Adobe, previously only a player in the software industry, has made its entry into hardware with the launch of the Adobe Ink stylus and the Adobe Slide digital ruler for the iPad.
Adobe, best known for creative software such as Premiere and Photoshop, is now diving into more opportunities where the company can bring its trademark creativity.
"We have for the last dozen years been innovating from the screen down, and there were limitations - now we're innovating from the screen up," said Adobe's vice president of experience design Michael Gough.
The Ink stylus was manufactured by Adobe in partnership with Adonit. It has a sleek, warped triangular body that is comfortable to hold, with a smooth aluminum finish and white accents on both ends of the stylus. It has a button that operates the power of the device and connects it to the user's iPad and Adobe Sketch app.
The Ink stylus works hand in hand with the Slide digital ruler to provide a unique creative experience to the user. It has the same looks as the Ink, with an aluminum finish and white accents. When placed on top of an iPad, a pair of straight guide lines appears onscreen, allowing the user to draw perfect straight lines. The Slide's lone button lets the user look through the shapes and templates that the ruler can provide the user with.
The Ink stylus uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to the iPad through Adobe's Sketch and Line apps. The Slide, on the other hand, is capacitive, and it does not need to be connected to the iPad or powered on to work.
With the Ink stylus and Slide digital ruler working together with the Sketch and Line programs, non-artists are given the ability to create things that may seem impossible to them at first. Professionals, on the other hand, will find the combination of hardware and software to be very helpful, especially when their usual tools are not with them during travel.
Gough, however, adds that Adobe is not looking to transform itself into a major player in the hardware market. Adobe's release of the Ink and Slide will stir up competition in the industry of creative accessories, which will eventually lead the users to Adobe's programs and Creative Cloud service.
The Adobe Ink and Slide are being sold as a bundle for $199.99. They are compatible with the iPad 4th generation, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina Display.
