Upcoming Surface Pro 3 update will allow you to control pen sensitivity

Hammad Saleem

Surface Pro 3

The pen on the Surface Pro 3 is one of the most intriguing features of the tablet; it allows users to take notes, and perform plethora of tasks on the device. Clicking on the top button on the pen launches OneNote so you can take notes on the go. According to a new report, Microsoft will soon give users the ability to control the pressure sensitivity of the accessory — this will be done with the help of an app, which will hit the Windows Store in about two weeks. 

The folks at SurfaceProArtists managed to get a confirmation from Microsoft’s Markus Weickenmeier during the Adobe Max conference — yes, that’s the same even where Microsoft gave away free Surface Pro 3 units to the attendees. The utility will also enable users to change the cap button settings to choose between the desktop and modern OneNote app.

Unfortunately, the app won’t allow users to map the pen’s side buttons, but since Microsoft is so keen to let users control its sensitivity, the side buttons access may come in future updates. Releasing it as a Windows Store app is a good idea as it can enable the software giant to release timely updates, with new features in the future as well. 

I was surprised to learn that the control panel will actually be a Windows Store app that will allow you to set the tip’s initial activation force, edit the pen’s pressure curve and map the cap button to either the desktop or Modern flavor of One Note.

To enable the functionality, Microsoft has released a Surface Pen related update earlier this week during the Patch Tuesday. Previously, we weren’t sure what the update would do, but now, it makes sense. 

In case you’re still thinking about purchasing the tablet, and don’t know what to do, take a look at our detailed review of the Surface Pro 3.