Microsoft has announced it has purchased the technology behind the digital pen, dubbed Surface Pen, which is currently used on the Microsoft Surface 3 and the Surface Pro 3.
Multiple sources reported months ago, that Microsoft had completed the acquisition of N-Trig LTD for around $200 million but today the Redmond giant has clarified these claims. Microsoft has just announced its acquisition of the technology behind the Surface Pen created by N-Trig Technology LTD; the company now own the patents and patents for the Pen. As reported by Wall Street Journal, the transaction is said to cost around $30 million and as part of the agreement, some workers from N-Trig would join up with Microsoft Israel.
Asides running Windows OS, the Surface Pen distinguishes the Surface devices from Apple’s iPad and other Android tablets. The digital surface Pen let’s you perform a lot of functions such as sketching diagrams, writing formulas, taking notes, converting handwriting to text, drawing images and editing PDf files directly on the screen.
The Surface Pen is currently compatible with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and the Microsoft Surface 3; it measures 137mm long, 9.5mm in diameter and weighs about 23 grams. It is battery powered and has Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity.
Microsoft had worked with N-Trig closely over the years as the company created the Hardware and Software of the Surface line of devices while the latter made the Surface Pen. This would definitely change now with the company now in possession of the technology and with the impending release of the Windows 10 OS, the company could have more tricks up its sleeves with the upcoming Surface tablet (possibly the Microsoft Surface Pro 4).
Sources: Microsoft Surface Blog via Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
