DigitalPen
Latest
Microsoft rolls out Windows Ink for beta testers
Windows Ink is available today for Insiders in the Fast ring, allowing users to sketch, write notes on sticky pads and draw all over screenshots with a digital pen (or your finger, if you're an au naturel kind of person). The update adds a Windows Ink Workspace, which is accessible from the system tray or by clicking the back of your connected pen. The Workspace brings up pen-enabled apps like the sketchpad, sticky notes and screen sketch, and it has a space to suggest more pen-friendly experiences.
Digital pens help spot early signs of brain conditions
Doctors frequently check for early signs of brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by looking at irregularities in your drawings, but it's an imperfect art based largely on the doctor's opinion. All too often, the only concrete signs show up by the time you've already been ravaged by the disease. MIT researchers might have a more effective way to catch these conditions early on, though. By using custom tracking software to monitor the output from a digital pen, they can more accurately predict the onset of brain conditions based not only on what you draw, but how you draw. Healthy people spend a bit more time thinking than scribbling; those with memory issues (such as Alzheimer's sufferers) spend a lot more time in thought, while Parkinson's patients tend to struggle with the drawing process.
Livescribe 3 smartpen appears in FCC filing, can't wait to digitize your doodles
Now that we've got those naming suits out of the way, it's time to get down to brass tacks. With "brass tacks" involving a new smartpen, in this particular instance. The Livescribe 3 has just made itself known in a public FCC filing today, showcasing a svelte writing utensil whose main purpose in life is to digitize your handwritten notes. It's equipped with Bluetooth in order to pair with your iOS device and the accompanying Livescribe+ app, and once you start doodling in your Livescribe notebook, those very scribbles will appear in the app. There's a micro-USB connector on top for recharging it, and a handy twistable handle that turns the unit on. (Oh, and if you're curious, we're told that "more supported devices" will be added soon.) For the power users, there are Pencasts -- said to be "interactive documents containing audio that is synchronized to your handwritten notes." As is always the case with FCC reveals, pricing and availability are nowhere to be found; that said, an FCC submission generally signals that it's just about ready for store shelves in the US. We'll watch as you attempt to digitally write about the art of containing your excitement.
Sharp intros 32-inch IGZO monitor with 4K resolution and pen support
The majority of the world is still patiently waiting for 4K technology to become more widely adopted, and companies are certainly doing all they can to assist in speeding up that process. Following in the footsteps of ASUS, Sharp's now introducing an Ultra HD, IGZO panel of its own, the PN-K322B. Aside from boasting a 3,840 x 2,160 screen resolution, this 32-inch multi-touch monitor also features the ability to support digital writing (or drawing) by way of a "dedicated touch pen with a pen-tip width of just 2mm." Ports-wise, the LED-backlit PN-K322B houses two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort and a 3.5mm stereo jack to help get some external audio going. Mum's the word on how much it'll cost when it arrives in Japan on July 30th, but if other similar options are any indication, we'd say upwards of $3,500 is a safe bet.
Livescribe Sky WiFi Smartpen review
More Info Livescribe unleashes new Echo smartpen Livescribe outs the Sky WiFi Smartpen Smartpen leads to airport chaos For a relatively niche company that has only been around for five years, Livescribe has grown quickly. Its smartpens -- which cleverly digitize handwritten notes and audio -- have already attracted a million users. However, just because these customers prefer to write their notes the old-fashioned way, that doesn't mean they aren't also obsessive about technological progress. In fact, many of them have been waiting on one new feature in particular: a totally wireless workflow, which would allow them to write a note with their smartpens and then -- without any docking or syncing -- see their scribbles appear in the cloud and on their mobile devices. Well, as you've probably guessed by now, that is precisely the gap that the new Sky pen is looking to fill. The first half of its operation is identical to that of its predecessors, the Pulse and Echo: it contains a camera and microphone, which enable the capture of handwritten notes and time-linked audio files. (You can choose between 2GB, 4GB and 8GB of built-in storage.) But what happens next is totally different. You use "buttons" printed inside Livescribe's proprietary stationery, in conjunction with the pen's OLED display, to select a local WiFi network, enter the password and sync your files directly to Evernote. The popular online note-taking platform then handles everything else, automatically filing the text and audio in the cloud using a time stamp, making it available on whatever devices run Evernote's apps or web interface. What's more, it makes the note searchable through optical character recognition (OCR) of your handwriting. If there's a downside to users getting what they've been asking for, it's that they are the ones expected to pay for it. The Sky's base model matches the Echo's $170 launch price, but that older pen came with twice as much internal storage, and can also now be had at a discount. Moreover, the 4GB and 8GB Sky pens rise to $200 and $250, respectively, which means this is only likely to be sensible if you really, really dislike writing or typing on a screen. Even assuming that you're totally stuck in your pen-and-ink ways, could a $170 pen ever be worth it? Read on to find out.
Livescribe outs Sky WiFi Smartpen for $170, lets you record written notes and audio straight to Evernote
The Pulse pen couldn't do it. The more recent Echo couldn't manage it either. But sending notes and linked audio wirelessly is what Livescribe's latest digital pen is all about. Branded the Sky WiFi Smartpen, it works with proprietary physical notebooks to preserve your handwritten notes and linked audio files on a minimum of 2GB of onboard storage, and then it sends them directly to your Evernote account via WiFi -- from where you can access them on pretty much any PC, tablet or smartphone. If you're wondering a how the pen selects the right network and enters a password, then it's actually pretty straightforward: Livescribe's new stationery is printed with connection buttons that, in conjunction with the OLED display on the pen itself, guide you through the procedure in a few seconds. The latest notebooks also have buttons for sending your captured thoughts to Google Drive, Dropbox and Facebook, although those services won't be activated until early next year. The basic 2GB Sky pen will arrive in stores on November 1st, priced substantially higher than its predecessor, the Echo (which will be phased out at the end of next year). The new base model will cost $170, with 4GB and 8GB varieties priced at $200 and $250. Arguably, the reliance on wireless cloud storage means that the amount of onboard memory isn't so important any more, but if you do decide to opt for the most expensive model then you'll also get a year's subscription to Evernote Premium, which is worth $45. There's a short explanatory video after the break, and as you'll see from the gallery below we've already got the Sky pen in our clutches, so expect a full review in short order.%Gallery-169459%
IRISNotes 2 looks to undercut Livescribe, digitizes your scribbles for $99
IRIS is trying to make a big name for itself in the OCR world. But, top notch software alone isn't going to put its name on the tips of consumers tongues. For that they're gonna need something sexier, more... tangible. With its portable scanner line already on shelves the company is pushing out an update to its digital pen series IRISNotes. The IRISNotes Express 2 and Executive 2 are very similar to the intriguing Livescribe that, while compelling, never seemed to fly off the shelves. IRISNotes ditches the special paper required by its more popular competitor, and instead uses a small receiver that clips to the top of a standard sheet to record your scrawl in digitized form. IRIS hasn't specified how much storage is on board, only saying that it can save 100 pages worth of notes before you'll need to download its contents to a PC. The $99 Express undercuts Livescribe's cheapest offering by $20, but it's worth noting that it doesn't have support for voice notes or a stable of applications that tie into its ecosystem. The Executive model retails for $149 and sports a more elegant finish, befitting its name. It also comes with a 30-pin adapter that lets you dump your missives directly to an iDevice. Both are available now, and you'll find complete PR after the break.
Wacom Inkling digital sketch pen hands-on (video)
Wacom's new digital pen can't help but stand out from the competition. It's a specialized device that makes no apologies for catering to graphics enthusiasts at the expense of casual note-takers. Moreover, it does something pretty amazing: instead of just turning your sketches into simple bitmaps, it can also export them as vector-based images with multiple layers, which means they can be directly used as the basis for more complex and final art. The Inkling will cost £150 ($230 converted) when it reaches European stores in October, but in the meantime we've got some early hands-on impressions right after the break. %Gallery-133144% %Gallery-133182%
E FUN's aPen A3 stylus brings digitized scribbles to Android, BlackBerry users (video)
Students heading back to school this week will have a new stylus to toss in their backpacks, now that E FUN has released its aPen A3 digital pen. The company's latest note-taker is essentially like Livescribe for Android and BlackBerry users, allowing writers to digitize and record their handwritten missives directly to their devices, via Bluetooth. Compatible with Android and BlackBerry OS 4.6 and above, the tool also features a photo sketch function that allows users to scribble on digital images saved to their smartphones, PCs or Macs. If you're interested in getting your own aPen A3, hit up the source link, where you can buy one for $130. Otherwise, head past the break for a tutorial video, along with the full press release.
Apple patent apps describe 'smart' pens for notetaking and long-distance doodling
Apple's knack for filing patent applications has struck again, offering a pair of digital pens that could become a competitive one-up for HTC's Scribe pen. Both filed apps revealed by the USPTO involve styli for iOS displays, but if you're imagining a magical item that helps (or hinders) your typing, this is another ball of wax. The first stylus is appropriately called "stylus for touch sensitive devices" and includes a rechargeable battery that could be stored and charged by placing it in a dock embedded directly in the device. Curiously, the stylus is heated for "more consistent interaction between the capacitive-sensors in the computing device and the stylus," which sounds mighty nice on a cold day. By allowing the user to easily write real notes and draw pictures, this patent turns out to be much more than just a different method of inputting text. Next up is the "communicating stylus," a digital pen equipped with accelerometers and wireless transmitters that send position data. This would enable it to be used for an iOS device without any physical contact or other accessories. In theory, you could take the stylus (shown after the break) across the room and still jot down notes or doodle on your iPad, even if it's out of sight. Finally, "the greatest pointing device in the world" -- our fingers -- will get a chance to rest.
HTC Flyer now includes stylus at Best Buy, you can hang on to your 80 bucks (updated)
Pinching pennies so you can buy the HTC Flyer and the optional $80 stylus? Give your thumb and index finger a rest for a while. Best Buy, which originally sold the Scribe digital pen as an additional accessory, is now including it with the tablet, free of charge. A quick look at the retailer's online store shows the pair sitting side-by-side in perfect harmony, bundled in the same package for $499. This may not seal the deal for your indecisive mind, but at least now you'll be able to draw moustaches on your ex's Facebook pics without your wallet giving you dirty looks. Update: Looks like Best Buy's pulled the combo. Guess we're right back where we started, eh?
N-trig's Digital Pencil plays pen and fingertip roles, claims mastery of both
It's hard to justify rolling into summer school with just an electronic wooden ruler, but pairing that with one of N-trig's new Digital Pencils just seems like a match made in detention heaven. The company responsible for pushing out that snazzy DuoSense technology back in 2008 is hitting back with yet another digital writing instrument, with this particular one designed to work with multitouch devices. Being a part of the DuoSense family, the battery-powered device can actually act as either a fingertip (you know, for those capacitive screens) or a digitizer pen, enabling it to play nice with a smorgasbord of third-party peripherals. The company claims that the two-pronged approach will give users far more flexibility, and the DuoSense software identifies the position of the Pencil and the pressure level, removing the need for an excitation coil within the DuoSense digitizer. Curiously enough, there's no public mention of a price, but we're guessing it'll sell for far more than you're willing to pay here in just a few days.
Olympus E-P1 hands-on, test shots, and mini-review
It goes without saying that we've been pretty excited about the Olympus E-P1 (or "digital Pen") since we first laid eyes on the prototype the company was showing off. The Micro Four Thirds camera just seems to breed gadget lust amongst the staff, combining the best of modern tech with a throwback retro style that is somewhat irresistible. Of course, no one wants to drop $800 on a digicam unless it's actually capable of taking a decent shot -- so we thought we'd put the E-P1 through some basic paces to see if this guy is worth unloading nearly a grand on. Read on for some of our first impressions and observations.
Olympus E-P1 now available for pre-order
You might've noticed this already, but for those out there who share our lust for Olympus' E-P1 "digital Pen," but haven't done too much digging, consider this a public service announcement. The retro-chich micro four thirds camera is now available for pre-order from a handful of online retailers, with several different packages to choose from based with various body color (silver or white) and lens color (silver or black) combinations. Looks like it'll still cost you about $750 if you want body only, but really, at this point we don't know why you wouldn't pay an additional Ulysses S. Grant and grab a lens with it. Ready to smash that E-P1 piggy bank a bit early? You've got plenty of retailers willing to help you out there, but don't feel too pressured, there's still a little bit of time to decide before the July launch.Read - AdoramaRead - AmazonRead - B&HRead - J&R
Olympus E-P1 'digital Pen' gets official, so does our lust
It's official, Olympus' first MIcro Four Thirds camera is up and dancing upon the global stage. Dubbed, E-P1 "digital Pen" (reflecting the camera's Olympus Pen-series heritage) this MFT shooter aligns with the looks and specs that came our way yesterday in leaked format. In other words, we're looking at an image stabilized (sensor-shift) 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor with TruePic V image processing, ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, a 3-inch LCD, 20 shooting modes (5 exposure, i-Auto, and 14 automatic scenes), an SDHC slot, and HDMI TV-out for playback of 720p (1280x720 pixel) recorded video at 30fps. The 14-42 lens kit retracts into the barrel when not in use and Olympus' Supersonic Wave Filter helps keep dust under control when swapping-out the lens for Micro Four Thirds, Four Thirds, or OM lenses. A few advanced previews of the E-P1 are already available -- peep those in the read links below if you can't wait for the July launch or the full-blown reviews due in a few weeks. Update: Priced at $749 (body only), $799 (with 14-42mm lens), and $899 (with 17mm pancake lens and viewfinder). Honestly, those prices are better than we had hoped for especially in a camera measuring just 121 x 70 x 36-mm (4.7 x 2.7 x 1.4-inches) playing host to a DSLR-sized sensor.Read -- LetsGoDigitalRead -- DPReviewRead -- Photography BlogRead -- Official E-P1 product page
Hanwha's Duo for Laptop lets you doodle on your standard 15.4-inch laptop
Here's a novel idea -- turning one's standard, non-tablet PC into a tablet PC. Hanwha Japan has just introduced its incredibly useful Duo for Laptop device, which sits gently atop one's laptop display and tracks digital pen movements via Infrared and ultrasonic technology in order to add doodling functionality to LCDs that were never designed to understand touch input. The only limitation -- and it's a big one -- is that this seems to only work with lappies possessing up to a 15.4-inch display. If that's kosher with you, you can snap one up for ¥9,980 ($101), or if not, you can just wait 'til these are announced for netbooks, ultraportables and desktop replacements.[Via Engadget Japanese]
WriteSense digital pen tech for capacitive touchscreens announced
Folks with capacitive touchscreen devices like the G1 and the iPhone who miss the glorious days of the stylus should be happy to hear this news. InPlay Technologies has announced that they've developed tech for a new RF pen called WriteSense which eliminates the necessity for a separate digitizer -- it communicates directly with the capacitive touch sensors. Essentially, this will mean smaller and cheaper RF pens, which is probably a good thing since capacitive touchscreens will likely continue their assault on resistive touchscreens (cough, Nokia). The pencil doesn't stand a chance.[Via Gotta Be Mobile]
Livescribe Pulse smartpen gets OS X support
For months now, dutiful Mac users who refuse to load any flavor of Windows on their precious machines have longed for the ability to use Livescribe's Pulse smartpen. Now, those holdouts can finally say the wait was worth it, as Livescribe has announced that a native Mac desktop application (Livescribe Desktop for Mac) will be made available in beta form on November 24th. Additionally, a few new features for the Pulse have been added over on the Wintel side, including handwriting to text transcription software ($29.95) and the ability for consumers to print dot paper notepads for free. Finally, something for OS X users to digitally write home about.
IOGEAR's Mobile Digital Scribe lets you ignore digital pens on the go
We're not sure how many of you were so hopelessly addicted to the IOGEAR Digital Scribe that you clamored for a mobile version, but the company has somehow heard your cries and duly provided. Just like big brother, the Mobile Digital Scribe comes in two parts: the pen itself, which uses ordinary ink in addition to transmitting your doodled masterworks, and the USB receiver, which has been shrunken in size and given a detachable mini-USB cord. The receiver also now has enough memory to hold up to 50 pages of scribblings, which you can download back to your PC for OCR later. Interestingly, you'll pay a $30 premium over the original Digital Scribe for all these hot new features -- we suppose no one at IOGEAR has used one of these to sketch out a demand curve, eh?
IOGEAR's Digital Scribe lets you ink up any PC
We've seen quite a few digital pens come and go -- and just like several other models relegated to history's dustbin, IOGEAR's Digital Scribe is a two-part affair consisting of an "ordinary" pen that tracks your movements and sends data to a USB receiver. Unlike those others, however, the Digital Scribe doesn't require any special tracking paper to do its thing, and it's got one huge ace up its sleeve: it's cheap. At $99, those of you brave enough to take the Vista plunge can unlock all those tablet features without breaking the bank, and the three of you who write faster than you type can doodle away at meetings. We still lose too many pens to drop a Benny on one of these things, but at least the tech is getting more accessible. Available now, according to IOGEAR.
