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Astropad Studio Launches on iPad With 'Pro-Level Drawing Tools' for $65/Year

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Second-screen iPad app Astropad has today launched a new premium version of its drawing suite called "Astropad Studio" that's been built exclusively for the iPad Pro (via TechCrunch). The new service offers users a number of advantages over the basic app -- including 40 MB/s max speed for lower latency, deep Apple Pencil integration, and more -- for a subscription plan of $7.99/month or $64.99/year.

Similar to the original app, Astropad Studio works with any Mac app via Wi-Fi or through USB and mirrors drawing tools from the iPad's screen onto a connected Mac. The company says that this connection lets users gain control of "pro-level drawing tools" on a Mac, and is aimed at creative professionals who work both in an office and from home.

astropad-studio-1.jpg

One of the biggest additions to the Studio suite of features is support for what Astropad calls "Liquid Extreme," which includes color-corrected output and retina resolution. Essentially, "what you see on your iPad is the same as on your Mac," according to the company.

Here's the complete list of exclusive features for Astropad Studio:
[*]Liquid Extreme
[*]40 MB/s Max Speed
[*]Unlimited shortcut sets
[*]Built for iPad Pro
[*]Apple Pencil Only
[*]Keyboard support
[*]Magic Gestures
[*]Pressure Smoothing
[*]Eraser Tool
[*]Hover Simulation
[*]3-Button Mouse Simulation
[*]Undo/Redo Gestures
[*]Preview line customization
[*]Unlimited Upgrades
[*]Priority Support
The list features "Magic Gestures," which Astropad says is a way for users to set up easily accessible controls using a finger and Apple Pencil combination. For example, users can set up an erasing function to activate by setting one finger on the iPad's screen to instantly turn the Pencil into an eraser. Two fingers can be a right click, and so on.


The standard version of Astropad sells for $29.99 on the iOS App Store [Direct Link]. For the new app, users can try out Astropad Studio [Direct Link] with a 7 day free trial before deciding to subscribe to the service's monthly or yearly models. More information regarding Astropad Studio can be found here.

Article Link: Astropad Studio Launches on iPad With 'Pro-Level Drawing Tools' for $65/Year
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/01/11/astropad-studio-ipad/
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briwil

macrumors regular
Nov 24, 2012
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PBG4 Dude said:
That's if they leave the $20 app alone and don't transmogrify it into the recurring subscription app.
Click to expand...
I got to beta test this over the past month and it is pretty awesome. I think the subscription route is ridiculous though and I won't be a part of it.
They did claim in their beta email that they won't touch the original (already pretty expensive) app, but we'll see I suppose.

This makes me want to break out the old Xcode and make a free knock-off, which maybe I will.
 
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KostnerGuyton

KostnerGuyton

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Jan 11, 2017
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briwil said:
I got to beta test this over the past month and it is pretty awesome. I think the subscription route is ridiculous though and I won't be a part of it.
They did claim in their beta email that they won't touch the original (already pretty expensive) app, but we'll see I suppose.

This makes me want to break out the old Xcode and make a free knock-off, which maybe I will.
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1484155699][/doublepost]I wish @Apple would just nativly support screen mirroring/secondary display with the iPad Pro with the Mac via USB C. Hopefully thats comming this year. It just doesnt make any sense for them to continue pushing lightning .
 
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Pakaku

Pakaku

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Aug 29, 2009
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Or I could pay literally the same amount for a native iOS app. Procreate is pretty competent as a Photoshop replacement when it comes to drawing or painting.
 
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blackcrayon

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Mar 10, 2003
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briwil said:
I got to beta test this over the past month and it is pretty awesome. I think the subscription route is ridiculous though and I won't be a part of it.
They did claim in their beta email that they won't touch the original (already pretty expensive) app, but we'll see I suppose.

This makes me want to break out the old Xcode and make a free knock-off, which maybe I will.
Click to expand...

I did an A/B test, even using an old 2010 Mac Pro and a USB 2 hub as host, performance was much better. It's a shame the original app won't get that performance increase and you need a subscription to get it. I can see why a company like this needs increased revenue. Probably just making a separate app SKU for major upgrades would be more palatable for users.

KostnerGuyton said:
[doublepost=1484155699][/doublepost]I wish @Apple would just nativly support screen mirroring/secondary display with the iPad Pro with the Mac via USB C. Hopefully thats comming this year. It just doesnt make any sense for them to continue pushing lightning .
Click to expand...

Native first party support would be amazing. I don't necessarily see the new iPad getting USB C though... I guess it's possible. They already engineered USB 3 speeds out of lightning though so even with that there would be a ton of untapped bandwidth (perhaps it's already being taken advantage of - i dont have a 13" pro handy to test).

dysamoria said:
I was interested in Astropad... until this subscription nonsense. I will NEVER subscribe to software.
Click to expand...

You can still buy the non subscription version and pretend this new one doesn't exist. You won't get the absolute best speed they can offer, though...

I wonder if using gigabit ethernet on the iPad would get better speed than using wifi (though probably not usb), assuming the app has no problems working with it.
 
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fivetoedbear

macrumors member
Jul 26, 2013
49
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I regret the $30 I already spent on AstroPad. Duet Display smokes it, and I ended up paying $20 for a year of Duet's Pro version. Because I believe in supporting software at reasonable prices so it improves and stays around, and $20 isn't much.

For $30, AstroPad is pretty basic. It blurs the part of the screen I'm working on. I read this as "AstroPad that actually works" for way too much money.

I'll not be participating.
 
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niun

niun

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Mar 31, 2015
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praetorian909 said:
Still cheaper than a Surface Studio at least...
Click to expand...
How much cheaper though after buying all the bits you need to make this work, iPad Pro, stand for iPad Pro - adjustable? , iMac, Apple Pencil and AstroPad subscription?

Surface Studio isn't the only alternative either..
 
stlredbird

stlredbird

macrumors 6502a
Feb 24, 2009
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I own the original. And have no problem paying a premium one time price for the upgraded version, but a subscription is out of the question. At least give a one time payment option. Until then I'll stick with the original.
 
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Wildkraut

Wildkraut

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Nov 8, 2015
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I mean, what do all these companies think?
If we get into the route of subscribing every ****, not much money is left for living.
This sums up quickly.

Well, Astropad is interesting, but there are many other good and cheaper drawing solutions(for ipads & non ipads) available.
 
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