If you are like me, you are always on the go, rarely ever sitting at a desktop computer (besides when I’m working). Desktop computers are pretty much on their way out, at least outside an office setting, while tablets and laptops are where more and more individuals are spending their online time. With many popular websites and games making the transition from PC to mobile devices, why shouldn’t those within the 3D printing space do the same?
MakerBot clearly understands this; in June, they announced the MakerBot Mobile application. At launch the company promised many new additions in the year to come for the new app, providing additional functions and a more streamlined user interface.
Today, MakerBot Mobile 1.1 has been released with some interesting new features added, making the product even more dynamic.
For those wishing to download the app on their iPad, they now can do just that. The new grid layout presented on the iPad for both Thingiverse and the MakerBot Cloud Library makes it incredibly intuitive in sorting through various models. I will probably find myself aimlessly flipping through thousands of models as I sit for hours on my couch this weekend deciding what my next major 3D print will encompass.
The new version will be ccompatible with iOs 7.0 or later on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
There still is much to be added to the MakerBot Mobile app, including support for Andoid devices. The company has not yet stated when Android users will be able to utilize this application; however, they are working on other features which will be activated during a future firmware update to their MakerBot Replicator 3D printers.
One such update will include the ability to start or stop a print from an iPhone or iPad when one is within range of their printer’s WiFi network. For those of you too lazy to get up and check to make sure your printer’s build plate is clean and clear prior to launching a new print, the app will display an image of the build plate to users prior to them confirming a print job. This firmware update should be available within the coming weeks.
To update to MakerBot Mobile 1.1, simply goto the Apple iTunes store. Let us know what you think of these changes once downloaded. Discuss in the MakerBot Mobile 1.1 forum thread on 3DPB.com.
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