Universal Stylus Initiative

The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is a non-profit alliance of companies promoting a technical standard for interoperable active pen styluses on touchscreen devices such as phones, tablets, and computers.[1][2]

It defines a two-way communication protocol between the stylus and the computer and allows the stylus to remember user preferences for ink color and stroke. It support 9-axis inertial measurement.[3]

Products started coming to market in 2019 including one stylus and several Chromebooks from different manufacturers.[1] By 2019, there were over 30 members, including Google and 3M, but some major players like Apple and Microsoft had not joined.[3] As of 2022, the promoters include Google, Intel, Lenovo, Samsung, and Synaptics. Dell, Sharp, and Wacom are contributors.

While USI promotes itself as an open standard,[4] access to detailed specifications is restricted to paying members.[5]

  1. ^ a b Schoon, Ben (2020-05-12). "Hands on: Chrome OS works well w/ a USI stylus". 9to5Google. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  2. ^ "Google and Amazon Release Tablets Supporting USI 2.0 Stylus |". 2023-06-20. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  3. ^ a b Ong, Thuy (2018-02-01). "Google and 3M have joined an initiative working toward an open standard for styluses". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  4. ^ "Research Shows Global Stylus Pen Market To Reach $24 Billion by 2027 |". 2022-09-08. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  5. ^ "Membership Benefits |". Retrieved 2024-10-08.