Microsoft acquires Surface pen technology from N-trig

Sean Michael

Surface Pro 3

Microsoft has acquired digital pen technology from N-trig Ltd. N-trig is the company behind the Surface Pro 3 stylus, which is shown off in a video by music composer David William Hearn as part of the post breaking the news. It’s important to note Microsoft’s phrasing in the official Surface blog post.

“Today we are excited to have acquired advanced digital pen technology from N-trig Ltd., with whom we’ve partnered closely for several years.” 

Based off of that text, it does not seem that Microsoft has acquired N-trig itself but specifically “advanced digital pen technology.” The blog post then continues to show off the Surface stylus and talk about the future “We can’t wait to show you what we’ll deliver for our Surface Fans in the future.”

The Surface Pro 3 stylus also works on the Surface 3 and looks to be the way of the future for Microsoft’s “tablet that can replace your laptop.”

The official blog post does not mention how much the technology was acquired for, although the Wall St. Journal is reporting the deal came in at around $30 million. In February reports were that the entire company had been acquired by Microsoft for $200 million but that has since proven false.

What can be confirmed at this point is what’s in the official Surface blog post.