Buzz
Samsung has developed a unique circuitry to enable the S Pen to distinguish between different pen usage modes.
1. The Technology Inside Galaxy Note9's S Pen
Samsung has developed a unique circuitry to enable the S Pen to distinguish between different pen usage modes.
Introduced for the first time in 2011, the S Pen has been the distinguishing feature of Samsung Galaxy Note smartphones. With each generation, Samsung has improved the pen from touch sensitivity to new features integrated into Air Command.
On Galaxy Note9, Samsung continues to upgrade the S Pen with Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) technology, enabling remote control capability. According to Samsung, the S Pen on the Galaxy Note9 is designed to be more versatile to expand user interaction and experience with the smartphone.
Additionally, quick and convenient battery charging is crucial without disrupting device usage. Samsung stated they have developed an integrated circuit for a specialized application to deliver different levels of current for writing and charging modes. Bluetooth Low-Energy technology requires power to function, posing numerous challenges for the company in integrating the battery inside the stylus while still maintaining the premium writing experience and other beloved features that Note series users cherish.
This also allows the S Pen's control button to detect the distance between the pen and the Galaxy Note9, automatically switching from electromagnetic resonance mode to Bluetooth mode when the stylus is far from the device.
The remote function of the S Pen can operate within a range of 10 meters. Users can easily manipulate the device without touching the screen, such as taking group selfies, presenting with PowerPoint, or playing music and videos. Additionally, each button press allows users to switch between different functions as needed. With a 30-minute battery life (or up to 200 presses) and fast charging capability by simply placing the pen inside the device, the S Pen is performing quite well in its user support role.
