Who Wants a Stylus? Apple…
| November 13, 2009 | Posted by Jessica Moreno under Apple, Electronics, iPhone, iPod, Tech News |
A recently published patent from Apple depicts pen-based handwriting recognition software that would work with tablet-like devices.
The described invention (screenshot at right) demonstrates a method to make digital handwriting recognition better than technologies used in the past. An “ink manager” would attempt to recognize full phrases before sending them to the handwriting recognition engine, as opposed to sending separate strokes.
“The present invention, in large part, relates to the observation that client applications and handwriting recognition software in pen-based computer systems can make far more accurate ink-related decisions based on entire ink phrases, rather than individual ink strokes,” the patent states.
Though the patent relates the technology to traditional tablet devices, we doubt we would see it applied to Apple’s touchscreen tablet, which is rumored for an early 2010 release. Tipsters in several reports have described the rumored tablet as a 10.7-inch iPhone.
Assuming Apple’s tablet is indeed a larger iPhone, it’s unlikely it will feature a stylus-based interface since the iPhone was designed for finger interaction. It’s odd, actually, for Apple to be thinking about pen-based computing. Steve Jobs in January 2007 denounced the stylus when introducing the iPhone at Macworld Expo:
Oh, a stylus, right? We’re going to use a stylus. No. Who wants a stylus? You have to get ‘em and put ‘em away, and you lose ‘em. Yuck. Nobody wants a stylus. So let’s not use a stylus. We’re going to use the best pointing device in the world. We’re going to use a pointing device that we’re all born with — born with ten of them. We’re going to use our fingers. We’re going to touch this with our fingers.
A stylus-controlled Apple product, tablet or not, would severely undercut Jobs’ statement now, wouldn’t it?
2 Responses to Who Wants a Stylus? Apple…
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hello, I found your blog in a new directory of blogs. I dont know how your blog came up, must have
Easily, the post is in reality the sweetest on this laudable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the phenomenal lucidity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Authentic work and much success in your business endeavors!