Livescribe approached Whipsaw to design a wirelessly connected pen used for simultaneous handwriting capture and audio recording for learning applications. This is made possible via a small camera located on the tip of the pen that records a microdot pattern on Livescribe “dot paper” while also recording ambient noise in the room. With this solution, users can go back to a note later, tap on it, and hear the audio recording from the exact time of writing the note.
The Echo pen was the first product in the market to combine reading, writing, speaking, and listening in a simple pen and paper format. Students and professionals are empowered to read their notes and re-listen to a lecture or speech simultaneously. Echo’s learning and retention benefits are enhanced by Whipsaw’s design – it is easy to hold with sculptural ergonomic contouring, has a compact configuration, and has a flat detail to prevent rolling.
For the next iteration of the smartpen, Whipsaw made the Livescribe 3 more in the vernacular of a refined, classic pen. It features sleek forms, a diamond knurl pattern, chromed steel, and a polished barrel. Twisting the middle ring turns the pen on and exposes a ballpoint nib. A capacitive nub on the top is used as a touch screen stylus, underneath which is a charging port. A new Livescribe 3 app then gives users the ability to share digitized notes via email, SMS, AirDrop, Dropbox or Evernote.
– David Pierce, The Verge
