In a significant development for digital artists and designers, Meta and Logitech have unveiled the Logitech MX Ink stylus, a 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) mixed-reality controller. Tailored for the Meta Quest 2 and 3, this new tool promises to elevate the XR (extended reality) experience by providing a precise and intuitive interface for creative professionals.
The Logitech MX Ink is set to transform how artists and designers interact with virtual and mixed reality environments. Priced at $129 and set to ship around Meta Connect 2024, this stylus is designed to seamlessly integrate with popular XR apps such as OpenBrush and Gravity Sketch. It includes the MX Mat for 2D drawing and an "Inkwell" for charging, ensuring a comprehensive toolkit for users.
One of the standout features of the MX Ink is its ability to transition effortlessly between 2D and 3D spaces. According to Logitech's Head of AR/VR, Vadim Kogan, the stylus offers a familiar pen-like feel with a pressure-sensitive tip and a main button that lets users sketch, grab, and manipulate objects in mixed reality. This makes it a versatile tool for a variety of creative applications, from detailed sketches to complex 3D models.
The MX Ink represents a first for Meta Quest headsets by supporting more than two paired controllers simultaneously. This allows users to drop their traditional Touch controllers in favor of the stylus, streamlining the process of switching between inputs during creative sessions. While it supports the Quest 2 and Quest 3, it notably does not support the productivity-focused Quest Pro.
To enhance the user experience, Logitech offers two optional accessories: the MX Mat and the MX Inkwell. The MX Mat provides a friction-free surface for drawing, essentially acting as a real-world canvas in VR. The MX Inkwell serves as a charging base, ensuring that the stylus is always ready for use. Additionally, users can charge the stylus via a USB-C cable.
The Logitech MX Ink will debut around Meta Connect 2024 on September 25, coinciding with the expected announcement of the Quest 3S. Logitech has also confirmed that the stylus will be compatible with future Meta headsets, extending its utility for upcoming devices.
The MX Ink is designed to work with a wide range of XR art apps, including Adobe Substance Modeler, Gravity Sketch, PaintingVR, Arkio, Engage, OpenBrush, GestureVR, ShapesXR, and Elucis by RealizeMedical. Logitech encourages developers to integrate the MX Ink with their applications via GitHub or by applying for a development kit, suggesting that the list of compatible apps will continue to grow.
With features like haptic feedback and a double-tap function, the Logitech MX Ink offers similar perks to the Apple Pencil but distinguishes itself with its 6DoF tracking sensors. While it is slightly heavier and thicker than Apple's stylus, these attributes are a small trade-off for the advanced tracking capabilities it provides.
