N-Trig: Microsoft Acquires Surface Pen Technology from Israeli Firm N-trig

Rumors of a deal between the two companies first began to swirl in FebruaryFor many Surface users, the Surface Pen is critical to the whole device experience. It is one of the things that sets Microsoft's device apart from most other tablets on the market. And who else would know this better than Microsoft itself? The Redmond-based tech giant has acquired the technology behind the digital pen from Israeli firm N-trig."Today we are excited to have acquired advanced digital pen technology from N-trig Ltd., with whom we've partnered closely for several years," Microsoft announced Friday. "We can't wait to show you what we'll deliver for our Surface Fans in the future. Digital pens have a ways to go to be as good as pen and paper on some dimensions, and we'll get there. But more importantly, adding the ability to capture and share the work you do with a digital pen opens up possibilities that traditional pen and paper just can't match. Today's investment is another step that will let us push that innovation forward."A deal between the two was first rumored in February, when Israeli media outlet Calcalist claimed Microsoft had bought N-trig for a whopping $200 million. Late last month, however, the venerable Wall Street Journal entered the scene and brought that figure down to $30 million. It's not clear which - if any - of those figures is accurate.Follow Pulkit on Google+