Last September I had the opportunity to attend the launch of Solidworks 2013 and see a few things coming down the pipe. One thing that throughly impressed me was their augmented reality app for mobile devices or tablets. Presented by one of the original developers of eDrawings, Rick Chin, the AR app generated some audible gasps in the room. Still in the preliminary stages, the quality of the app was pretty clear. And now it's available for download.



The deal is simple. Download eDrawings for your iPhone/iPad (two flavours: Standard or Professional), upload your favourite GrabCAD models or one of your own to your device, print off the AR marker and see your model appear before your eyes. Having this capability is absolutely wonderful. Ever wanted to show off a new design to a client or a friend? Keep a few markers handy (print it on the back of a business card perhaps?) and carry out your demo and blow your audience away. Drag, lift, scale, rotate and freeze your model to show every design aspect that might not be possible with standard images.

One thing that was missing from the demo in September at Solidworks HQ and this version is the ability to reveal sections or hide particular parts. A crucial element if I wanted to give anyone a demo with the full experience. Regardless, the shadow, the lack of lag and the ease of use added together to create a solid product for mobile users.

Already we can tell it's popular among GrabCADrs......perhaps more? It's already featuring a higher rating on the Apple Store than Solidwork's...

UPDATE: Here are a few picture taken by GrabCADr Stephen Nyberg, including Grabby, a downloaded model and his kid Rogers. Haha very cute!