Microsoft Patents Next-Generation Multi-Touch Pen

REDMOND, USA – Microsoft revealed plans in a patent for a future multi-touch input device, capable of enabling a wide range of commands and actions that are nowadays performed using several input devices.

The idea hiding behind the new gadget is the combination of a high tech e-pen with multi-touch capable coating, something that offers extensive possibilities for gesture control over electronic devices, especially tablets.

From the notes and schemes of the patent application it is visible that the future device will be able to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as switching colors, layers and intensity of the drawn images with a simple change of the way in which the e-pen is held. It will also be able to perform different actions according to the position and degree in which the device is used on the surface of a tablet or touchscreen.

There is still no data on whether the multi-touch e-pen will be available with the release of the first Surface tablets from Microsoft, which are scheduled for October, but it is certain that their hardware will be compatible with the requirements with the multi-touch e-pen and it will be usable with them at the point of release.