While many 3rd party Apple device developers might be focusing on apps for iPhone 4, there is still a significant number of developers creating wonderful tools for Apple’s earlier products. Take the iPad for instance. Many critics of the device pointed out the lack of pressure-sensitivity in the iPad. This means that iPad cannot distinguish between a strong tap and a light tap – both taps will have the same effect. This is not necessarily a problem but if pressure-sensitivity was built-in, it would open doors to a new arena for developers.

Ten One Design, a company that creates products and accessories for Apple devices, pondered over the lack of pressure-sensitivity in the iPad and came up with a unique solution: a stylus-like pen. This pen has a brush-like end. The more pressure a person puts on the pen, the larger surface area is covered on the iPad. You therefore use the pen’s pressure-sensitivity as a way around iPad’s inability to distinguish between high and low pressures.

So where can this be helpful?

Using this pen, drawing on the iPad will become more fun. You could choose darker and lighter lines through the pressure you put on the pen. I can also see iPad game developers taking advantage of this pen and exploring some creative avenues.

The benefits of the pen are obvious but Apple has yet to approve the device. If Apple officially endorses the pen, it might become the standard tool to accompany each iPad device. Clearly Ten One Design has outdone itself with this simple pen design.