by Juli Clover
Astropad today announced a new iPad app called Astropad Slate, which can be used to control the Mac with an Apple Pencil. Astropad Slate is available as a public beta, and because it's still in testing, it is free for everyone.
There are several Mac functions that can be performed with the Apple Pencil. It works as a cursor for controlling the desktop mouse, with a tap on the screen serving as a click. Handwriting done on the iPad will be translated into typed text on the Mac. Astropad Slate supports the Apple Pencil hover gestures on newer iPads, and there is a simulated hover option on older iPads, plus you can use two-finger touch gestures for actions like scrolling and zoom.
You can also use the iPad as a pen tablet with Mac apps that support drawing, sketching, and other creative work. The Astropad Slate app basically turns the iPad into a no-screen drawing tablet so you can focus on your work on the Mac. A Mac and an iPad can be connected using Wi-Fi, Peer-to-Peer networking, or an appropriate USB cable. Requirements include iPadOS 15 or later and macOS 11 or later.
The Astropad Slate app can be accessed by signing up for the beta on the Astropad website.
[ 41 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
beatrixwillius
21 weeks ago
Hmmm… I can type faster than I write… I also have a mouse and trackpad to control the cursor. I guess it’s great for photo editing when you’re connected to a large display.
I have arthritis since 25 years and can't use a mouse at all. I've been using Wacom tablets. So the idea of using an iPad is not bad. Lag and precision would be key for the app.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rembert
21 weeks ago
Nice, but no thanks as this will likely require a subscription, just like their flagship project. I only buy software which can be used “indefinitely” where it will be my choice to decide to upgrade to a newer version. They’ll have to convince me to upgrade - a subscription based solution lacks that incentive: why would they, the money is being received, why bother too much (I’m looking at you, Adobe). For instance I’ll skip the latest DxO upgrade as it doesn’t bring me anything I require. The previous version is more than capable (for me).
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lovehateapple
21 weeks ago
Pretty cool. I wanted a device/functionality like this for a while.
Same here, definitely going to give it a try.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma
21 weeks ago
They'll probably make it a subscription like Studio.
There's also Duet ('https://www.duetdisplay.com/') in that general product category.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon
21 weeks ago
It would be so cool if MacBook trackpads could work with the Apple pencil. It could replace a Wacom in many cases.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aevan
21 weeks ago
It seems like a simple Wacom tablet is still the best option here; isn't using beta software, it's cheaper, and for illustration you're better off working on the iPad itself
Sure, but this is like a Wacom tablet that turns into an actual screen tablet. If you want both, this might be the cheaper option then buying both the iPad and the tablet.
I have the latest Intuos Pros in L and M sizes and an iPad Pro, but I can imagine using this in a pinch when I'm in the office with just my iPad and my office computer.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments
Popular Stories
Source: Apple to Announce New Products This Week
Sunday March 3, 2024 11:38 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce new products with press releases on its website this week, a proven source familiar with the matter told MacRumors. While the products that Apple plans to announce have not been disclosed, there are rumors about new iPads, Macs, and accessories. It is unclear exactly what will be announced this week. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today reiterated that Apple is planning new...
Read Full Article • 227 comments
Apple Announces New MacBook Air Models With M3 Chip
Monday March 4, 2024 5:04 am PST by Hartley Charlton
Apple today announced new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models with M3 chip, improved external display support, Wi-Fi 6E, and more. Apple says that the new MacBook Air is up to 60% faster than the M1 model and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. With a faster and more efficient Neural Engine, Apple says that the MacBook Air continues to be "the best consumer laptop for...
Read Full Article • 467 comments
Apple Releases iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 With EU App Changes, New Emoji, Podcast Transcripts and More
Tuesday March 5, 2024 10:01 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple today released iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, the fourth major updates to the iOS 17 operating system that came out in September 2023. The software updates come over a month after Apple released iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings >...
Read Full Article • 163 comments
Apple Expected to Release iOS 17.4 This Week With These New Features
Sunday March 3, 2024 4:32 pm PST by MacRumors Staff
iOS 17.4 is expected to be released to all users this week. The update includes several new features and changes for the iPhone, as outlined below. Key new features in iOS 17.4 include major App Store, Safari, and Apple Pay changes in the EU, Apple Podcasts transcripts, and an iMessage security upgrade. The update also adds new emoji, introduces Apple Cash virtual card numbers, further...
Read Full Article
Apple Discontinues MacBook Air With M1 Chip
Monday March 4, 2024 5:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today discontinued the MacBook Air with the M1 chip, which launched in November 2020 as one of the first Apple silicon Macs. In the U.S., the MacBook Air lineup now consists of the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip starting at $999, the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip starting at $1,099, and the 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip starting at $1,299. For more details about...
Read Full Article • 108 comments
'); }
Next Article
Kuo: Apple Planning 20-Inch MacBook With Foldable Screen