Microsoft has confirmed its purchase of the technology behind the N-trig digital stylus, with reports suggesting that the company paid $30 million for the technology.
These reports come after other reports earlier this year saying that Microsoft had bought the Israeli company for a massive $200 million.
"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."
Both the Surface 3 and the Surface Pro 3 use N-trig tech for their digital pens, replacing tech from Wacom found in previous versions of the Surface tablets. The switch cause some issues among creative professionals who had gotten used to how the pens from Wacom worked, but most suggest that the new pens work better than the previous ones.
Industry professionals have especially praised how the pens work with software like Adobe's Creative Suite and Sketchbook.
The move highlights Microsoft's growing interest in stylus technology, a technology that many assumed was going out the door. Microsoft buying the tech and bringing it in-house allows the company to keep any advancements made by N-trig close to home and prevent other companies from being able to make use of it. This is a good move for Microsoft, especially considering the growing interest in stylus technology.
Even Apple is rumored to be bringing a stylus to the highly anticipated iPad Pro, a device that is expected to be marketed to graphic design professionals and will likely be released later this year.
N-trig itself was founded in 1999 in Israel and currently employs around 150 people. Microsoft first invested in the company in 2008. This is the third acquisition of an Israeli company that Microsoft has made since November, when it announced that it had acquired cybersecurity company Aorato.
The acquisition could set the stage for larger competition around input methods on different devices. Apple recently unveiled its "force touch" trackpad, enabling another layer of input for MacBook computers. The tech was developed from tech used in the Apple Watch's display.
The terms of Microsoft's acquisition have not yet been released, however, the $30 million figure is according to people close to the matter.
