Back at CES we got an early look at WRITEit, Lenovo's forthcoming utility that lets you use a stylus in any text field in Windows. Currently, stylus support for Windows is limited to Modern apps on Windows tablets, which is fine for most uses, but it becomes less useful in traditional x86 applications due to the extra steps needed.
WRITEit solves this by detecting the stylus in text fields, including web browsers. It lets stylus users truly convert to that pen input method full-time with no compromises.
Even better, WRITEit improves the stylus experience, even in Modern apps. Here's why:
- It hides the stylus input windows, which takes up significant space in Windows 8.1
- It provides auto-suggestions
- Prevents the digital keyboard from popping up
- Works in any text field on Windows
The beta for WRITEit went live today, and it is an open to anyone. However, only a select few devices work with it for now, including:
- ThinkPad Helix
- ThinkPad Yoga
- ThinkPad Tablet 10
More Lenovo devices are expected to be added as the beta program expands and improves over the coming months. Lenovo told us they expected a finalized version sometime this spring, which seems doable.
Unfortunately for Surface users, this tool will not install on non-Lenovo hardware and Microsoft has failed to provide something similar to its users. However, we would not be surprised if some minor hacking by users can get this working, ahem, on any device with pen input. We'll be following that closely for any developments.
For now, if you are a lucky owner of one of those three devices, you can head to Lenovo's WRITEit page to get started. You can also watch their demo video to see it in action, in addition to our hands-on demo at CES.
Source: Lenovo WRITEit
