Patent shows Microsoft Surface stylus that can be worn behind the ear

Microsoft seems to be developing a new version of the Surface Pen. This is flexible and can be worn behind the ear as a kind of headset. Microsoft has not yet announced anything publicly about the new stylus.

The patent that Microsoft has filed for the as-yet-unreleased stylus appeared online, and was discovered by a Twitter user who has adopted the pseudonym WalkingCat online. The description refers to a stylus with a rigid part, and a flexible part at the end, with a kind of earpiece attached that probably serves as a headset for phone calls or other conversations.

At the end is a microphone, speaker and a wireless radio, which probably means bluetooth. The user can shape the flexible part of the stylus, which also contains a battery, around his or her ear, so that it can be worn. This can be done independently of the more rigid part; the two parts can be disconnected.

Whether and when the new stylus will be released is unknown, as Microsoft has not released anything publicly about it. It may be a new version of the Surface Pen, but products mentioned in patents are not always marketed. The patent does show that Microsoft is thinking about new functions for its stylus.