While rumors are gaining traction that the release of Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 phablet is not far away, the predecessor, Galaxy Note 2, continues to command a strong market presence.
The Galaxy Note 2's unique selling proposition (USP) is its S Pen stylus, which sets the device apart from other smartphones in its league.
We take a look at the top three free S Pen apps for the Galaxy Note 2.
1. Papyrus
Samsung pitches the Galaxy Note 2's note-taking ability as its USP. While an array of note-taking apps that are optimized for the S Pen stylus are available, one app that stands out from the rest is Papyrus.
"Papyrus is a natural handwriting note-taking app that you use just like paper, but with the flexibility and advantages of modern technology. With Papyrus, you can go beyond paper!" notes the app description.
Papyrus' interface has been designed in a manner to let users feel that they are actually writing on paper and not a touchscreen. Since Papyrus is specifically optimized for the S Pen only S Pen inputs are recognized by the app. Users can jot down notes with the S Pen and even delete entire sentences with a mere swipe!
The Papyrus app is free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Moreover, in-app purchases that add functionalities like PDF export, upload to Dropbox and more are available.
2. Scribble Racer
Scribble Racer is a "paper racing game" which is specifically built for use with the S Pen, The game is a fun way for users to test their S Pen skills.
"A fun racer where you have to keep your pen or finger (if you have no pen) on the track while it's getting faster," notes the app description.
Users can take their pick of the difficulty level from easy, normal or hard. Once the S Pen is placed on the screen there's a countdown before the screen will begin to scroll. The aim of the game is to avoid the walls while accumulating candy, fruits and stars. These in turn fill up a meter, which lets you press the S Pen button to slow down the speed for some time.
The mechanics of the Scribble Racer are reasonably simple, but pretty addictive. As the game preogresses, it becomes faster and faster.
Scribble Racer is a free to play game and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, if you find ads annoying steer clear as Scribble Racer is ad-supported.
3. Sketch 'Em
All you aspiring Michelangelos now have a virtual tool at your disposal to help make sketching a breeze. The Sketch 'Em app gives users step-by-step instructions on how to sketch and is targeted at the "artistically challenged and the artistically aspiring."
"Beginning with basic human anatomy, work your way up to drawing in perspective. With advice from professional artists and a fun and challenging scoring system, Sketch 'Em encourages you to master your technique. Its drawing interface modeled after the Galaxy Note's S Memo App will put all the creative tools you'll need at the tip of your S-pen," notes the app description.
Sketch 'Em app has three options i.e. Drawing Lessons, Free Sketching or Creator Mode. The Drawing Lesson is a tutorial to helps users enhance their sketching skills. Free Sketching lets users polish their drawing abilities. The Creator Mode lets users create their own drawing lessons and upload them for other users of the app.
The Sketch 'Em app is compatible with devices that run Android 4.0.3. or higher and is enjoyable, and while it won't turn you into a Da Vinci overnight, it does a pretty good job of running users through the basics.
The Sketch 'Em app is free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Which S Pen app is your favorite?
