It seems nowadays everyone famous is getting involved with some kind of technological endeavour. The latest one to join the ranks, is Tom Hanks – yes, he of Forrest Gump fame.
Apparently Mr Hanks has a soft spot for typewriters. This sounds a bit contradictory when we’re talking about technology, but he has found a way to merge technology and old-school coolness.
Last year Hanks wrote an article in the New York Times where he sang the praises of the common old typewriter – “Everything you type on a typewriter sounds grand, the words forming in mini-explosions of SHOOK SHOOK SHOOK.” Hanks is also an avid typewriter collector, starting way back in 1978.
His passion has lead to a collaboration with Hitcents to develop the Hanx writer, an app simulating a typewriter.
It replicates all the sounds of a typewriter, the click of the keys and the bell at the end of a line. You can even XXX out your mistakes like in the old days.
However Hanx writer does include some more technologically advanced features such as the option to e-mail, print or share the document you typed. It can also be paired with a blue-tooth keyboard, if you happen to have one.
Unfortunately Hanks’ app is only available for iPads. There are three versions available and the basic model can be downloaded for free on Apple iTunes. Extra paid options can be downloaded if you need more choices. The app launched last week and it currently holds it’s place as the most downloaded app in iTunes.
According to Hanks the app isn’t meant for serious work, but rather as a novelty for those feeling nostalgic who share his love of the now extinct typewriter. And if you prefer something closer to the real thing – QWERKY, has developed a bluetooth iPad keyboard resembling a typewriter.
[SOURCES: www.time.com, www.theguardian, www.nytimes.com, www.mashable.com]
Tags: applications, Apps