News
Issue #2001 - 26 (June 2001)
(Updated June 27,  2001)

DEVICES

Ericsson's Digital Pen Adds a New Twist to Handwriting

Ericsson is setting out to make handwriting fashionable once again, but this time with a digital twist. 

By combining Bluetooth wireless technology and the GPRS network, the Swedish company has designed a digital pen that can transfer handwritten text, even scribbles, to wireless devices. 

Ericsson says its new device, called the Chatpen,' is analogous to its Chatboard, an extension keyboard for mobile devices. The Chatpen contains an infrared camera, an image processor, and a Bluetooth wireless transceiver. Writing on special paper, developed by Anoto AB, which contains a pattern of small blocks 0.3 mm (0.01 inches.) apart, the Chatpen takes digital snapshots of the pattern every one-fiftieth of the second to capture the pen's precise location and then stores the information. Scribbled notes to detailed sketches can be sent via Bluetooth technology to a mobile device, which passes the information via GPRS to another mobile phone, a PDA or a PC. 

The Chatpen takes the frustration out of keying text using a PDA's or mobile phone's tiny keypad. In addition, users are not restricted to a text-based SMS or e-mail but can send a handwritten note to anybody with a mobile phone, PDA, or PC. The Chatpen could be described as a truly global device as it can capture and transmit any language - the user is not limited to the Roman alphabet. 

Ericsson envisions consumers using a paper catalog along with the Chatpen to order a host of services and products from airline tickets to flowers to books. Using preprinted forms, companies could also benefit when collecting data, taking inventory, or any other type of business communication, including remote signing of contracts. 

Even though the product will not be launched until the first quarter of 2002, Ericsson and Vodafone will offer the device to selected customers in Sweden during the fourth quarter of this year. 

Thus we still have time to brush up on our penmanship. 

For more information: http://www.ericsson.com/infocenter/news/newproducts.html

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: Digital pen is a useful accessory that some people may find worthwhile.  

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.