These devices are being labeled “smartpens” and are the very latest in note taking tools.

The Livescribe 3 gadgets are being nicknamed smartpens are devices that are used to automatically transfer notes that have been written by hand onto the screen of a tablet or smartphone.

However, they also have a type of capacitive tip that allow them to be used as a stylus, as well.

The Livescribe 3s are in essence gadgets that work like a premium form of ballpoint pen that will allow you to take notes on paper and wirelessly transfer them to the virtual world in a quick and easy way. It connects to the mobile device by way of Bluetooth. Once that connection has been activated and the supporting app has been launched on a smartphone or tablet, any notes that are taken on paper through the use of the smartpen.

These gadgets provide a comfortable and realistic bridge between handwriting and the digital world.

At the same time, even if the gadgets aren’t activated, or connected to a mobile device, it can still perform. Its battery lasts as long as 14 hours and, as long as it is fully charged, it can store everything that has been written so that it can be transferred to the device once it is reconnected. Moreover, the pen can be used for activating the microphone of a device so that audio can be recorded at the appropriate location within the notes. Beyond that, it also has a cap that converts the traditional pen into a stylus that can be used against the screen of the smartphone or tablet.

According to the Livescribe CEO, Gilles Bouchard, who spoke about these gadgets, “People shouldn’t have to choose between their pen and their digital devices. The Livescribe 3 smartpen sends everything they write on paper to their tablet or smartphone, where our mobile application makes this information useful in truly innovative ways.” Bouchard added that “It’s simply the most elegant and versatile pen we’ve ever made.”

These gadgets are compatible with iPhone 4S devices and newer, as well as everything including and after the third generation of full sized iPads, all of the iPad Mini tablets, and everything including and after the iPod Touch fifth generation.

There are two different version of the Livescribe gadgets. The first smartpen costs $149.95 (RM471), and includes both a USB charging cable and a 50 page notebook. The other model is the Pro Edition, which costs $199.99 and includes the charging cable, a 100 page notebook, an additional ink cartridge, and a subscription for one year to Evernote Premium. Already available in the United States, its launch in Canada, Europe, and Asia is coming soon.

Smartphone users in the US adore mobile payments

The Credit Union National Association has released the results of a new survey that show mobile payments are gaining ground in the U.S. Mobile payments have been growing more popular among consumers for the past few years, but exactly how popular this new form of commerce has become is an oft debated topic. Many people favor the convenience associated with mobile payments, but have concerns regarding the safety of their financial information. The new survey aims to shed some light on the issue.

More than half of smartphone users participate in mobile commerce

According to the survey, more than half of smartphone users in the U.S. have made mobile payments. The survey defines mobile payments as any transaction made with a mobile device and shows that the majority of people making mobile payments praise the convenience of being able to purchase products from their smartphones. The majority of those making mobile payments spend more than $30 on average per purchase, suggesting that people are more willing to spend money when participating in mobile commerce.

Security remains a top concern for many consumers

Security remains a major concern for those interested in mobile payments. Some 77% of respondents claimed that the security of their financial information was a top priority. Security concerns often determine whether a person will make a mobile payment or not and the survey suggests that most consumers tend to be cautions when it comes to spending money through a mobile device.

Consumers expected to grow more interested in mobile payments over time

Despite the concerns surrounding mobile commerce security, more consumers are showing an interest in shopping online. The availability of mobile Internet access has made it easier for consumers to shop online using the smartphones and tablets, thereby exposing them to mobile commerce initiatives coming from retailers and other businesses. Consumers are expected to continue growing more fond of mobile payments as better services become available to them, especially if these services can help placate fears regarding security.