Avatron, developer of popular secondary display app Air Display 2, has launched an updated version of the app. Air Display 3 also allows users to use their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad screen as a secondary display, but adds the ability to connect the iOS device via USB, instead of the often laggy Wi-Fi connection used in Air Display 2.
Previously, Apple has rejected apps that used a USB connection, however the iOD device maker has relaxed its restrictions on such apps, allowing Avatron to develop apps such as Air Display 3.
MacTrast tried out Air Display 3 this week, and we found it to be a more than capable replacement for a secondary Mac monitor. We experienced very little lag, and the display was sharp, as would be expected on the iPad Air’s Retina display.
If users don’t have a USB connection available, the Wi-Fi option is still available, but the USB option is the one we would recommend for any extended periods of usage.
Air Display 3 has also gained all the features from another Avatron app, Air Stylus, which is being retired from the App Store. The features allow you to use a pressure-sensitive stylus or your finger directly with a Mac app such as Photoshop.
Features of Air Display 3 Include:
- NEW: USB Connection — For even faster, more reliable performance, you can connect your iOS device and Mac via the USB cord.
- NEW: Pressure Sensitivity — Use a pressure-sensitive pen or even your finger to draw or paint into pressure-aware Mac apps like Photoshop and Motion.
- NEW: Pinch Zoom — Zoom in to magnify the screen. This is especially useful when drawing or painting details.
- Multiple Monitors — Air Display 3 connects up to 4 iPads simultaneously for powerful multi-monitor configurations.
- HiDPI — Choose Normal, Retina, or HiDPI resolution to suit your taste.
- Keyboard — Type using Air Display’s built-in keyboard or any Bluetooth keyboard.
- Cross Platform — The Mac host app is not just for iOS; it can also connect to our Air Display clients for Android, Mac, and Windows.
- Touch Gestures — You can control your Mac with intuitive iOS gestures: tap or drag to operate the mouse or tap with two fingers to right-click.
System Requirements:
- Host: Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) and above
- Windows: not supported yet, however Avatron says to stay tuned. Windows users should get Air Display 2
- To use Wi-Fi, both Mac and iOS device(s) must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
To use Air Display 3, you will need to download a free Mac host app, which is available at the Avatron website.
Air Display 3 is an all new app, and is not a free upgrade from Air Display 2. However, the $14.99 price is a reasonable cost for such a useful app.
Air Display 3 is available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and is priced at $14.99 in the App Store. [DIRECT LINK]
