Avatron Software helps you make the most out of your mobile Apple devices
If you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, chances are you care at least somewhat about maximizing the device's uses. Avatron Software, based out of Portland, dedicates itself to just that.
Its two core products are Air Sharing and Air Display. Air Sharing, which is as old the company (2008), turns users' mobile handhelds into portable document storage devices. Users can wirelessly transfer virtually any file format—including Microsoft Office docs, PDFs and image files—to their device and view, print, and send files via email.
“Apple’s devices always rank very high on the cool factor, but aren’t well known for their business productivity—the lack of native file sharing capability is a big drawback to their business functionality,” said Dave Howell, CEO of Avatron Software and a six-year Apple engineering veteran. “Air Sharing brings file sharing to the Apple platform, with an easy-to-use app that makes any ‘i-device’ much more business-friendly.” The app starts at $3 for a basic version, and $10 for a "Pro" version.
Air Display, Avataron's other core product, is quite different, and perhaps more interesting. It's a much newer app that turns iPads into extra monitors for netbook, laptop, and desktop computers. As Avatron suggests, "the lightweight app improves productivity by allowing users to reposition windows or workflow elements onto the separate screen to free up more workspace. It is ideal for pairing with small laptops, such as the MacBook Air." In August, Avatron added Windows compatibility for PCs.
“Air Display is perfect for times when you need more screen space, especially for graphics software like Photoshop, Office or iWork, or games that require more room than a 13” screen can provide,” said Dave Howell, CEO of Avatron Software. “The app makes it incredibly easy to setup the iPad on a desk, at a coffee shop—wherever you need some extra workspace. You just launch the app and it’s ready to go.”
But how does it work?
The app connects the devices over a localized wireless network and leverages the iPad’s auto-rotation feature, allowing the device to be rotated in portrait or landscape orientation as needed. The iPad can be positioned to the left or right of the primary screen, and the device’s hallmark touch-screen functionality can still be used to manipulate features on the iPad screen, just as if it were being used alone.
Air Display is $10 in the iTunes App Store.
The company, which is going through growing pains—a new office and a new website, for starters—recently tweeted this YouTube clip, showing off Air Display's cohesion with Apple's Final Cut software.
