To showcase the Microsoft Surface’s innovative pen technology, I spearheaded a partnership with The New York Times to reinvent their famous crossword in a digital format. Our teams collaborated to make solving the crossword on a Surface tablet as natural as pen-and-paper – complete with handwriting input, erasing, and rewriting answers in real time.

We unveiled this reimagined crossword app at the Surface launch event, where it became a highlight of the demo lineup​. Tech outlets like The Verge and Engadget praised how the Surface Pen delivered a smooth, paper-like puzzle experience​.

Thousands of attendees tried the digital crossword on the spot, validating that modern hardware can breathe new life into classic experiences. This project remains a standout example of how thoughtful industry collaboration can marry tradition with innovation, delighting users and advancing digital storytelling in surprising ways​.