Bluetooth and digital signatures? Big changes rumored for Galaxy Note 9’s S Pen

Android Authority

• Rumors suggest the S Pen on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 9 could have Bluetooth connectivity.
• Features mentioned include the ability to take pictures remotely and for use as a pointer during presentations.
• The S Pen is also expected to carry a digital signature function that will store signatures for authentification purposes.

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Samsung is reportedly planning to introduce some big changes to the S Pen on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

According to ETNews, the Galaxy Note 9 S Pen’s functionality will go beyond that of a simple stylus with remote features and unique authentification tech. The report fits in with claims from leaker Ice Universe and others that suggest the S Pen will be Bluetooth enabled.

ETNews cites a “senior official” within Samsung who claims that Note 9 users will be able to use the S Pen to take pictures remotely and control music, as well as use the stylus as a pointer during presentations.

Change is coming August 9th 2018. Can you keep up? #Unpacked pic.twitter.com/ToJkS28eXc

— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) June 27, 2018

Should the rumors about remote connectivity be true, it would mean the S Pen would need its own battery in order to supply the power for the Bluetooth connection. SamsungMobile.News recently noted in a tweet that the S Pen will have a small battery that will be charged when in the smartphone.

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ETNews also expects the S Pen to have a digital signature function. It states that Samsung has been working with Japanese company Wacom to come up with a way to store a signature as a method of authentification. Samsung admitted it was working on a digital signature feature last summer, although this is the first we have heard of it since then.

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Note 9 on August 9.  The official invite image focused on a close up of the S Pen with the caption “Change is coming.” This would at least suggest that Samsung has something big in store for the Note 9’s stylus. We’ll have to wait to see whether or not the changes are as drastic as those we’ve heard about today.

What do you think of the mooted next-gen S Pen features? Let us know in the comments.

Next up: Samsung Galaxy Note 9: All the rumors in one place

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