SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 367 - Touch Maide Possible
/Touch Maide Possible:
This podcast covers a new 3D control app for the iPad (and soon iPhone/iPod Touch) developed by a startup called Maide Inc in Toronto. The app allows you to pan, zoom, and rotate your models with intuitive multi-touch gestures on your iPad. Topics covered:
- Product introduction
- Supported 3D CAD applicaitons
- Setup and Configuration
- Feature set of Maide Control for iPad
- Tips of use with iOS5 and the iPad (1st gen)
- Overall first impressions
3D mice and control devices have been gaining momentum over the past decade, bringing a level of 3D control that a mouse alone just cannot provide. In my early CAD days after migrating away from a digitizing tablet, I was using Spaceball 4000 and really started to get hooked. It was almost to the point where I found I could not even use CAD without it! I have since moved away from it since I travel and am on the go (despite having a space traveler that collects dust in my bag!).
A few weeks ago I received an email from Maide's CEO & Founder Oleg Kostour asking if I was interested in taking a spin on their 3D control app for iPad since it had now entered a beta for SolidWorks. After freeing up some time to really take a look, I installed the app and Maide Connect (desktop component) and dove in. I tested on both Mac and Windows with Sketchup since support for SolidWorks is in beta but only for 2011 and I have since removed all but 2012 from my systems!
The app works as advertised and can be customized in most (not SolidWorks yet) for menu commands, similar to the way you have mouse gestures in SolidWorks in a ring. I am excited to see their iPhone / iPod touch app that is coming out since it uses the gyros, allowing movement of the device in conjunction to touch to navigate the 3D space. For more information about Maide Inc check out their blog!
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