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Five years of the iPad, and Art Authority

Five years ago today Apple shipped the iPad, and Open Door Networks shipped Art Authority for iPad. And the rest is history. And art.

The New York Times called the iPad “a completely new experience — and a deeply satisfying one.” And it called Art Authority “an experience unlike any other.” In our day-one announcement we said the two were clearly made for each other, and we were right. Within the first few days, the app was in the top 100 grossing app list, just below Angry Birds!

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Over the past five years, Apple has made numerous enhancements to the iPad, and created a family of devices. Likewise we have evolved Art Authority, and created a product line. Here’s some of what we’ve done:

  • The app (and the iPad) proved an immediate hit in schools. Seton Hill University, among many others, has been using the app since 2010.
  • Our age appropriate K-12 version, specifically requested by teachers, has been popular as well. We also have a free iBook, “Exploring Art with Art Authority.”
  • We have nearly doubled the number of works the app provides access to, from 40,000 five years ago to over 75,000 now.
  • When Apple introduced the retina display, we not only added a number of high-resolution images to take advantage of it, but also introduced our new SmArt Resolution technology so the larger images wouldn’t slow things down.
  • We’ve added link to articles on thousands of individual works, and videos for hundreds more.
  • We’ve added major new technologies and features such as Art Like This, Art Real Size, and Art Near Me.
  • We’ve sponsored a summer intern program for art majors, year five of which will be starting shortly.
  • The app was twice named best iPad reference app of the year by Apple. It has often been in the top 10 on the App Store, and was number one in Japan at one point for a whole week.

Not bad. So what will the next five years bring? Well, to start with, how’s this: today only, Art Authority for iPad is FREE!

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  1. […] Art Authority News and views from the #1 classic art app « Five years of the iPad, and Art Authority […]

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