Collaboration Aims To Wirelessly Charge Active Styluses Using Mobile Devices  

NFC Forum Wireless Charging Specification To Be Integrated Into Universal Stylus Initiative Styluses  

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – November 19, 2020 – The NFC Forum and the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding today that points out a collaboration plan to allow USI members to integrate the NFC Forum’s Near Field Communications (NFC) Wireless Charging Specification (WLC) in their products and to verify standards compliance by utilizing the NFC Forum Certification Program.  The integration of WLC will allow rechargeable USI styluses to be wirelessly charged with a smartphone, mobile computing device or other NFC charging device at a power transfer rate of up to one watt.   

“Wireless charging is an important part of the USI solution as power management and standard interfaces are key elements of an active stylus pen and contributes to a seamless USI user experience across multiple devices,” said Peter Mueller, chairman, USI. “This collaboration will allow USI to leverage the NFC wireless charging specification to develop charging solutions for USI styluses including the test and certification procedure. It will reference external standards and specifications like NFC Forum’s WLC and its certification program.”  

The WLC enables a single antenna in an NFC-enabled device to manage both communications and charging. This solution makes it easier and more convenient to charge low-power IoT devices such as smart watches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, and other consumer devices like active styluses. The NFC communication technology also allows for setup and configuration of the active stylus while it is being charged.    

USI offers the only open, non-proprietary, active stylus solution available capable of simplifying consumers’ lives by having one stylus for use with multiple touch-enabled devices.   

“Wireless charging eliminates the plug and connector hassle of modern digital life.  The NFC Forum’s specification work in this area is well suited for charging USI styluses because it will enable a globally interoperable market,” said Koichi Tagawa, chair, NFC Forum. “Wirelessly rechargeable styluses are an ideal, practical application of the NFC Forum’s wireless charging specification and use of the NFC Forum certification program.”   

About The NFC Forum Wireless Charging Specification 

Launched earlier this year, the WLC specification uses the 13.56 MHz base frequency and leverages the NFC communication link to control the power transfer.  NFC technology is unique in that it allows the transfer of power to an NFC tag to enable communication by providing a constant carrier signal. The WLC specification extends this communication functionality of NFC technology to enable wireless charging.   

About Universal Stylus Initiative 

 USI is a global, not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.   

About the NFC Forum 

The NFC Forum was launched as a non-profit industry association in 2004 by leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. The Forum’s mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability among devices and services, and educating the market about NFC technology. The Forum’s global member companies are currently developing specifications for a modular NFC device architecture, and protocols for interoperable data exchange and device-independent service delivery, device discovery, and device capability. Only member companies can participate in the Forum’s certification program of NFC devices, readers and tags.   

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14 Companies Launching Products Using USI 1.0 – First Open Standard Active Stylus Protocol Available

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – September 26, 2019 – The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) unveiled today the first 14 companies with products using the USI 1.0 Stylus and Device Specification — the first open standard active stylus protocol available on the market.

USI 1.0 replaces propriety approaches with a single solution allowing a stylus to be used across a wide range of touch-enabled devices, including phones, tablets, computing and entertainment platforms.  For the first time independent hardware vendors (IHVs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the software ecosystem can develop a new generation of active styluses that provide consumers a consistent, customizable and interoperable experience across make, model and form-factor.

The following companies use USI 1.0 in their active stylus products:  Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd., Cirel Systems, Elan Microelectronics Corporation, Google, Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd., Hanvon Technology Co., Ltd., HiDeep, Inc., HP, Inc., Intel Corporation, MAXEYE, Silicon Integrated Systems Corporation, Sunrex Technnology Corporation, Sunwoda Electronic Company, Waltop International Corporation.

Access the Product Showcase for a list of products using USI 1.0 with downloadable images, product descriptions and USI supporting statements: https://universalstylus.org/product-showcase/.

“Our vision is of a single, active stylus capable of operating with all the devices that a consumer owns or uses in the workplace or at home. USI 1.0  makes this vision a reality by providing a next generation active stylus option that is an alternative to current proprietary solutions,” said Peter Mueller, chairman, USI.  “Intel, Google and 30 other global companies were involved in the development of the USI 1.0 Specification helping to ensure its marketplace acceptance and implementation.”

USI 1.0 Specification And Active Styluses Positioned For Growth

The global multi-touch screen market was valued at $6 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach $16 billion by 2023 according to analyst reports.  USI 1.0 is well-positioned for growth with Google Chromebook standardizing on USI 1.0 last year and Android accounting for almost 60 percent of tablet operating systems.  In addition, USI members Lenovo, HP and Dell, Inc., account for over 60 percent of  the global PC market.

“It’s been a ‘David vs Goliaths’ scenario for us since USI was established four years ago so we are excited to see the first wave of products using USI 1.0 launching in the market.  Due to the many benefits of an open standard and the strong support from our membership, we expect USI adoption will continue to grow,” added Mueller.

USI 1.0:  First Open, Non-proprietary Active Stylus Specification

The USI 1.0 Specification defines a standard signaling mechanism and communication protocol between a stylus and a touch-enabled device. The 1.0 Specification features a robust two-way protocol designed from the ground up to support a rich set of base features including multiple, simultaneous styluses as well as extensibility for per-vendor customization and future usages.

Users will be able to use a single USI stylus across all of their USI-enabled devices and any USI stylus shipped with devices will work with other USI-enabled devices, even those from different manufacturers. Additionally, the USI 1.0 Specification also provides the capability to use multiple styluses from different manufacturers on a single device. This is a breakthrough capability and industry-first enabled by the USI 1.0 Specification.

An additional benefit of the USI standard is the ability to deliver a consistent stylus user experience across platforms. This consistency and ease-of-use, coupled with interoperability, increases the consumer appeal of an active stylus and will help proliferate the technology.

• See the products using USI 1.0
• Read the case studies
• Download USI logo and spokesperson images
• Watch the USI video
• Learn more about USI
• Join the active stylus revolution

About Universal Stylus Initiative

The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is a global, not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

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Industry Statements in Support of USI

Cirel Systems

Active capacitive pen technology has been maturing over the years but has remained restricted to few products as the communication protocols between pen and device have been proprietary. An open standard is a key step in making this technology accessible to a larger user base. The first implementations of USI are now ready for market deployment and are realizing the promise of a low cost, low power yet noise resilient digital inking solution which bodes well for adoption of inking by a wider variety of touch-enabled products in the very near future.   

Elan Microelectronics Corporation

ELAN, being the world leader in touch controller with active stylus support, is happy to announce we have readily available solutions today and will be in brand products by next calendar year. Having first shipped inside devices with proprietary pens dating back to 2013, ELAN is in full support of industry standard that will bring about the best user experience.  

Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd (Goodix)

USI introduced two-way communication two years ago, when most of the market didn’t see the potential for achieving commercialization of such an advanced, unique feature at that time. Goodix was an early adopter of USI and has new products scheduled to be available this year. 

Google

Google Chromebook aims to build better computing through the application of the founding principles of “speed, security and simplicity”– and, in the case of active styluses, that means Google supports the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI). Google joined USI over a year ago with the plan to implement USI’s open, standard active stylus specification across Chrome OS. (From USI published case study).

HiDeep, Inc. 

HiDeep Touch Controller ICs, iST945Au and iST1245Au are fully compliant with USI 1.0 protocol specifications.  The ICs communicate bi-directionally with a USI stylus and provide a great inking performance with strong noise immunity.  The ICs have passed USI and Google’s AVL tests and have shown good interoperability performance with styluses available on the market.

HP

At HP, we’re always striving to enhance our user’s computing experience, both with innovative hardware and software solutions. Our new HP Rechargeable USI Pen is a perfect example; giving users a more compelling way to interact with their PC. The new USI pen, combined with our first USI supported Chromebook x360 laptops, will enable users to fully enjoy the Chrome experience, whether it’s for editing, drawing, sketching, or taking notes. We’re very excited about expanding this technology to future HP devices.

Maxeye Smart Technologies Co., Ltd.

USI is a stylus alliance promoted by many well-known enterprises. Continuous optimization of the protocol and performance will greatly promote the development of stylus technology. 

Silicon Integrated Systems Corporation

From developing both USI-enabled touch controllers and USI stylus controllers, SiS has built up a strong knowledge-base and experience in interoperability of USI devices and USI styluses. Thus, SiS is capable of supporting various USI stylus pens on SiS USI-enabled touch controllers as well as SiS USI stylus controllers or other USI-enabled touch controllers. That’s also a key goal of USI technology — to provide customers an interoperable experience across various form-factors or platforms. 

Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd.

Sunwoda is a professional active pen ODM provider. As a member of USI, Sunwoda is trying its best to provide a perfect USI pen to customers.

Sunrex Technology Corporation

Sunrex Technology Corp. fully supports the Universal Stylus Initiative that propels forward the standardization of stylus pen technology protocol.

Waltop International Corp.

Waltop’s involvement with USI from Day One was customer-driven.  Customers want an open, standard active stylus specification featuring bi-directional communication with multi-stylus support — what Waltop calls “Grab-n-Write” —  meaning any USI-enabled active stylus can write on any USI-enabled device.  Implementing the USI solution has increased the options and products we are able to offer our customers. 

Elected Board Members Include Google, Hanvon, Intel, Lenovo, Solomon-Systech, Synaptics, Wacom and Waltop

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – June 13, 2018 – The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) elected eight member companies to its 2018 Board of Directors including representatives from Google, Hanvon, Intel, Lenovo, Solomon-Systech, Synaptics, Wacom and Waltop.

Also announced today was the addition of eight new members joining USI to support adoption of USI’s Open Active Stylus Standard.  BIC, Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd., and Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd., joined USI at the Contributor level.  The following companies will participate at the Adopter level: Faber-Castell AG; HiDeep, Inc.; Parade Technologies, Ltd.; Pixart Imaging Inc.; STAEDTLER Mars GmbH & Co. KG and Thehan Inc.  USI has over 30 global member companies and was formed to develop and promote an open industry specification for an active stylus.  USI draws innovative member organizations from all regions of the globe reflecting the increasing worldwide interest in adoption and implementation of an open active stylus solution.

“USI has a strong Board of Directors, an active and growing membership and the first and only open, non-proprietary active stylus specification,” said Peter Mueller, chairman, USI.  “Indications are that there will be released products based on the USI 1.0 Specification available this year.  The industry adoption of USI will provide consumers with more stylus options, new capabilities and great performance across multiple classes of devices.”

• Watch the USI video
• Learn more about USI
• Join the active stylus revolution

USI 1.0:  First Open, Non-proprietary Active Stylus Specification

The USI 1.0 Specification provides independent hardware vendors (IHVs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the first time an industry standard, non-proprietary, active stylus protocol. It enables the OEM, IHV and software ecosystem to develop a new generation of active styluses that provide consumers a consistent, customizable and interoperable experience across make, model and form-factor.

The USI 1.0 Specification also enables new usages for active styluses, such as multiple styluses operating simultaneously on a single device. The USI specification can be implemented on a wide range of touch-enabled devices, including phones, tablets, computing and entertainment platforms.

About Universal Stylus Initiative

Launched in 2015, Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is an international not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

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For Further Information

Bob Olson

Virtual Inc.

+1 781-876-8839

[email protected]

New Members Include Leading Business and Consumer Technology Companies

 WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – January 30, 2018 – Six companies joined The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) to support the advancement of an open active stylus standard it was announced today.  Google LLC, 3M Touch Systems, Inc., Lattice Semiconductor, Maxeye Smart Technologies Co., Ltd., MyScript and Tactual Labs Co. have all joined the world’s largest, open, active stylus solution, member-driven industry association.

With this announcement USI membership has grown to over 30 companies.  USI was formed to develop and promote an open industry specification for an active stylus and released the first universal stylus and device specification last year.

• Watch the USI video
• Learn more about USI
• Join the active stylus revolution

“USI’s newest members span a wide range of industries and products across multiple consumer and business markets,” said Peter Mueller, chairman, USI.  “This healthy mix demonstrates the versatility of the USI 1.0 specification, creates fertile ground to spark innovation and points toward the growing strength of the active stylus ecosystem worldwide.”

USI 1.0:  First Open, Non-proprietary Active Stylus Specification

The USI 1.0 Specification provides independent hardware vendors (IHVs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the first time an industry standard, non-proprietary, active stylus protocol. It enables the OEM, IHV and software ecosystem to develop a new generation of active styluses that provide consumers a consistent, customizable and interoperable experience across make, model and form-factor.

The USI 1.0 Specification also enables new usages for active styluses, such as multiple styluses operating simultaneously on a single device. The USI specification can be implemented on a wide range of touch-enabled devices, including phones, tablets, computing and entertainment platforms.

USI draws innovative member organizations from all regions of the globe reflecting the increasing worldwide interest in adoption and implementation of an open active stylus solution.  New members include:

Promoter Member:

Google LLC

Contributor Members:

MyScript
Tactual Labs Co.

Adopter Members:

3M Touch Systems, Inc.
Lattice Semiconductor
Maxeye Smart Technologies Co., Ltd.

 About Universal Stylus Initiative

Launched in 2015, Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is an international not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

For Further Information
Bob Olson
Virtual Inc.
+1 781-876-8839
[email protected]

Industry-First: Active Stylus Works Seamlessly Across Multiple Devices

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – September 22, 2016 – The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) marked a technological and market breakthrough today with the announcement of the availability of the USI 1.0 Stylus and Device Specification. Over 30 global companies were involved in the development of the USI 1.0 Specification.

The USI 1.0 Specification provides independent hardware vendors (IHVs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the first time an industry standard, non-proprietary, active stylus protocol. This solution will enable the OEM, IHV and software ecosystem to develop a new generation of active styluses that provide consumers a consistent, customizable and interoperable experience across make, model and form-factor. The USI 1.0 Specification also enables new usages for active styluses, such as multiple styluses operating simultaneously on a single device. The USI Specification can be implemented on a wide range of touch-enabled devices, including phones, tablets, computing and entertainment platforms.

Approximately 259 million tablets will ship in 2016 according to Gartner, Inc. Most of those tablets will be active-stylus-capable and ship bundled with a stylus. Touch Display Research predicts that active-stylus market revenue will double from nearly $3 billion in 2016 to almost $6 billion over the next four years.

The development of USI 1.0 Specification was a collaboration among several companies including multinational OEMs (Dell Inc.; HP Inc.; Lenovo Group Ltd.), as well as silicon and component providers (Atmel/Microchip Corporation; Cirque Corporation; Hanvon Technology Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Sharp Corporation; Synaptics Inc.; Wacom Co., Ltd.; Waltop International Corporation).  Sharp Corporation, Hanvon Technology Co., Ltd and Waltop International Corporation recently demonstrated a working implementation of the USI 1.0 Specification. (Watch the video).

“Our goal was to have a single, universal stylus capable of operating with all the devices that a consumer owns or uses in the workplace. The USI 1.0 Specification achieves this goal. It replaces multi-protocol, propriety approaches with a single solution for the entire marketplace to use.” said Peter Mueller, chairman, USI. “The USI 1.0 Specification was developed with input and broad support from key industry players.  Their close involvement will help ensure its rapid marketplace acceptance and implementation.”

About the USI 1.0 Stylus and Device Specification
The USI 1.0 Specification defines a standard signaling mechanism and communication protocol between a stylus and a touch-enabled device. The 1.0 Specification features a robust two-way protocol designed from the ground up to support a rich set of base features including multiple, simultaneous styluses as well as extensibility for per-vendor customization and future usages.

Users will be able to use a single USI stylus across all of their USI-enabled devices and any USI stylus shipped with devices will work with other USI-enabled devices, even those from different manufacturers. Additionally, the USI 1.0 Specification also provides the capability to use multiple styluses from different manufacturers on a single device. This is a breakthrough capability and industry-first enabled by the USI 1.0 Specification.

An additional benefit of the USI standard is the ability to deliver a consistent stylus user experience across platforms. This consistency and ease-of-use, coupled with interoperability, increases the consumer appeal of an active stylus and will help proliferate the technology.

About Universal Stylus Initiative
Launched in 2015, Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is an international not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

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USI Stylus and Device Specification Supporting Member Statements

Atmel (a subsidiary of Microchip Technology)
Richard Kerslake-Smith, Senior Product Manager – Atmel (a subsidiary of Microchip Technology)

As a founding member of the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI), Atmel, a subsidiary of Microchip Technology, is excited to see the release of the V1.0 specification. This initiative involved truly industry-wide collaboration to produce an interoperable, feature-rich universal stylus standard. Significant contributions by Atmel to the specification through technical work groups (TWG), a chair of Protocol sub group and a communication work group (CWG) enabled the specification to be approved by the USI Board.

USI builds on the already proven transceiver architecture from Atmel, and with Atmel supporting future developments in USI through the technical steering group (TSG) and Touch Interface work group (TIWG) we look forward to supporting USI products in the near future.

Dell Inc.
Liam Quinn, Dell Client Solutions CTO

“Dell welcomes the USI v1.0 specification because it enables a great active stylus experience across a variety of touch-enabled devices,” says Liam Quinn, Dell Client Solutions CTO. “Enabling interoperability among multiple manufacturers also will help drive broad customer adoption of the active stylus.”

GP Batteries
Dr. Mingde Wang, Head of Strategic Business Unit, Lithium

GP Batteries is uniquely positioned to support the USI universal protocol with design-in focus on safe operation and dimensional stability for alkaline AAA/AAAA and Li Ion rechargeable.  Our Lithium Ion miniature batteries are equipped with multiple safety features, including safety circuits, shut-down separator and safety vent.   GP Batteries Li Ion cylindrical steel can cell design will not swell, optimizing stylus space requirements with a range of available diameters, 6.7mm to 10.4mm.

Hanvon Technology Co., Ltd.
Maxwell Xiang, General Manager of Hanvon Technology Co., Ltd.

As a board member of USI, Hanvon Technology has been actively promoting the construction and the verification of the standard. Up to now, Hanvon has realized the USI specification v1.0 stylus, which is tested to be of good compliance and can be in mass production. And we will take an active part in the upgrade of the USI standard and add more valuable extended functions for USI stylus in the future.

Lenovo Group, Ltd.
Ritch Russ, Director, Technology & Innovation Sourcing

“As one of the founding members of USI, Lenovo is excited about the release of the V1.0 specification and the innovation and interoperability that it enables for digital stylus,” said Ritch Russ, director, Technology and Innovation Sourcing, Lenovo.  “The new V1.0 specification is a key milestone for enhanced digital pen performance and adoption.”

Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
Alex Yuan, R&D VP

Raydium will focus on 10.1” ~ 15.6” on cell touch NB with USI stylus. The target customers are Top 5 NB brands.

Sharp Corporation
Masayuki Miyamoto, Engineering Director, Sharp

Sharp has been involved in the USI specification development from the very beginning and studied how to implement the specification effectively into a touch controller. An IC supporting USI V1.0 is already fabricated and samples are available for performance evaluation. The IC enables touch devices to support multiple active styluses at the same time and will be in mass production soon.

Wacom Co., Ltd.
Nobutaka IDE, Senior Vice President, Head of Technology Solution BU

Wacom is passionate about promoting digital pen and ink and leading efforts around the Digital Stationery Consortium.  We support activities of USI in that respect, and welcome the USI specification version 1.0 as an important milestone for widespread use of digital pen around the world.

Waltop International Corp.
Jerry Tang, President of WALTOP International Corp.

“Writing is a natural way of expressing ideas, and taking notes on all occasions. The writing history started very long time ago when culture started to be recorded. Generations after generations, writing is there for people to make records of occasions and preserve ideas. Yet this began to change when electronic input took place. In recent years input developments in mobile devices make pen input less used.

To bring writing back, Waltop has been dedicated to Digital Writing since 1997, and for 19 years, various efforts were made for this purpose.

In 2014 when USI was initiated, Waltop started to work jointly with those who shared the same concept of bring natural input back to the scene. Version 1.0 is now launched for making possible a stylus writing on different touch devices.

As before, Waltop will commit to writing and will adopt the USI spec into our stylus development and bring the USI stylus to market as soon as we can.”

Multiple Styluses Operating on a Single Device Communicating via USI 1.0 Protocol

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – May 26, 2016 – The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) announced today the industry’s first demonstration of multiple USI styluses, interfacing with a USI enabled Windows PC, following the recently completed USI 1.0 Device and Stylus Specification.

The demonstration is planned to coincide with COMPUTEX Taipei 2016 on Monday May 30, 2016, 1500-1700 (CST) at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), 1 Hsin-Yi Road, Section 5, Taipei, Taiwan in Room 103. Registration is free and open to the public.

“Since USI’s founding a little over a year ago, the organization has doubled to over 30 members and published the USI 1.0 global interoperable stylus specification,” said Peter Mueller, chairman, USI.  “Our next milestone is a live multiple stylus demonstration at COMPUTEX Taipei. The COMPUTEX demonstration is the first time multiple active styluses will be used with a touch-enabled device using the USI 1.0 specification.”

• Register for the live demonstration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/press_may16.
• Learn More: USI
• Members: USI members
• Join: USI

The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) defines industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, computing and entertainment platforms, enabling manufacturers to design products to a single standard, rather than the variety of proprietary approaches now in use. USI 1.0 styluses will be able to communicate with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits running on different operating systems – a new capability for the industry.

USI 1.0 also fosters a consistent user experience while increasing the availability and consumer appeal of the active stylus to provide industry-wide interoperability and functions and features not supported by current styluses.

About Universal Stylus Initiative

Launched in 2015, Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is an international not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

USI Board member companies include: Atmel Corporation; Hanvon Technology Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Lenovo Inc.; Sharp Corporation; Synaptics Inc.; Wacom Co., Ltd.; and Waltop International Corp. Membership in USI is required in order to obtain the specification and to license the IP that it contains. More information about USI and USI technology is available at https://universalstylus.org/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Universal Stylus Initiative Membership Grows to 31 Companies

Development of USI standard continues on track

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – Sept. 10, 2015 – The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) today announced that its membership has grown to 31 member companies, more than doubling since its launch earlier this year. USI is an organization formed to develop and promote a universal industry specification for an active stylus.

When USI was founded in April 2015, 12 companies had come together to develop the standard. The original group included Atmel Corporation; Hanvon Pentech Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Lenovo Inc.; Sharp Corporation; Synaptics Inc.; Wacom Co., Ltd.; and Waltop International Corp. at the Promoter level; and Dell Global B.V.; eGalax_eMPIA Technology Inc. (EETI); Elan Microelectronics Corporation; and Focal Tech Electronics, Ltd. at the Contributor level.

Since that time, leading notebook, tablet and display suppliers ASUSTeK Computer Inc., LG have joined the consortium. Support from stylus providers has expanded with KYE Systems Corp., Primax Electronics Ltd., Solid Year Co. Ltd. and Montblanc Simplo GmbH joining. Additional touch controller suppliers now participating include Parade Technologies, Silicon Integrated Systems Corp., STMicroelectronics International NV and Raydium Semiconductor Corporation. The full list of member companies can be found on the consortium’s website.

“We are very pleased to see a wide range of companies joining USI and helping to move it forward,” said Peter Mueller, Chairman of the organization. “Having so many join within just six months only validates the need for the standard and the work we’re doing. Their help will provide additional push for completion of the specification by the end of the year.”

The USI specification will make it possible for manufacturers to design products to a single standard, rather than the variety of proprietary approaches now in use, and it will be compatible with multiple OS solutions. USI seeks to provide a consistent user experience while increasing the availability and consumer appeal of the active stylus, while providing industry-wide interoperability and adding functions and features not supported by current styluses.

USI continues to accept additional member companies who are ready to be hands-on in completing and promoting a specification to achieve active stylus interoperability. USI welcomes any organization that wants to be involved in this industry initiative. Three levels for participation are available: Promoter, Contributor and Adopter.

About Universal Stylus Initiative

Launched in 2015, Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is an international not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

The USI Board members include Atmel Corporation; Hanvon Pentech Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Lenovo Inc.; Sharp Corporation; Synaptics Inc.; Wacom Co., Ltd.; and Waltop International Corp. Membership in USI is required in order to obtain the specification and to license the IP that it contains. More information about USI and USI technology is available at https://universalstylus.org/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Universal Stylus Initiative Launched to Create a Specification for an Active Stylus

Single USI Stylus Will Work Across Multiple Devices, Platforms

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – April 23, 2015 – Prominent OEMs, stylus and touch controller manufacturers today announced the launch of Universal Stylus Initiative (USI), a new organization formed to develop and promote an industry specification for an active stylus.

The USI specification will make it possible for manufacturers to design products to a single standard, rather than the variety of proprietary approaches now in use, and it will be compatible with current notebook computer operating system requirements. USI seeks to provide a consistent user experience while increasing the availability and consumer appeal of the active stylus, through providing industry-wide interoperability and adding functions and features not supported by current styluses.

Founding members of USI include Atmel Corporation; Hanvon Pentech Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Lenovo Inc.; Sharp Corporation; Synaptics Inc.; Wacom Co., Ltd.; and Waltop International Corp. at the Promoter level; and Dell Global B.V.;  eGalax_eMPIA Technology Inc. (EETI); Elan Microelectronics Corporation; and Focal Tech Electronics, Ltd. at the Contributor level.

USI technology will enable interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms from numerous manufacturers, allowing consumers to seamlessly write or draw on different devices with one high-quality stylus that delivers a realistic pen-on-paper experience. The group expects to publish the initial version of the USI specification in the third quarter of 2015.

“USI’s founding members have come together to enable interoperable active styluses that function across many content creation devices,” said Ajay Bhatt, Intel Fellow. “Our goal is to make the active stylus more affordable and widely available in the market. Consumers who buy USI-compatible devices will know that they work seamlessly with each other while providing a high-quality writing or drawing experience.”

“The market has sorely been needing a universal communication standard for active stylus,” said Jon Peddie of Jon Peddie Research. “To date the market has been limited by proprietary touch controller-stylus solutions, which limits OEM choices and cost reductions. With the USI specification released, we expect that the capacitive active stylus market will grow from 100 million units in 2015 to 300 million units in 2018, opening up new markets such as smartphones and all-in-one PCs.”

[Additional comments from USI founding member companies appear at the end of this press release.]

Features of the USI specification include the method by which the stylus communicates with content creation devices and provides additional information such as stylus pressure levels, button presses, erasing, and other features. Through the same sensor that one’s finger uses to command a device, the stylus communicates via different frequencies to perform the action of writing — writing with up to 2048 different levels of pressure to give the pen-on-paper experience and render thinner or thicker lines in note-taking, painting and doodling, just like an ink pen.

USI is currently accepting additional member companies who are ready to be hands-on in completing and promoting a specification to achieve active stylus interoperability. USI welcomes any organization that wants to be involved in this industry initiative. Several membership levels are available.

About Universal Stylus Initiative

Launched in 2015, Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is an international not-for-profit technology trade association whose mission is to define industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. The USI specification provides for a stylus capable of communicating with different touch sensors and touch controller integrated circuits, so that users can employ the same stylus across numerous touch-enabled devices, as long as each device’s touch controller is compliant with the USI specification.

USI founding members include Atmel Corporation; Hanvon Pentech Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Lenovo Inc.; Sharp Corporation; Synaptics Inc.; Wacom Co., Ltd.; and Waltop International Corp. at the Promoter level, and Dell Global B.V.;  eGalax_eMPIA Technology Inc. (EETI); Elan Microelectronics Corporation; and Focal Tech Electronics, Ltd. at the Contributor level. Membership in USI is required in order to obtain the specification and to license the IP that it contains. More information about USI and USI technology is available at www.unistylus.staging.wpengine.com.

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For further information:
Judith Vanderkay
Virtual, Inc., +1 (781) 876-6208
jvanderkay at virtualmgmt.com

SUPPORTING STATEMENTS FROM USI FOUNDING MEMBERS

Atmel Corporation

“As a leading provider of touch solutions, we identified a need to develop a standardized specification for an active stylus across multiple platforms,” said Stan Swearingen, SVP, CTO and GM of Touch Business Unit, Atmel Corporation. “As a founding member of Universal Stylus Initiative, we partnered with 11 other companies to define and drive a ubiquitous standard across platforms with capacitive touchscreens. We are excited to launch this new initiative and standardized specification, and believe it will drive more active styluses into the market, creating an evolution of touchscreen devices into content creation devices.”

Elan Microelectronics Corporation

“With device form factors converging, the demand from consumption to productivity is key in the next stage of technology revolution. We firmly believe that the active capacitive stylus, because it scales to multiple screens and sizes, is the right solution to meet this demand,” said Joe Yeh, Special Executive, President’s Office.

Hanvon Pentech Co., Ltd.

“As an expert in pen input technology and production for over two decades, Hanvon Pentech owns 140 patents and always believes in the beauty of using a digital pen to capture inspirations,” said James Zhang, General Manager of Hanvon Pentech. “The initiative helps to eliminate the limits among touch screens, allowing users to use the same stylus to create content on different mobile devices, while providing excellent and precise writing and drawing experience. As a founding member of USI, Hanvon Pentech is dedicated to the development and promotion of the universal stylus. A new era of expression is coming.”

Synaptics Inc.

“Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) benefits the consumer by defining a common stylus interface to ensure interoperability between pens and devices while simultaneously providing room for manufacturers to innovate,” said Wallace Pai, VP Large Display Business, Synaptics. “As the leading provider of human interface solutions and a founding member of USI, Synaptics sees a great opportunity to develop customized features that advance the tablet and notebook user experience.”

Wacom Co., Ltd.

“With the right technologies and IT environment in place now, mobile products such as smartphones and tablets are ready to embrace the stylus as a primary input interface to support human creativity. As the IT industry and customers’ ability to manipulate their devices mature, we believe the stylus, the most intuitive tool in human history, is about to gain momentum rapidly among mobile products. Wacom is happy to take the lead in this momentous shift,” said Masahiko Yamada, president & CEO of Wacom.

Waltop International Corp.

“As a company engaged in developing and promoting the use of the stylus, the most natural input for digital devices, for over 17 years, Waltop has observed the increase in stylus demand for digital devices, as well as the decrease of pen use among students. An initiative to push forward the adoption of the stylus among digital users will effectively advance its use on all mobile devices, in addition to notebook computers,” said Ben Lee, Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “Based on broad knowledge about using digital styluses developed over the years, Waltop is pleased to take part in this group in order to realize its long-lasting vision of bringing pens back to people in writing, sketching, and the numerous other occasions when grabbing a pen and a piece of paper seems so natural.”