Yesterday, another rumor showed up. This patent application from Apple indicates the tablet device might get a stylus input option. It’s an improved recognition of input from digital ink. The input of several fields with a stylus must be improved. The system must be able to recognize complete sentences instead of separate moves only. The patent application points to the word ‘tablet’ several times.
It is not clear if Apple is ever going to use the patent application. Till now Apple has said many times that they prefer a device capable of touch input, instead with a stylus. The illustration (click on it for a bigger version) gives more insight of the patent application.
I personally think Apple should keep it a finger based touchscreen and not make it a stylus based device. Everybody is getting used to the iPod touch, iPhone and many other mobile phones with touchscreens now that can be controlled by your fingers. To me a stylus based tablet computer feels like a step back and not that revolutionary road Apple wants to step into.
What do you think about this development?
Source: UnwiredView and US Patent & Trademark Office
