Windows 10 touch devices now have an on-screen ruler

One of the main topics of this year’s Build conference was improved touch input for Windows 10-powered touchscreen devices, with one of the most notable touch-related innovations definitely being the addition of a ruler for Windows 10 touch devices that use a pen.

The ruler can easily be called up on the screen, serving as a physical ruler you would use on regular paper and as easily movable with two fingers in any direction. The introduction of this virtual ruler will increase the functionality of pens on Microsoft’s touch devices: it can be used for measuring things or for more accurate drawing, perfect for architects, for example.

Microsoft is improving the inking experience in Windows 10

Microsoft’s study has shown that 72% of users use pen and paper every day, so the company aims to make users replace their physical office tools with Microsoft’s software. To do so, Redmod presented a handful of touch-related inking innovations at this year’s Build to provide the best possible drawing and handwriting experience to its users.

The ruler is just one of many additions, as Microsoft also presented the new Ink Workspace feature along with a lot of other improvements. Microsoft also started working with Wacom on a Universal Pen for Windows 10 touch devices, something that will be extremely useful for users. For example, if you buy a new Windows 10 tablet or hybrid, you won’t have to buy a new pen for it as you can use Microsoft’s Universal Pen. Microsoft also released a new update for Visual Studio 2015 which will allow developers to build more pen-oriented apps and take advantage of all of the features Microsoft presented at the event.

Tell us in the comments below: will all these inking innovations from Microsoft convince you to switch from your old office kit to Windows 10 touch devices? Or do you prefer to complete your work more traditionally?