The pen just got SMART: Phree lets you make calls, shows mobile notifications and lets you write notes on ANY surface for them to appear on your phone
- Phree lets users write notes on any surface from a table to a person's hand
- Words are sent via Bluetooth, and ultimately typed, onto a paired mobile
- Pen also doubles up as a Bluetooth headset and shows notifications
- OTM Technologies has launched a Kickstarter to fund the smart pen
The $169 (£108) Phree stylus (pictured) lets users write on any surface, and the words appear on the screen of a connected mobile device
Typos are the scourge of using a touchscreens.
But a new smart pen helps you avoid spelling mistakes by letting you write notes on any surface, which then appear on your phone's screen automatically.
Called Phree, the $169 (£108) stylus also doubles up as a Bluetooth headset and shows your phone's notifications on a built-in display.
Phree has been developed by Israel-based OTM Technologies and the firm has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the gadget.
OTM stands for Optical Translation Measurement, and Phree uses this patented technology with a 3D laser interferometer sensor to track motion.
In particular, it uses motion tracking lasers to follow the movement of the pen and trace the shape of the letters.
These letters can be traced onto any surface including a table, chair, hand or even a wall.
The words are then typed onto the phone's screen via Bluetooth, onto a range of compatible apps such as OneNote, Office, Viber and more.
And, by learning a person's handwriting style and the way they hold their pen, Phree can be used as a biometric tool.
Scroll down for video
Phree (left) has been developed by Israel-based OTM Technologies and the firm has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the device. OTM stands for Optical Translation Measurement, and Phree uses this patented technology with a 3D laser interferometer sensor (pictued right) to track motion
In particular, Phree uses motion tracking lasers to follow the movement of the pen and trace the shape of the letters. These letters can be traced onto any surface including a table, chair (pictured), hand or even a wall
Plus, Phree recognises drawings, annotations and other symbols so users can send hand-drawn emojis.
Elsewhere, a small display on the side of the pen shows notifications and text messages which can be replied to directly from the screen.
And it has a built-in speaker and microphone meaning it can be used as a Bluetooth headset to make phone calls.
'We live in a world of screens,' said the designers.
'But writing or drawing on them isn’t always spontaneous and doesn’t always feel natural, especially if they’re put away somewhere.
'Phree lets you write, draw, annotate, and express yourself in countless other ways.'
Elsewhere, a small display on the side of the pen shows notifications and text messages which can be replied to directly from the screen. And it has a built-in speaker and microphone meaning it can be used as a Bluetooth headset to make phone calls (demonstrated)
The prototype Phree is 5.5-inches (142 mm) long, 0.7-inches (18mm) wide and 0.3-inches (8.5mm) thick.
It weighs 30g and is available in black, grey, silver and gold.
People can pre-order Phree from the firm's Kickstarter campaign for $129 (£82), but it is expected to retail for $169 (£108) when it goes on sale in April 2016.
The campaign has raised almost $83,900 (£53,500) of its $100,000 (£63,900) goal and the it ends on 26 June.
Most watched News videos
- Bridgerton actress has her phone robbed by prolific Algerian thief
- Katie Price shocks fans with new face
- Raging Newsom tears up while revealing dire prediction
- TWIX advert banned on TV for encouraging dangerous driving
- Greta touches back down in Sweden after being deported from Israel
- Bridgerton actress fights back after getting phone stolen in London
- Court hearing turns into chaos after mom tries to make a snack
- Groom faints at wedding altar in Brazil
- WATCH: Take a look at how McDonald's make their famous burgers
- Shocking moment gunman opens fire at Austria school killing 11
- Tulsi Gabbard warns world on brink of 'nuclear annihilation'
- Shocking living conditions of Pheobe Bishop's housemate in QLD
