FiftyThree Introduces Pencil for iPad

FiftyThree recently introduced the Pencil peripheral for the iPad, a deceptively high-tech stylus masquerading as a thick wooden pencil. The stylus is designed to best work in tandem with the company’s award-winning Paper app, which allows users to sketch and create full illustrations on their tablet.

Using the smart stylus, you can switch straight to the eraser tool just by flipping the pencil as well as blend and smudge colors right on the screen using your fingers. The stylus also includes palm rejection, which lets you rest your hand directly on the screen when drawing without affecting your work. While these functions are only compatible with the Paper app, you could of course use the Pencil just as you would any stylus on other apps and touchscreen device.

The Pencil body itself is deliberately kept understated and while appearing to be made of wood at a distance, is actually made out of a single piece of brushed aluminum stamped with the brand’s logo. It pairs with the tablet using Bluetooth and lasts for up to a month of normal use on a single 90-minute charge by USB. The sensors in both the tip and eraser of the stylus are plated with 14 kt gold for enhanced sensitivity. The $50 Pencil is available in both graphite and walnut color options and comes with an extra tip and eraser. It’s currently available through FiftyThree’s website.