The History of Pen and Paper

From prehistoric cave walls and charcoal to the modern notebook and fountain pen, the human need for spontaneous self-expression through drawing and writing has endured.

However, paper and pen usage presents serious limitations in an increasingly digital world. Paper documents are static and difficult to share broadly. Written notes are susceptible to loss and damage. They suffer an inherent lack of connectivity; despite how rich the content on a piece of paper is, it is physically bound and limited. What’s missing is a way to maximize the freedom of expression and rich context afforded by pen and paper while delivering the connectivity, archiving system and “capture” capability of a computer.

About Livescribe

Located in Oakland, Calif., Livescribe has developed a new low-cost mobile computing platform that enhances productivity, learning, communication and self-expression for anyone that uses pen and paper. The Echo and Pulse smartpens revolutionize the act of writing by recording and linking audio to handwriting, so users never miss a word.

 

Anoto Group AB¹, inventor of optical pen technology and dot pattern, holds intellectual property that allows quick and reliable transmission of handwritten text from paper to digital media. Livescribe has licensed this technology for use in its smartpen and dot paper platform.

_{1. The Anoto wordmark and logos are owned by the Anoto Group. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners.}