The the first upgrade to CalliGrapher 8 was announced by Phatware. The new Calligrapher version 8.1 includes an improved CalliGrapher Statistical Analyzer (CSA) algorithm. Employing advanced fuzzy logic and neural net techniques, CalliGrapher recognizes arbitrary alphanumeric strings as well as words contained in its integrated dictionary.

Other changes include the position of the configuration icon, now displayed in the top right corner of Write Pad, so users can easily see which configuration is currently selected; and create Copy command added to the PenCommander popup menu, allowing to quickly create similar PenCommands.

The new CalliGrapher 8.1 is also optimized for devices with square screens (240x240 and 480x480), such as the new HP iPAQ Mobile Messenger devices.

For existing users, version 8.1 upgrades can be downloaded from the PhatWare web site, using the registration code for version 8.0.