Microsoft might consider designing a future Surface stylus that can be wrapped around your ear and worn as a Bluetooth headset. The plans were identified in a patent, which suggests that when the pen is not being used for drawing or signing documents, it can be attached to the user's ear and used as a Bluetooth communication device. According to the patent, the apparatus, referred to in the "Flexible Carpenter Stylus with Dockable Tip" document, is a stylus with a capacitive tip and a headphone dock. The patent explains that "the headset includes a speaker, a headset battery, and a wireless radio designed to pair in communication with a host device," and that the listener will charge when it is connected.
Diagram illustrating device operation (Image credit: Microsoft Technology Licensing)
Will it see the light of day?
The patent points to a foldable pencil that can be looped over the user's ear. For people, like woodworkers, perhaps where the name gets its name from, who like to tuck their pens, pencils, and stylus behind their ears when they're not using them, turning the stylus into a headset is a good idea. I'd like to see this happen in a future Surface Pen stylus, but since it's just a patent at the moment, we may never get to see this device for real. Unfortunately, like many patents, it never saw the light of day. However, it's good to know that Microsoft is looking to innovate its peripherals. Another patent spotted by Windows Latest suggests that Microsoft might consider creating a pen with a built-in display that can be used to display notifications, battery status, etc. < p class="bordeaux-image-check">
How could a pen with an integrated screen be? (Image credit: Microsoft Technology Licensing) Let's hope to see an innovative new stylus from Microsoft soon. Via onMSFT