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Microsoft rolls out Windows Ink for beta testers

Windows Insiders in the Fast ring can try out the new tech today.

Windows Ink is available today for Insiders in the Fast ring, allowing users to sketch, write notes on sticky pads and draw all over screenshots with a digital pen (or your finger, if you're an au naturel kind of person). The update adds a Windows Ink Workspace, which is accessible from the system tray or by clicking the back of your connected pen. The Workspace brings up pen-enabled apps like the sketchpad, sticky notes and screen sketch, and it has a space to suggest more pen-friendly experiences.

The sketchpad is a blank canvas with a slim selection of drawing tools, including a ruler and various ink colors. Screen sketch allows you to draw on top of a screenshot and then share the finished product with friends or colleagues. The sticky notes app receives some updates, such as the ability to customize the notepads by size and color. In the future, users will be able to jot down a flight number and Bing will pull up the relevant info, and they'll be able to set Cortana reminders attached to their notes, among other planned upgrades.

Users can also customize their pens, changing what happens when they click, double-click or press and hold the back. All of this is part of the big Windows 10 Anniversary Update.