FiftyThree Announces Bluetooth 'Pencil' Stylus to Accompany 'Paper' App

[Verita]

This is a sore spot. First off 53 seems to have been holding off support for other devices while it was working on releasing it's own pressure based stylus. Needless to say many users are displeased that what should be generic hardware ends up tied to working on some apps, but not others, because Apple has not standardized on this yet.

I like the idea, and it's a slick build, but the idea of single app hardware ( or vastly limited ) is a real turn off. Buy it if you need it, but I expect that this will be a very limited device in terms of longevity.

No denying all their products are slick! Overpriced, but slick, like the $40 moleskine book they sell. The bigger issue with pencil is it looks like the tip is no better than something you get on a $10 stylus, and has no pressure sensitivity options.

 

[portishead]

Which 53? And why does it take that many people to make a damn pencil?

 

[Rizzm]

I'm just dizzy now.

 

[WilliamLondon]

I'm sure Apple is working on something stylus based. They're just taking their sweet ass time with it.

I agree, I think that could be one of the next gen's (or the one after's) new things that differentiate the device from previous gen (can't imagine there are too many things yet to do that are big).

They recently launched the MFi programme for game controllers with iOS 7, the first game controller is released today. I could see stylus/pen support launched in the same way (after screen supports such required changes) where they launch a 3rd party framework in iOS as an MFi programme, I'm sure they've got that in the plans, I can't imagine with all the pens and styli popping up that they don't see the opportunity. I'd definitely be up for that, and it'd give me a reason to upgrade to the latest.

 

[Diamondage]

sketchpad

all I'd like is a sketchpad. They did miss the boat, so far.

 

[Ryth]

I'm sure Apple is working on something stylus based. They're just taking their sweet ass time with it.

I'm actually surprised Apple hasn't bought or tried to acquire WACOM. Would be a great addition, especially if a PRO iPad is coming.

 

[theluggage]

This is where Apple could hit it out of the park...making the iPad have a screen like a WACOM tablet and the sensitivity of one and stylus that you could buy separately.

Boldly going where Samsung have gone with the Galaxy Note products - the stylus on those blows the "plastic fingers" you can buy for the iPad out of the water: precise, pressure sensitive, palm rejection, can be used to 'hover' for tooltips etc., stylus doesn't need batteries... its just that there's not much software that takes advantage of it.

 

[Renzatic]

They recently launched the MFi programme for game controllers with iOS 7, the first game controller is released today. I could see stylus/pen support launched in the same way (after screen supports such required changes) where they launch a 3rd party framework in iOS as an MFi programme, I'm sure they've got that in the plans, I can't imagine with all the pens and styli popping up that they don't see the opportunity. I'd definitely be up for that, and it'd give me a reason to upgrade to the latest.

The cool thing is that you don't even need an API to enable support for styluses. Once the digitizer is built into the screen, all anyone has to do is make sure their product interfaces with it properly. No bluetooth, dongles, batteries, or anything of the sort. Once it's out of the box, you're ready to use it without any configuration.

Thing is, I don't see a Wacom stylus market catching on quite like the controller market eventually will, or how the capacitive stylus market already has. There are a thousand different ways a 3rd party can make the latter two. Controllers can have different shapes and button configurations. Cap styluses can attempt different things with the tips to give you a much different writing/drawing experience. A Wacom stylus is pretty much a Wacom stylus, no matter how it looks. Once you've tried one, you've tried them all, because all the action happens in the screen itself and underlying software. You might see a few 3rd party pens pop up that are longer, shorter, thicker, or thinner, but most everyone will probably stick with the Apple default, provided one comes packed in with future iPads.

 

[sketchguy]

Sadly, No Innovation Here.

Once again, we see the same, thick, clunky, rubber tip used by everyone else, hampered by the minimum diameter requirement for capacitive touch.

I'm sick and tired of spending $80-$100 a pop to try all these out. After upgrading to the iPad Air from iPad 1, I shelled out $100 for Wacom's Bamboo Creative Stylus. It sorta works, but you really have to press down hard through what is the exact same rubber tip used on their Bamboo Stylus to hit the metal rocker arm.

I want a true Wacom Intuos-style pen for the iPad. It's just not gonna happen with capacitive touch.

Meanwhile, there's the Bamboo Stylus Feel, but not iPad compatible:

http://www.wacom.com/en/de/everyday/bamboo-stylus-feel

I got to try out the Wacom Cintiq Companion (both Android and Win 8 models) over the weekend. The Android version performed nicely, however, I can't justify dropping $1,600 for an OS that has like TWO sketch/paint apps.

I think our only hope is Adobe's Project Mighty:

http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2013/05/adobe-xd-explores-the-analog-future.html

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I have a Wacom intuos Creative pen for my iPad Air. It works with multiple programs, but with the fat tip I feel like I'm trying to draw blueprints with a crayon. Definitely not as pressure sensitive as a regular Wacom pad either.

 

[Pilgrim1099]

I got to try out the Wacom Cintiq Companion (both Android and Win 8 models) over the weekend. The Android version performed nicely, however, I can't justify dropping $1,600 for an OS that has like TWO sketch/paint apps.

I think our only hope is Adobe's Project Mighty:

http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2013/05/adobe-xd-explores-the-analog-future.html

Actually I'm informed that the Wacom Hybrid (Android version) works with PC and Macs when plugging acting as a "Cintiq" and using the drawing/painting apps "on the go". In other words, you can plug the tablet in and work a full version of Photoshop or any program from your desktop ( or laptop ) to the Hybrid.

When doing work 'on the go', you just work out the conceptuals or preliminary images and flesh them out later when back in the studio. The Windows version, HOWEVER, is more powerful and can use full applications like Photoshop 'on the go' and I think, plugged in as a Cintiq as well. The only drawback? It's more expensive.

Unfortunately, this is what you pay for when dealing with a professional grade tablet with a built-in screen with its own OS especially Wacom's pressure sensitivity technology is the best in the industry. Bar none. I use a Wacom Intuos 4 and love it but I'm looking into the Android Hybrid version to use on my iMac in the future.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

iPad mini w/ retina display + a wacom digitizer = no more paper, no more competition.

Oh god the collaborative design apps that could be written...

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Apple

 

[Pilgrim1099]

iPad mini w/ retina display + a wacom digitizer = no more paper, no more competition.

Oh god the collaborative design apps that could be written...

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Apple

There IS a Wacom stylus designed for the iPad. Take a look:

http://intuoscreativestylus.wacom.com/en/

It does exactly what you're describing. I'd rather go for that instead of 53's Pencil.

 

[PneumaPilot]

This is where Apple could hit it out of the park...making the iPad have a screen like a WACOM tablet and the sensitivity of one and stylus that you could buy separately.

They are missing the boat on this market and I don't know why...it's the logical step.

Expect this to be an integral part in the iPad Pro coming next year. I've been submitting it as a feature request on their feedback form for three years.

 

[sketchguy]

There IS a Wacom stylus designed for the iPad. Take a look:

http://intuoscreativestylus.wacom.com/en/

It does exactly what you're describing. I'd rather go for that instead of 53's Pencil.

Sadly, it doesn't. It sorta works, you really have to push down extra hard because first, you need to register the thick, capacitive rubber tip, then, it pushes up against the metal rocker. Then wrist fatigue begins to set in. I have both the Bamboo Stylus and the new Creative Stylus, and they use the exact same tip and have the exact same metal fitting underneath. I'm not entirely happy with my purchase - sure, it sorta does the job, but until I can have a stylus that performs exactly like my Intuous 5/Cintiq pen, these fat, rubber-nib'ed gimmicks just aren't cutting it.

 

[Pilgrim1099]

Sadly, it doesn't. It sorta works, you really have to push down extra hard because first, you need to register the thick, capacitive rubber tip, then, it pushes up against the metal rocker. Then wrist fatigue begins to set in. I have both the Bamboo Stylus and the new Creative Stylus, and they use the exact same tip and have the exact same metal fitting underneath. I'm not entirely happy with my purchase - sure, it sorta does the job, but until I can have a stylus that performs exactly like my Intuous 5/Cintiq pen, these fat, rubber-nib'ed gimmicks just aren't cutting it.

That's very interesting. I have the bamboo version which isn't bad at all. I had no idea that you actually got the creative stylus from Wacom and was so curious about it.

Yes the real Wacom pens do the job very well. Why didn't Wacom build one for a glass surface that they do for the Cintiq, only to be used on the iPad?

 

[omni]

Sadly, it doesn't. It sorta works, you really have to push down extra hard because first, you need to register the thick, capacitive rubber tip, then, it pushes up against the metal rocker. Then wrist fatigue begins to set in. I have both the Bamboo Stylus and the new Creative Stylus, and they use the exact same tip and have the exact same metal fitting underneath. I'm not entirely happy with my purchase - sure, it sorta does the job, but until I can have a stylus that performs exactly like my Intuous 5/Cintiq pen, these fat, rubber-nib'ed gimmicks just aren't cutting it.

Adonit jot touch for your stylus along with Procreate as your app is what you are really looking for.

 

[sketchguy]

Adonit jot touch for your stylus along with Procreate as your app is what you are really looking for.

I did get an Adonit Jot (not touch) awhile back and could never get used to that disc on the end.

THIS, however, I'm interested in - the Adonit Jot Script. How they market it makes me wonder if it's ONLY for note-taking apps, or, can it be used with art/painting apps as well?

http://adonit.net/jot/script/

 

[Macman45]

If this works accurately I'd give it a try. I often have ideas that I want to rough out...If I'm not near my iMac or rMBp, it could help. All the other so called note taking Apps I've tried just had too many errors to make them properly useable.

 

[APlotdevice]

That's very interesting. I have the bamboo version which isn't bad at all. I had no idea that you actually got the creative stylus from Wacom and was so curious about it.

Yes the real Wacom pens do the job very well. Why didn't Wacom build one for a glass surface that they do for the Cintiq, only to be used on the iPad?

The Cintiq has an inductive sensor underneath the screen specifically for detecting the position of the pen. The iPad doesn't. Thus you need that thick rubber nub in order for the capacitive sensor to pick it up.

 

[everything-i]

All I see in this video is people trying to use the stylus and then going back to using their finger.

I think they are trying to make the point that you can use either. In the real world when drawing with something like pencil, pastels or charcoal you use your fingers a lot for smudging and blending.

 

[Nevaborn]

It is depressing that Apple has not released a precision small tipped stylus for the iPad. It it the one thing that has stopped me getting an iPad to date.

If Apple for the 12" Pro iPad if legitimate can include a stylus that is stored within the tablet case that is small tipped and can be used wherever there is typing to write instead then this will be a truly amazing feature. Apple could integrate great artistic features and apps in to iWork and iLife

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I did get an Adonit Jot (not touch) awhile back and could never get used to that disc on the end.

THIS, however, I'm interested in - the Adonit Jot Script. How they market it makes me wonder if it's ONLY for note-taking apps, or, can it be used with art/painting apps as well?

http://adonit.net/jot/script/

My Intuos Creative works with pressure sensitivity in Noteshelf. So far, it's done (for me) the best representation of pressure sensitivity handling, especially for cursive writing.

Hopefully the adonit jot script will work in reverse.

^V^V^V^

iPad mini w/ retina display + a wacom digitizer = no more paper, no more competition.

Oh god the collaborative design apps that could be written...

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Apple

Q: How do you close applications when multitasking?
A: (Scott Forstall) You don't have to. The user just uses things and doesn't ever have to worry about it.
A: (Steve Jobs) It's like we said on the iPad, if you see a stylus, they blew it. In multitasking, if you see a task manager... they blew it. Users shouldn't ever have to think about it.

 

[charlituna]

That's one thing I wish the iPad had. It would be so nice to use a stylus for taking notes are painting in a paint app, etc. My fingers are way too big to do detailed artwork/handwriting.

You can. Have been able to since the first one. And many of the stylus aren't just for one app

Now could the iPad use some better sensitivity for fine lines or even pressure, sure. It wouldn't be a bad thing.

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All the shaking made me feel motion-sick. Thanks a lot, iOS 7.

You mean thanks a lot ****** director/editor/cinematographer

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* A digitizer in every iPad would raise the price and increase the thickness and weight of every iPad... that's very bad for the many, many that don't care about using a stylus.

And there is the question of battery.

Many functions don't need a digitizer so is it worth the costs, weight, battery hit etc that would come with it. Many buyers would say no.

Frankly I think IF they are making an iPad pro it's about this kind of screen, not size. Or maybe both. Let those that really need it, get it, for an added cost. Those that don't need it get to save a few bucks.

 

[RangerOne]

I don't like styluses with the capacitive touch interfaces iOS devices use. I hate to say it, but my kids really impressed me with some artwork using the Microsoft Surface's stylus. The iOS touch interface requires a big rubbery tip that really makes it difficult for you to draw with much precision. I recall purchasing a Disney Creativity Studio app and stylus a while back and the kids just found it too hard to stay within the lines with the big point (so did I), and it was frustrating when it would simply miss touch events.

So, +1 for stylus support. I'd also like to see a keyboard that hooks up via electrical contacts like the Surface. Though I hate how that keyboard works/feels (trackpad is horrible), I like that it's powered by the tablet and that it doesn't hide half the screen when you're typing.