Wacom has developed a new type of pencil that is designed to draw within virtual environments and in a way that was previously unexplored by the brand itself, but which could have a long future if it meets expectations. This is the new Wacom VR Pen.
Wacom VR Pen: the pen for 2D and 3D drawing
Wacom is one of those companies that needs no introduction. All of us at some point have heard of or even tried one of their digitizing tablets . Those that allow drawing in a more natural way in digital environments, although they have also been used a lot for image retouching and other types of uses thanks to the precision offered by their pencils compared to the use of a conventional mouse.
However, with the arrival of mobile devices – despite the fact that some used their technology to include support for styles – it is true that they lost some strength and interest. And if we add to that the irruption of the iPad with its Apple Pencil and the support that the full range offers even more.
For this reason, the company had to take a step forward and offer a different value proposition. And so it has been, the company has presented a new device that seems to be very well focused on something that should be exploited at some point not too far away: design in virtual spaces.
The new Wacom VR Pen is a new pen that despite not being anything really new, because with the Oculus controls you could already do this thanks to the use of certain apps, it does offer a series of features that make it ideal for the purpose. you seek to cover.
The first of them is logically its design, a traditional pencil-shaped one that is reinforced with a kind of “tank” where there is part of the electronics that allows the device to function and also improve grip as if it were a small airbrush. In the images it is much better seen and also how different buttons are included that will allow certain interactions with each of the applications in which it is used.
The pencil is also not only used to draw in a 3D environment, but also in 2D because it preserves classic Wacom elements such as pressure sensitivity. Something that also applies when you are going to use it in a virtual environment as you can see in the video below. In which, incidentally, certain added physical controls are seen in more detail.
Regarding the tracking, this is carried out by means of an external camera system that, together with Wacom’s proprietary technology, would allow those lines to be made with precision in the air. In addition, and this is interesting for the company and a large number of users, it will be compatible with the most popular virtual reality headsets on the market, from Oculus glasses to Valve’s, Microsoft‘s Hololens, etc.
When will the new Wacom stylus be available?
Regarding the availability of this product, that is a question that still has no answer. For now, it could be said that it has been like a small advance, but it remains to know in more detail the rest of the characteristics and most importantly, how it behaves in real use and not in demos that are always very striking but unrealistic.
What is clear is that the way in which all types of artistic or engineering work are designed and created is destined to change and embrace these types of 3D technologies and virtual environments. Of course, do not expect them to be very cheap products, because the Logitech VR Ink is priced at $ 750.
