Earlier this year, a team of ex-Apple engineers released Astropad, an app designed to turn the iPad into a graphics tablet for the Mac. Following rave reviews, the team behind Astropad decided to expand to the iPhone, and is today debuting a new Astropad Mini app.
Like the iPad version of the app, Astropad Mini transforms the iPhone into a miniaturized professional graphics tablet that can be used with the Mac after installing the accompanying Astropad Mac app. With the Astropad Mac app installed, the Mac's display is mirrored to the iPhone, allowing the iPhone's touch controls to be used for editing photos and creating art.
Mirroring the Mac's display to the iPhone produces little to no lag with speeds up to 60 FPS, and edits made within apps like Photoshop or Pixelmator are displayed in realtime on the Mac's display, for a seamless editing experience. Astropad Mini works with a finger or with a range of different Bluetooth-enabled styluses, supporting pressure sensitivity with certain models like the Adonit Jot Touch.
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Since it's just mirroring the Mac's display, it also works with any Mac app, from photo editing apps to graphics apps. In our testing with Photoshop CC, Astropad Mini worked lag free over WiFi, but there's also the option to plug it in via USB for an even faster connection.
Pinch and zoom gestures are supported for navigation, and there's also a set of customizable keyboard shortcuts. An optional Apple Watch app included with Astropad Mini also includes quick-access customizable shortcuts that can be selected with just a tap.
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Astropad Mini works with all iPhones that have iOS 8 installed and all Macs running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later.
Astropad Mini is available from the App Store for an introductory price of $4.99, a 50-percent discount from the eventual regular price of $9.99. [Direct Link]
The original Astropad Graphics Tablet app for the iPad is temporarily available for $19.99, down from its usual price of $29.99. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
Ironically, we still end up using Procreate, when on iOS, instead of linking devices to Desktop software. And on those desktops... Well, there are Intuoses and Cintiqs.
I think, we have rather conservative usage pattern... ;)
"Many claim their product is revolutionary. With Astropad, the word, 'revolutionary' is truly fitting; this is a standout idea and an exciting new option for digital artists everywhere.
Kyle T. Webster
Illustrator & Designer"
"Astropad lets me create a high quality product using the tools I already have. As an independent creator, time is very important and Astropad has reduced each issue’s creation time.
Kool As Heck
Comic Book Writer & Artist"
There's more to this app than best in class image manipulation - the ability to do things on the go where you wouldn't normally have your laptop with you and companion short cuts. All depends on your workflow as to whether you find any use for it. No need to shoot it down.
Maybe for best case usage. But it also works fine with a finger:
"Astropad Mini works with a finger or with a range of different Bluetooth-enabled styluses, supporting pressure sensitivity with certain models like the Adonit Jot Touch."
I must point out though that this is before I've tried the app. I'm basing my opinion on the disappointing experience I've had with my adonit and iPad Air.
I'd certainly love a retina-resolution, Mac-integrated, "iPad pro as Cintique-alternative" style product that isn't tied to a computer (and that isn't an android/Windows tablet)... Not expecting it, nor the ability to pay for it if it comes...