Last Updated on March 3, 2022 by Anu Joy
The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) has unveiled version 2.0 of its standard with improved features. USI is a universal standard for digital styluses that enables users to use a single stylus on multiple touch-enabled devices, including Google Chromebooks. Google joined the initiative back in 2018 as a standard for Chromebooks and to encourage the adoption of an active pen for millions of products.
Let’s check out the details of the USI 2.0 version and find out what it has in store for Chromebook users.
USI 2.0 Version: Here’s What’s New
The latest USI 2.0 version brings a new wireless charging feature, which is based on Near Field Communication (NFC) Wireless Charging Specification (WLC 2.0) from the NFC Forum. WLC 2.0 was adopted last year to let users charge their styluses using NFC-enabled devices at a power transfer rate of up to one watt, using a single antenna to manage both communications and charging.
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The new version 2.0 of USI adds wireless charging capability for stylus pens that support full USB-C ports, alongside the old models that used an alkaline battery. Furthermore, the latest version of USI adds support for in-cell touch sensors, thus allowing a wide variety of devices to be used with USI 2.0.
AIT technology ensures better touch performance by embedding the touch sensor inside of the LCD cell. The reduced thickness of the panel and the reduced width of the bezel save more space, thereby realizing a slimmer and more innovative design.
LG Display
USI 2.0 Optional
However, it is to be noted that Universal Stylus Initiative has referred to the newly introduced features as “optional” hinting that adoption might vary depending on different brands. Also, there are reports on Lenovo to be creating a new USI 2.0 pen, although the company didn’t specifically announce anything related to the same during the ongoing MWC 2022 event.
It’s a great opportunity to work with USI and Google on the latest USI 2.0 protocol for a new Lenovo pen. It’s a feature Lenovo Chromebook users always tell us they love, and we’re excited about the new benefits it will bring them.
Benny Zhang, General Manager, Lenovo Chromebook Business Unit
What do you think of the new features introduced with USI 2.0? Do let us know in the comments section below.
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