Livescribe today revamped its approach to its smartpens. The Echo is slimmer than its predecessors but significantly expands its functionality beyond note taking or even apps. A headphone jack and microphone now support stereo recording, and a micro USB connector will turn the Echo into a direct tablet input source for a computer with an update this fall.
Livescribe today followed trends today by launching its own app store for its intelligent pens like the Pulse. The unusual addition uses a combination of the pen output, screen and audio features to provide a mix of games, education tools and utilities. In many cases, users draw some of the interface itself; language tools speak dialogue.
Livescribe on Monday added two new capacities to its Pulse smartpen lineup. Customers can now opt for a 2GB or 4GB model, in addition to the original 1GB smartpen. The devices can also now be had in titanium and sport an ARM9 processor and the ability to save audio and handwritten notes through sync. The 4GB model can hold 400 hours of recorded audio or a combination of audio recording or even applications that will soon be available through a Livescribe Application Store.
