In June, Astropad, the creators of Luna Display, wrote a blog post titled "Why Getting Sherlocked by Apple Was a Blessing in Disguise." This article came on the one-year anniversary of Apple’s launch of Sidecar for macOS, which allowed Mac owners to use an iPad as a second display. As a result, Luna’s functionality became redundant.
However, instead of being defeated by this unexpected turn of events, Astropad saw it as an opportunity to pivot and diversify its portfolio. The company had been planning to expand its product line, and the launch of Sidecar provided the perfect catalyst for growth.
A New Path Forward
In the blog post, Astropad outlined its plans to move forward with a new version of Luna that would be compatible with Windows. This decision was not taken lightly, as it required significant resources and investment. However, the company believed that this was the right move, as it would allow them to tap into a new market and reach a wider audience.
The post read: "Later this summer, we’ll open up Astropad Studio for a free public beta on Windows. Not long after, we’ll be launching a Kickstarter campaign for an HDMI version of Luna Display."
A New Chapter for Duet Display
Fast-forward to the present day, and Astropad has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Windows version of Luna Display. This is a significant milestone, as it marks the company’s first foray into the Windows market.
The campaign has already exceeded its funding goal, with early-bird supporters able to get on board with the device for as low as $49 (down from a retail price of $80). Delivery is set for May 2021.
What Can You Expect From Luna Display on Windows?
So, what can you expect from Luna Display on Windows? The dongle turns an iPad into a second display for a Windows PC, either wirelessly or tethered. The model comes in either USB-C or HDMI models, depending on the ports available on your machine.
The second tablet can be used as a touchscreen for the extended monitor, which should work well with Windows 10, given how much Microsoft has tailored it to a touch experience.
Benefits for Original Luna Users
The launch of Luna Display on Windows is not just good news for Mac users; it’s also beneficial for original Luna users. Owners of the original Mac version will be able to use their existing device with PCs, as well.
This means that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of having a second display without needing to purchase a new device.
What About Other Devices?
But what about other devices? The good news is that Luna Display on Windows works seamlessly with Macs, iPads, and PCs. You can use it for Mac-to-iPad, Windows-to-iPad, Mac-to-Mac (with one laptop serving as a second screen), or even headless mode, where the iPad serves as a display for the Mac Mini and Mac Pro.
Conclusion
Getting Sherlocked by Apple may have been a blessing in disguise for Astropad. Instead of being defeated by the launch of Sidecar, the company saw it as an opportunity to pivot and expand its portfolio.
The launch of Luna Display on Windows is a testament to this vision, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this innovative product.
Product Details
- Luna Display: A dongle that turns your iPad into a second display for your Windows PC
- Price: Starting at $49 (early bird special) or $80 (retail price)
- Delivery Date: May 2021
- Compatibility: Works with Macs, iPads, and PCs
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about Luna Display on Windows, be sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign. You can also visit the Astropad website for more information.
In the meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this exciting development. Share your comments below!