The Livescribe 3 Smartpen packages a wealth of technology in an elegant writing instrument.
It’s a Smartpen that keeps getting smarter! Last August, we discussed the Livescribe Echo, which is still a highly capable tool. The newer iteration is the Livescribe 3 Smartpen, which the manufacturer says, “turns your words into action.” As with the Echo, Livescribe 3 looks like that relic of the 20th century, a ballpoint pen. However, concealed within that retro exterior is an astonishing array of technological wizardry: An infrared camera records data to a multicore ARM processor and Bluetooth Smart chipset, stored with flash memory—all powered by a lithium-ion battery. The Bluetooth technology ensures a reliable wireless connection to a laptop or smartphone, efficiently extending battery power between charges. Livescribe 3 can be an excellent solution for high school and college students with dyslexia, ADHD, test anxiety, PTSD, or other learning disability, reducing much of the stress these students face by recording a lecture while they take notes, and easily access these later on while studying.
New to the Livescribe 3 are the following:
- The new version uses Bluetooth wireless technology.
- Unlike Echo, the new pen interacts with the speakers and mics already built into the computing device.
- Because audio is stored on the computing device, Smartpen memory is freed up to store notes.
- The new Smartpen uses the new Livescribe+ app to put all needed data in a single place.
- New dot-paper controls allows the user to tag notes while writing.
- The same control that extends and retracts the ink cartridge controls the pen turns the Livescribe 3 on and off; a cap is no longer needed.
The Livescribe 3 uses special, yet inexpensive, dot paper to record text and pictures.
As the user (or an assistant) writes a notes on special, yet inexpensive dot-pattern paper, they appear instantly on a screen of the Livescribe app on laptop, tablet, or smartphone. (The ink cartridges in the pen are replaced easily.) One then merely swipes the on-screen handwriting and print text appears instantly. This file can then be sent anywhere. What’s more, the Livescribe-enabled computing device can record speech (even while the user is writing). The user simply taps the Smartpen on the RECORD and PLAY boxes on the Livescribe dot paper. Notes, such as a meeting date, are converted to text and appear in one’s calendar or appointment apps. By tapping on notes, one can play back audio. All these activities “turn your words into action.”
Livescribe+ App
Livescribe+ is an app that works with both iOS and Android devices. Notes—even drawings—made with the Livescribe 3 are recorded on a tablet or smartphone. (What’s more, the same Livescribe 3 Smartpen can be used to send messages to both enabled devices.) In Page View, one sees the notes exactly as they appeared on paper. A Feed View separates notes into useful bits that are arranged chronologically for later uses. Recorded audio can be matched or coordinated to any of these bits. What’s more, written notes can be easily searched. Text and picture files are quickly shared as PDFs through e-mail, the Messages app, Evernote, Dropbox, and similar programs.
Looking Further
New Jersey residents can learn more about Livescribe Smartpens and other AT devices by stopping by our booth at the New York Metro Abilities Expo, at the NJ Convention and Expo Center in Edison May 4 through 6. As always, our Assistive Technology Center team is always there to answer any questions.
Livescribe 3 Smartpen
