What else can one add to the humble pen after wifi? According to Livescribe the answer is direct  mobile device and app connectivity, as found in the Livescribe 3 smartpen.

The most noticeable difference between the Livescribe 3 and the 2012 Livescribe Sky, however, is looks-- the latest smartpen looks like a writing instrument your average customer might actually want to use, with a sleek(er) black and chrome design more akin to traditional high-end pens instead of a piece of geeky hardware.

The cap features a capacitive stylus tip, while the pen also carries a microphone. Ink comes from Swiss-made "premium" cartridges.

The Livesribe 3 connects to Bluetooth Smart-compatible iOS devices (Android compatibility to follow) and the Livescribe+ app to digitise notes written on proprietary microdot-equipped Livescribe notebooks. Notes written on the paper automatically appear on the app, eliminating the need for PC apps or Evernote syncing.

As well as simple digitisation, the app converts handwritten notes into searchable and sortable entities one can easily share via email, Dropbox, Evernote or iCloud. Livescribe claims the app is even smart enough to recognise URLs, addresses or phone numbers, allowing users to create contacts or show address locations on the Maps app.

The Livescribe3 is available now in two versions-- a basic option featuring the pen, 50-sheet notebook and a spare ink refill, and a "Pro Edition" packing a 100-page hardbound notebook, additional ink cartridge and a 1-year Evernote Premium subscription inside a leather portfolio.

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