Galaxy Note 4 Explained: S Pen

If you were or are a user of one of the Galaxy Note series, you are probably aware of the difference the S Pen makes. And most likely, one of the first things you wanted to find out about the Galaxy Note 4 is what the new S Pen is all about. Well, let’s find out.

Before we start… Why the S Pen?

When mobile devices had resistive touch screens, people did not feel the need for a separate stylus for their device because it could sense input from pretty much every object, whether it was a finger or a pen. When the switch was made to a capacitive touch screen with glass screen, which doesn’t recognize a stylus, the concept of stylus for mobile devices just disappeared, even though the role of the pen didn’t. There was always a need for a input method, but the technology at the time just couldn’t support it enough. But Samsung had been working on it, and in 2011, the first generation Galaxy Note and the S Pen were introduced.

The Evolution of S Pen

When the first Galaxy Note was introduced with the S Pen, the main purpose was to give a tool to write. With the Galaxy Note 2, the S Pen featured many gesture-based features such as hovering double tab, and long tab, but not many users were aware of them. As a result, Galaxy Note 3 improved the usability, focusing on the intuitiveness of the S Pen and introduced the Air Command feature. Finally, the new S Pen for the Galaxy Note 4 focuses not only on improving the handwriting experience, but also improving the overall usability of the device.

Overall, the evolution of the S Pen is based heavily on feedback from the users of the Galaxy Note series. They wanted a tool that can utilize the larger screen and other core functions of the Galaxy Note series with powerful specifications. The S Pen for the Galaxy Note 4 offers the most refined S Pen experience.

How the new S Pen refined the writing experience

According to some of the engineers of the S Pen, the main goal, in terms of improving the handwriting experience, was to emulate the real ‘handwriting feeling’, which meant focusing on the emotional aspect. This is a much tougher process than it sounds, as it means translating an analog experience through digital technologies, adjusting for both the hardware and software.

For example, people have a certain expectation when it comes to ‘writing’, because we know how it feels. A pen writes as soon as it touches the paper and writes differently depending on the speed, pressure, angle of the stroke; not to mention that each pen and pencil writes differently.

First, the grip of the new S Pen has been improved. For optimized handwriting experience, it is more ideal for the S Pen to be a bit thicker. However, considering the dimension of the Galaxy Note 4 and overall usability/experience of the device, the engineers wanted to keep the slimness of the S Pen. Therefore, for a more comfortable grip, the new S Pen features an engraved pattern along its body, unlike its previous version.

The new S Pen also doubled the sensitivity level to emulate the real handwriting experience. This allows the device to recognize the S Pen as soon as it touches the device, just like how a real pen leaves ink as soon as it touches the paper.

The Galaxy Note 4 and S Pen also create different thicknesses and density of your writing depending on the pressure, speed and angle of the stroke, once again just like how it is with real handwriting. Moreover, considering the Galaxy Note 4 is sold all around the world, it needs to recognize many different languages. With close cooperation from Samsung’s divisions all around the world, the Galaxy Note 4 recognizes 60+ languages.

It is said that countless mock-ups were created for the new S Pen, which is reflected in the careful design of everything from the tip and dimensions to the UI and UX of the S Pen.

S Pen = even more than a mouse

One of the most significant improvements besides the writing experience is the fact that users can use the S Pen to improve efficiency and speed of everyday mobile tasks. Samsung realized that many users have been using the S Pen not only as a writing tool, but alternative input method to a finger.

Because of the physics of the S Pen, users can have more accurate control of their device, like how we used a mouse for PCs. With the right features, the S Pen could allow users to execute commands much faster and easier. Therefore, Samsung evolved the role of the S Pen by giving users not only the ability to use it like a pen, but also a mouse.

For example, Galaxy Note 4 introduced the Smart Select feature. With the S pen, you can easily select the contents you want from any text, screen, or app. Put together what you select and share & save at once.

The engineers of the S Pen also said they’ve heard that many users actually prefer to use the S Pen when they play mobile games, and some of them enjoy a higher score with the S Pen as well. (If you are a S Pen user, you might want to try this out!)

Improved Experience of S Pen

Obviously, the S Pen interaction plays a significant part of the experience. The engineers/developers at Samsung understand that people who have not yet tried the S Pen might think of it as an overwhelming or difficult tool. Therefore, it was very important to make sure the S Pen interface is natural, easy and intuitive.

For example, Air command was a great addition as it put key features just a simple click away – no need to remember gestures or strings of menus. The S Finder on Galaxy Note 3 provided an intuitive and organized way of searching contents such as music, notes, handwritten Notes, contacts, and email. Once the user tags important notes, dates, or items with a particular symbol — like a star — they can then draw that same symbol to search for everything that is tagged as important.

[new_royalslider id=”169″]

On the Galaxy Note 4, Smart Select made it easier to scrapbook, bookmark and/or share content. Simply activate Smart Select on Air Command, collect the content and, well, keep or share. It’s all about being easy and intuitive. Moreover, with the enhanced handwriting experience and recognition, the Direct Pen Input feature makes it easier for people to get used to the overall S Pen experience as well.

That is it for the Galaxy Note 4 Explained: S Pen. In terms of the usability, features and function of the S Pen, the Galaxy Note Edge is similar to the Galaxy Note 4 as well. The only notable difference is that the S Pen works on the Edge Screen, which the Galaxy Note 4 does not have. Hope you enjoy reading a little bit more about the S Pen. Thanks for reading!

*All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.