Breaking Free from Wacom: Samsung Explores New Stylus Tech with HiDeep

2024-12-23

Samsung’s S Pen, a hallmark of its premium devices, has long relied on Wacom’s renowned EMR technology for its exceptional performance. However, the company is reportedly venturing into new territory, collaborating with South Korean chipmaker HiDeep to develop a groundbreaking stylus solution.

This innovative technology aims to eliminate the need for a separate digitizer layer, a key factor in device thickness, particularly for foldable phones. By removing this dependency, Samsung and HiDeep envision a future where stylus support can be integrated into devices more seamlessly, potentially opening doors for wider adoption across the industry.

Currently, the S Pen utilizes Wacom’s EMR technology, which requires a dedicated digitizer layer within the device. While this approach ensures high precision, it adds to the overall thickness, especially in foldable devices where space is at a premium. In contrast, Apple’s Apple Pencil, while requiring a battery, bypasses the need for a separate digitizer layer.

HiDeep’s ambition lies in developing a universal solution that transcends brand limitations. The company has previously announced collaborations with a leading global smartphone manufacturer, hinting at the potential for widespread adoption of its technology.

ETNews reports that this partner is none other than Samsung itself. This revelation suggests that Samsung may be seeking to not only enhance its own S Pen experience but also potentially license this new technology to other manufacturers, particularly Chinese brands.

Given Samsung

By enabling the integration of stylus functionality without compromising on device thinness, this new technology could significantly impact the future of foldable phones, making them more appealing to consumers and driving further innovation in this burgeoning market.

What Undercode Says:

This development holds significant implications for the mobile industry. Samsung’s move away from Wacom’s established technology signals a desire for greater control and potentially more cost-effective solutions.

The partnership with HiDeep, a South Korean company, also highlights the growing importance of domestic collaborations within the South Korean tech ecosystem.

Furthermore, the potential for this technology to be licensed to Chinese smartphone brands underscores the increasing interconnectedness and competition within the global mobile market.

If successful, this new stylus technology could democratize stylus support, making it more accessible across a wider range of devices. This could lead to a surge in stylus-based applications and experiences, enriching the user experience and unlocking new avenues for creativity and productivity on mobile devices.

However, several challenges remain. Ensuring the new technology maintains the high level of accuracy and responsiveness that users expect from the S Pen will be crucial. Additionally, overcoming any potential compatibility issues across different devices and operating systems will be essential for widespread adoption.

Ultimately, the success of this endeavor will depend on the seamless integration of this new stylus technology into devices, its ability to deliver a superior user experience, and its widespread adoption across the mobile ecosystem.