Microsoft is buying N-trig, the company behind the digital pen technology that ships with the Surface Pro 3. The deal is reportedly valued at more than $200 million.
Microsoft is seemingly doubling down on touch screen pen technologies, the type that it started shipping alongside the Surface line of devices. N-trig’s technology was in fact the one used in the Surface Pro 3, to offer customers a special writing experience with OneNote on the device.
Recently, Panos Panay from Microsoft gave an interview in which he explained the company’s focus on the stylus pen, and mentioned that his team views writing as an important input method. He also confirmed that the company is planning to enhance this technology further until it’s as natural as writing on a piece of paper.
Interestingly enough, Satya Nadella, the company’s CEO might have also given a hint about Microsoft’s focus on this technology, when he explained that fountain pens will soon be a thing of the past.
The N-trig team will reportedly be integrated into Microsoft, and it will be part of a new research and development center.