Luna Display’s ability to turn an iPad into a high-performance second screen for a Mac got an upgrade with peer-to-peer networking, reducing the latency between the two computers.
In addition, a software update for the video adapter from Astropad now supports making one Mac acts as another’s external monitor via a USB connection.
Astropad’s Luna Display 5.3 upgraded with direct wireless connections between Mac and iPad
Plug Luna Display into a Mac and it can use an iPad as a second screen for a Mac.
That capability was Sherlocked by macOS Sidecar, but Astropad has nevertheless stayed in business for years by offering a superior experience, especially for creative professionals.
And peer-to-peer networking in Luna Display 5.3 further speeds up connections between Mac and iPad. The two computers communicate directly, with no Wi-Fi router required or even involved. Astropad promises a 46% reduction in latency.
While the hardware/software combo supports Windows for other types of connections, peer-to-peer modes is only available with Mac.
The same feature was recently added to Astropad Studio, software that lets an iPad become a touchscreen-enhanced drawing tablet for application like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
For even faster performance when using any type of connection, Luna Display 5.3 offers a 30% faster Liquid engine.
USB support added to Mac-to-Mac mode
Also in the new version is an improvement to the mode that allows one Mac to take over another’s screen.
“Previously, Mac-to-Mac Mode only supported connection between devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. Now, users will have the option to connect their Macs via a USB cable,” noted Astropad.
Luna Display 5.3 is an application for macOS and iPadOS (and Windows, too.) The software is free but does nothing without the Luna Display wireless adapter.
Buy it from: Astropad
Buy it from: Amazon
The adapter is ordinarily $119.99, but is currently available at 20% off, lowering the cost to $95.99.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
