14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is one of the first companies that invested in the modern stylus, as the Surface Pen currently comes with state-of-the-art features, and it appears that the software giant is planning to continue its focus in this area.
The upcoming Windows 10 Redstone is expected to put the stylus at the core of universal apps by allowing developers to integrate in their apps features that have until now been exclusive to Microsoft apps.
Russia-based OneTile has come across two elements that are expected to make their debut in Windows 10 Redstone (but which could be removed at any moment if Microsoft decides so) which would enable developers to use two new tools called RadialController and InkToolbar.
More tools for stylus users
The RadialController seems to be a feature similar to the circular formatting menu that Microsoft is currently offering in OneNote and which allows users to select different tools to customize their notes. Microsoft wants to give devs the option of integrating this menu in their apps for easy customization of font appearance and size, colors, and other settings.
The InkToolbar, on the other hand, would bring the web annotations features that are implemented in Microsoft Edge in other apps too. Microsoft launched the browser with much fanfare last year, putting the annotations features in the spotlight with every occasion. Now it appears that Redmond wants to allow developers to offer the same options in their apps, again with the goal of boosting adoption of the stylus and thus give Windows 10 a new productivity side.
Without a doubt, Microsoft’s long-term plan is to also boost adoption of universal apps, which can thus benefit from a wider array of features, no matter the device. For the moment, however, these features are still in development, and unless Microsoft suddenly changes its plans, they should be here with the Redstone update.