The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 was a definite improvement over the Surface Pro 3, but it wasn't a huge leap by any means. It seems, for better or worse, Microsoft has found the recipe it wants to use with the Surface Pro hybrid tablet lineup and is simply working to tweak what it has to make it better. A new patent filing indicates that the Surface Pen may be next up for improvements.
The patent shows that Microsoft is looking into two changes for the Surface Pen: the battery and the dock. So far, the Surface Pen has run on AAAA batteries, which has been a perfectly fine solution because the single battery used in the Pen could last a number of months and maybe even up to a year, depending on usage. However, Microsoft is at least looking into the possibility of using a rechargeable battery in the Pen.
The patent describes a stylus charger that "may take the form of a dock that holds the stylus in a particular location during charging and/or while the stylus is not being used." The dock would hold the stylus in place magnetically, and charge the device with "charging circuits" which look like rings that would work similarly to pogo pins. The question is where said dock would live.
Microsoft has previously said that it can't have future Surface Pens go inside the tablet, because the Pen is thicker than the tablet itself, but the dock appears to be a separate accessory that would need to connect to the Surface in some way. Obviously, Microsoft is trying very hard to not repeat the insane design decision Apple made to have the Pencil charge by sticking out the side of the iPad Pro via the Lightning dock.
We'll have to wait and see how or when this idea is used in a future Surface device and what it might mean for the capabilities of the Pen itself. If the Pen is getting more functionality, its battery life might need a recharging option.
Michael Heller is known for his clear and informative articles on mobile technology. He explores important topics such as the rollouts of 5G networks and the advancements in mobile payments, offering readers insights into the evolving tech landscape.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: