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FiftyThree is building on the success of ‘Paper’ and has released a very intriguing new stylus called ‘Pencil’. This stylus can be used with any tablet and app, but when paired with the Paper app it has additional functionality. If you use Paper on a regular basis then you should really consider purchasing this new product.
I downloaded Paper when it was first released and I have kept it on my iPad ever since. I don’t think there is another app which has lasted the entire time without being replaced or deleted. I love its concept and I think it has been implemented really well. Since the app is free you can test it out, but I recommend buying all of the additional drawing tools and color options.
FifityThree’s recent announcement of a book printing service showed that they are serious about continued development, but I wasn’t as excited because it isn’t something I would ever use. I am perfectly happy keeping things digital or exporting for printing using my own printer. Pencil, on the other hand, is a product that has a lot of potential for me because it is both a good stylus and is tightly integrated with a powerful app.
Pencil is paired through bluetooth to Paper by holding it to the screen, which makes it one of the easiest bluetooth devices ever. You can draw with the tip and erase with the butt, but when paired with Pencil the drawing surface uses finger input to blend colors. It has a built-in rechargeable battery which supposedly lasts a month on normal usage, and is charged by plugging in to a USB port.
The downside? If no one else adopts the functionality of Pencil then it wont be any more useful than any other stylus you own. Hopefully other app developers will be able to integrate the available features into their apps. Still, starting at 49.95 it isn’t too expensive. I am adding this to my holiday shopping list!
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