Magnetic stylus could catch on for iPad users

TACKLING THE competitive world of Apple accessories is no mean feat but two industrial designers from Offaly are doing just that with a novel magnetic stylus for the iPad 2 and they’re funding the project through the online community.

Noel Joyce and Andy Shaw are the design duo behind Applydea (short for “apply the idea”). They came up with the Maglus magnetic stylus for the iPad out of sheer necessity: all iPad users know the shame of a grubby screen and the annoyance of scrabbling for a stylus in the bottom of their bag.

“Andy and I had just bought the iPad 2 and it occurred to us that putting really powerful magnets in a stylus would solve the problem. The Maglus sticks to the iPad without the risk of scratching like a clip-on stylus,” explains Joyce.

The Maglus is also employing an interesting route to market. Rather than seeking funding through traditional channels, Applydea has decided to get the public to invest through Irish crowdfunding site Fundit.ie. It works by inviting anyone to pledge money towards a target – in the case of the Maglus it is €15,000. When the target is reached the product is manufactured and the crowd reap the benefits. Those who pledge €15 or more will get a free Maglus when it ships.

“We went to Fundit.ie because speed was of the essence. This industry moves so fast that if you don’t get in there someone else will,” observes Joyce. “You can guarantee a plethora of magnet-based devices for the iPad in the near-future on the back of this.”

So far the Maglus has raised more than €2,500, mostly due to the huge appetite for Apple gadget gossip. Applydea told James Britton of Irish blog Mactrast.com about the stylus and days later it was picked up by Wired.com and the Wall Street Journal.

With crowdfunding and viral gossip working in their favour Applydea are indicative of the new wave of tech entrepreneurs: they shot the official Maglus video on the iPhone and edited it on the iPad. Maglus also happens to be the name of the ancient god meaning “he who leads” and Joyce hints at other innovative iPad products coming down the line.

With 27 days to reach the fundraising target he is optimistic: “It’s about taking a chance; if you don’t stick your neck out you won’t get anywhere.”