it comes up with.
