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Wacom's Cintiq 27QHD pen display moves the ExpressKeys to a remote
Until now, Wacom's largest pen display for design pros was the Cintiq 24HD. Well, here at CES 2015, the company just gave those looking to do some on-screen work even more real estate. As the name suggests, the Cintiq 27QHD offers 27 inches of screen space with a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution capable of 1.07 billion colors and wrangling 97 percent of Adobe's gamut. Rather than stashing the popular ExpressKeys on one side, the controls have relocated to a remote that can be placed anywhere on the display or down on a desk. That change also allowed Wacom to give the 27QHD an edge-to-edge glass surface -- a departure from the soft-touch bezels that used to frame these Cintiqs. The Pro Pen returns, bringing 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and replaceable pen nibs, including felt tips that offer the feel of pen on paper.
Wacom revamps its hybrid Windows tablet for 2015
Back in 2013, Wacom debuted a pair of standalone tablets that doubled as pen displays for both Android and Windows 8. At the time, that latter model, the Cintiq Companion, started at $1,499. For 2015, though, the company has added more configurations, and knocked $200 off the price. Just like its predecessor, the new Cintiq Companion 2 doubles as a handy pen display when you're working at home, pairing with either a Windows PC or Mac via the Wacom Connect app. And when you're on the go, the device serves as a full-fledged Windows tablet (even though it's a bit of a load), running Photoshop and other design apps, with a 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 display providing the screen real estate to do so. Similar to Wacom's stationary devices, the Cintiq Companion 2 also brings those useful ExpressKeys, Pro Pen, touch gestures and more to round out the hands-on workflow.
Toshiba's inexpensive Windows tablets now have a pen option
We've seen plenty of super-cheap Windows tablets, but until now, companies have invariably had to cut corners to get the prices so low. That's why Toshiba's new "Encore 2 Write" slates are interesting: Though they are indeed inexpensive, they allow for pressure-sensitive pen input, something you'll rarely see on a device in this price class. The two tablets come in 8- and 10-inch sizes, and will sell for $350 and $400 when they go on sale next week. For the money, you get a Wacom-made pen, with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity. To put that in perspective, Microsoft's own Surface 2 costs $449 and doesn't have a pen option. If we're going by the price and spec sheet alone, then, Toshiba's new tablets are a good deal.
Wacom's new iPad styli are a (pressure) sensitive bunch
If you're tired of poking at your tablet screen with a dirty twig, perhaps it's time to invest in a proper stylus, eh? Digital doodling specialist Wacom is knowledgeable about these kinds of things, and at IFA this year, it's introducing a new range of styli that might be just the ticket. The simplest of the bunch is the third-generation of Bamboo Stylus, a fairly standard model with a slight difference: The rubber tip is coated in carbon fiber, meaning there's basically zero friction when you're moving it around on tablet glass. There are two variants, as well -- one that's just the stylus (the solo) and another with a ballpoint pen on the opposite end (the duo). It comes in a choice of colors, from the more understated silver or gray, to the shoutier blue, green, orange and pink.
Wacom's sketching app finally arrives on Android, Kindle Fire and Windows 8
Wacom loves doodlers almost as much as serious artists, but its Paper-esque sketching app was limited to iOS devices only. That changes from today, now that the company has launched Windows, Android and Kindle Fire versions of Bamboo Paper. Thanks to Wacom's Ink Layer Language, your notes will seamlessly be shared between your devices -- enabling you to sketch out a plan on your leisure tablet before passing it to your work one. The free app is available to download at the links below, and you'll also be able to try out the various premium brushes for a limited time before you're asked to open your wallet to keep them.
Avatron's Air Stylus shows promise for artists
Avatron's new Air Stylus (US$19.99) app transforms third generation or newer iPads into pressure-sensitive drawing surfaces compatible with desktop graphic design apps. The app is an outgrowth of Avatron's Air Display app. Air Display extends your computer's desktop to your iPad or iPhone to provide an extra screen. Air Stylus layers pressure-sensitive drawing on top of that display functionality. Not only can you view items on the secondary screen, you can draw on them too and in a meaningful way. Think of a Wacom tablet that you can place in your lap and draw onto, but one that shows the image you're drawing and not just a blank surface. There were a few gotchas. First, for an app to work with Air Stylus, it must be pressure-ready. On the Mac, that means working with apps like Acorn, Pixelmator, Manga Studio 5, Art Range, Intensify Pro, Mischief, and Photoshop Elements. Acorn is a terrific app that I happened to have on my system available for testing. Avatron has posted Photoshop how-to for those who wish to follow through with frame buffers and GPU settings, but don't think that the app will produce out-of-the-box pressure input for all drawing apps. Second, there is lag. Although a slight lag usually isn't a problem with Air Display -- especially when you're using the extra screen space for something not time critical such as Twitter -- when drawing, even a half-second of lag can really throw a wrench in things. This does not appear to be a problem for the artists highlighted in Avatron's shiny video and there were times in testing when reaction time was excellent, but at others I experienced a noticeable, albeit slight lag between drawing and the app responding. It was irritating. Third, there is sensitivity. I encountered difficulty when trying to consistently draw a line that changed pressure. You can see a subset of my attempts recorded here. The video shows the Reflector capture session of my iPad Air as I used both the brush and pencil tools. Eventually, I learned to put a bit of pressure onto the stylus to get the sensitivity going and then back off or press harder. I am never going to be a calligrapher and the process of learning to draw with pressure using the stylus was harder than I expected. I tested Air Stylus using a Wacom stylus, a Pogo Connect, and a cheap no-pressure stylus from the dollar store. The app worked well with all three. For pressure testing, I stuck with the Wacom as it was the only one that worked for those tests (Avatron plans to update its support for Pogo Connect soon). While I personally found Air Stylus difficult to use gracefully, I did love how well I could zoom and pan to focus my drawing space exactly where and how I wanted it. I suspect many of my difficulties stem from my ham handed lack of any sophisticated drawing abilities. I also liked how the desktop client offered to save my extra window state until I was ready to pick up and draw again. Unlike other screen extension apps, Air Stylus didn't revert my window configuration until I told it to. That's a great feature. At US$20, Air Stylus isn't going to be an impulse buy for most people -- especially when you take the stylus and drawing app prerequisites into account. However, if you're a serious artist and have mad pressure-sensitive skills, I think the app has the potential to really grab you. Be aware that the app is new and growing. Reaction on the App Store has been mixed. From an admittedly small sample, it's currently middling in ratings and has at least two very unhappy customers. I was more apparently impressed then they were, and I look forward to seeing how this app evolves.
Wacom lets people share handwritten notes across devices and platforms
Wacom has been pushing into the world of mobile for a while, and its efforts have just culminated in a pretty bold move: A single, cross-platform standard for sharing handwritten notes and sketches between users, regardless of whether they're using a stylus or a finger, an iPhone or a PC, an app or a browser. The tool is called "WILL" -- "Wacom Ink Layer Language" -- and it captures a pen stroke's coordinates, pressure and the identity of its creator (through a unique "Pen ID"), as well as allowing the scribble to be edited by others. Users can also see other people's handwriting being created in real-time, i.e. we're not just talking about static images. Beginning next month, Wacom will promote WILL by distributing SDKs for iOS, Android, Mac OS and Windows, as well as for browsers and cloud platforms. These SDKs are meant to make it easier for developers to create apps that accept signatures scrawled on a touchscreen, or DIY smileys, or hand-drawn highlights on a cloud document, or any other sort of handwritten input. Of course, the concern with any such format is that it'll need to be embraced by a large number of companies in order to reach a tipping point and become widely accepted. Wacom doesn't seem to be ready to announce even a single partner just yet, but where there's a will... (Ahem, sorry.)
Microsoft starts selling ASUS' VivoTab Note 8 for $329
ASUS, like many other companies, took to CES 2014 to introduce a number of new products. Among these was the often-leaked VivoTab Note 8, an 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet with support for Wacom pen input. If you were remotely intrigued back then, it looks as if Microsoft has now (quietly) placed it up for grabs in the US. Currently, Redmond's online store is selling the 32GB model of ASUS' VivoTab Note 8 for $329, which is slightly different than the $299 price tag it was announced with in Las Vegas. Strangely enough, there's also no apparent sight of the 64GB flavor, which makes us think that this Bay Trail-powered, pen-friendly slate may have been listed ahead of time. Regardless, it's very much available here -- at least for the time being. [Thanks, Phillip]
Camera and photography deals of the week: 2.7.14
If you're still looking to make good on that New Year's resolution to kick your photography habit into high gear, we might have a few options that can help. From an entry-level Nikon DSLR to a Wacom peripheral to aid with edits, there are a few options for spicing up those snapshots. Head on past the break and peruse the full lot. Just window shopping? No worries. Join us and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your Want list; every time there's a price cut in the future, you'll get an email alert!
Live from the Engadget CES Stage: Wacom CEO Masahiko Yamada
Wacom's been long known for offering up a different sort of tablet than the consumer models that tend to flood the CES show floor. And while the Cintiq marks a bit of an experimental step in that direction, the device is still firmly grounded in what the company does best: offering up high-end pen-based tablets for graphics professionals. January 9, 2014 1:30:00 PM EST
ASUS reveals the VivoTab Note 8, an 8-inch Windows tablet with Wacom pen input
ASUS' VivoTab Note 8 has been one of CES' worst-kept secrets, but we're still glad to see that it's finally official. The 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet is a direct foil for Dell's Venue 8 Pro, and includes a familiar-sounding 1,280 x 800 IPS display, 2GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel rear camera and an HD-capable front cam. Most of the differences revolve around its namesake pen input; the VivoTab includes a Wacom stylus that can handle 1,000 pressure levels, arguably trumping Dell's less sophisticated (and purely optional) approach. An ever-so-slightly faster 1.86GHz Bay Trail Atom chip doesn't hurt, either. The tablet should ship either late in the first quarter or early in the second, with prices starting at a frugal $299 for a 32GB model and climbing to $349 for a 64GB edition.
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Peripherals
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Peripherals sound about as exciting as a trip to the dentist, but trust us: Companion devices have plenty to offer, and some even have a wow factor. Just take the Pebble smartwatch, for example; it lets you view notifications (as well as the current time) directly from your wrist. Especially well-heeled types can shell out for a VR headset or 3D printer, but we're sure your loved ones will be thankful for a cutting-edge hard drive all the same.
Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid review: a pen display that doubles as an Android tablet
After months of rumblings about a standalone slate, Wacom finally unveiled not one, but two tablets back in September. On paper, the Cintiq Companion may be the more compelling mobile workstation, just because it runs Windows, but first, we're taking a long, hard look at the Cintiq Companion Hybrid. Whereas the other runs Windows, this one is powered by Android and packs a top-of-the-line Tegra 4 chip to help you get work done on the go. Of course, when tethered to a laptop or desktop machine back in the studio, the unit also serves as a traditional pen display like the Cintiq 13HD -- but with multitouch gestures. Creative types are already familiar with Wacom's prices, but the real question is whether the ability to use it as a mobile device is worth an even higher premium. With a stablemate that's capable of running a full version of Photoshop, is the Hybrid worth the added investment over the similarly sized 13HD pen tablet? Or are you better off paying more for the Cintiq Companion with Windows instead?
Pencil on Paper: meet the stylus for FiftyThree's popular iPad sketching app
When you're the creator of an award-winning iPad sketchbook app, making your own stylus would be a logical move. Unsurprisingly, that's exactly what FiftyThree, the brains behind Microsoft's Courier project and developers of Paper, intend to do. The company's new "Pencil" capacitive stylus has just popped up at the FCC, outlining its plans to equip Paper users with a rubber-tipped low power Bluetooth accessory that can draw on a touchscreen "like a canvas." The documents detail two models: one crafted from wood and the other from aluminum alloy. The FCC approval highlights FiftyThree's desire to further expand beyond Apple's App Store and venture into new markets. The company recently partnered with Moleskine to allow Paper users to create a $40 custom-printed 15-page "Book" of sketches and designs created within the app. The new products will directly compete with Wacom's bluetooth-enabled stylii, and of course with plain old fingers -- which will likely still be welcome in the Paper app, even after the Pencil comes to market.
Wacom's Bamboo Pad: a Magic Trackpad-esque peripheral with stylus input for $49 and $79
Touch pads are nice for navigating with gestures, but what about when you need to scribble a signature or mark up a draft by hand? Well, Wacom has an option with its new stylus-friendly Bamboo Pad. The peripheral enables multitouch gestures alongside a pressure-sensitive Wacom stylus. Compatible with both Mac and Windows PCs, the add-ons can employ a wireless connection or be tethered via USB and come in one of four accent-hued options: grey, blue, green or purple (violet unit is wireless only). If you've already gotten cozy with a Bamboo Stylus feel, that input device will work alongside this new Bamboo Pad as well. Wired units will set you back $49 while the wireless model is priced at $70 with both arriving later this month. For now, you can snag a closer look at the goods in the gallery down below.
Dell announces M4800, M6800 Precision laptops built for business pros
It's been just over a year since Dell updated its Precision workstations, but the time has come for some fresh hardware. This year's laptops, the M4800 and M6800, one up their predecessors in all the right places. That means 4th gen Haswell Core i5 and i7 silicon (with or without vPro), and the latest AMD FirePro or NVIDIA Quadro graphics, depending upon your preference. Additionally, the M4800 comes with a 400-nit, 15.6-inch 3,200 x 1,800 IGZO display, the same pixel-packed screen last seen on its M3800 sibling. The M6800, meanwhile, gets just a 1920 x 1080 LCD, but it comes with Wacom 10-finger multitouch capability to make up for its lack of pixels. Both laptops can be had with up to 32GB of memory, and the 17-inch model comes with four bays that can be stuffed with up to 3.5TB of spinning or solid state storage (M4800 buyers get a mere three bays for a max of 2.5TB). As with the previous models, both laptops get up to a nine-cell 97Wh battery and users can double the juice by adding on a same-sized external slice power pack. Oh, and IT pros can pick which OS they'd like: Windows 7 or 8, and either Red Hat or Ubuntu Linux. You can dig into all the nitty-gritty customization options in the PR below, but we'll tell you here what you really want to know: the M4800 starts at $1,249, while the M6800 can be yours for $1,599.
Hands-on with Wacom's Cintiq Companion tablets
Wacom's drool-worthy new tablets certainly made us lament our lack of artistic skill when we saw them online, but do they pass muster up close and personal? We just got a chance to play with both the Companion Hybrid, the one with Android, as well as the full-fat Companion (the one with Windows 8), and we thought we'd show you how they behave. Naturally, in order to do that, we had to unleash our creative side, so be warned -- we may need to throw an artistic hissy fit after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Wacom revamps Intuos pen tablet line with regular and Pro models, priced from $79 up to $499
It seems last week's Cintiq announcement wasn't the only news that Wacom had up its sleeve for the end of summer. The designer-friendly outfit retooled its Intuos family of pen tablets and it now features two lines: Intuos and Intuos Pro. The former is aimed at the hobbyist sort and replaces the Bamboo-branded pen peripherals that we've seen in the past (the Bamboo moniker will stick around, though) while the latter takes aim at the pro set much like the Intuos5 touch did. Let's start with those, shall we? Intuos Pro pen tablets tout much of the functionality that we've seen before: improved customizable ExpressKeys, Pro Pen with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, Express View (the heads-up display feature) and an included kit for wireless connectivity. The other Intuos peripherals wield a thinner pen for comfy sketching, a set of four ExpressKeys, silver coat of paint and both touch-enabled and non-touch models in its smaller size. The Intuos Pro will get served up in three sizes (small, medium and large) while the Inutos group will only serving small and medium-sized sensibilities. A Special Edition medium-sized, silver-clad option will also set up shop with the Pro units. Prices for the Pro gadgets are $249, $349 and $499 respectively with that Special Edition clocking in at $379. As far as the regular Intuos pen tabs go, $79 for the non-touch model and $99 or $199 for the swipe-friendly sizes. It's also worth a mention that you'll need to opt for the $39 wireless accessory kit if you're looking to use the regular models without a tether. For all the details on both lines, consult the full PR that lies beyond the break or mosey on over to Wacom's e-store as the entire lot is now on sale.
Daily Roundup: Accessories buyer's guide, OLPC XO Tablet review, Employee-only white Xbox One, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Sketch it out: hands-on with Wacom's Intuos Creative Stylus and retooled Bamboo Paper app
Last week, Wacom unveiled its latest tablet pen -- the Intuos Creative Stylus -- alongside a trio of Cintiq Companion standalone slates. The stylus is indeed a departure from the regular ol' scribbling units that we've seen popping up all over. This time around, the Intuos Creative Stylus draws much of its look and feel from Wacom's Pro Pen (or Cintiq Pen) with its on-board buttons, soft grip and recognizable shape. Of course, it wields the same 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity that we've seen on units included with Intuos and Cintiq models as of late, and connects to the latest Apple tablets via Bluetooth 4.0. All that sounds great, but as you might expect, it comes with a higher price. Is parting with $100 a safe bet in October or are you better off sticking with your current tools? Venture past the break for our initial impressions.
