Surface Pro 3 Update Prepares the Way for New Pen Functionality

There are a few selling points for the Surface Pro 3 that make the device a clear winner in functionality over other platform tablets. Following my Surface Pro 3 Diary series should help you understand that the Surface Pro 3 is more than just a mere tablet and can truly be a more than adequate replacement for all your computing needs. One thing I've not written about yet (but I will) is the pen functionality, and sadly, it's because I don't find that it fits within my computing requirements. It’s a nice feature, but I've yet to find true value. Sure, I've used it to scribble in paint-type programs, and more recently to try and figure out what all the hubbub was about for Adobe's 30-day trial for the revamped Illustrator for Surface Pro 3, but that's about it. The option is there if I ever need it, but I'm coming to the conclusion that I never will.

So, maybe that will change soon. On October 6, Microsoft released an out-of-band System Update for the Surface Pro 3.

The update did little more than update the Surface Pen Driver, but Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 History page suggests that the intent for the updated driver is to lay groundwork for upcoming configuration options. The update takes the Surface Pen Driver to version 2.0.1145.0.

Who knows what's coming, but it must be significant if Microsoft chose to deliver the update outside the normally scheduled Patch Tuesday. We'll have to wait and see. Could it make me use the pen more with my Surface Pro 3? Probably not.

UPDATE: Surface Pro Artist is reporting that the driver update is preparing the way for a Control Panel app that delivers Pen customization features. The app will be delivered through the Windows Store, and will offer pen sensitivity adjustments and offer the ability to choose which OneNote version (desktop or modern) that the pen top interacts with.