Painting app aims for the stars
Astronomical updates The Astropad’s co-creator reveals what’s in store for the low-cost app that turns your iPad into a graphics tablet
The Wacom Cintiq is an ideal tool for the digital artist, but the high price tag of even the smallest model means many aren’t able to own one. Step forward Astropad, an affordable app that enables artists to use their iPad as a graphics tablet for their desktop or laptop Mac.
We reviewed the app in issue 122, and were impressed with how it worked with the iPad. As Astropad’s co-creator Matt Ronge explains, “The iPad is vastly more portable than existing pen displays and it’s the first to be completely wireless. If you have an iPad you can turn it into a pen display with Astropad for $25.”
But the team isn’t resting on its laurels. US tech firm FiftyThree is working with Astropad to add further support to Pencil, its Bluetooth-powered smart stylus. “We’ve added support for special features like surface pressure and the eraser,” says Matt.
The creators hope Astropad will provide wider access to pro creative tools – essentially to get more people drawing. “We’re working on Astropad for iPhone, so everyone can have a graphics tablet in their pocket!”
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July 2015