Tokyo, Japan Mar. 26, 2009 Wacom® today unveils the long anticipated Intuos® 4, a revolutionary new professional pen tablet that delivers new features and unparalleled performance to photographers, designers and artists seeking optimal control and improved productivity. Inspired by members of Wacom's professional community, the next generation Intuos is anchored by the Intuos4's amazing new pen performance, capable of capturing the slightest nuance of pen pressure against the tablet surface, as well as offering 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. Other innovative product modifications include a refined and intelligent industrial design that provides real advancements in looks, comfort and control. Specific workflow and productivity tools to savor include the shortcut and modifier keys with multiple customisable and application-specific profiles as well as the OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays beside the keys for quick reference.

For more photos and info, see the Intuos4 website here.

All New Pen Performance

The Intuos4 Grip Pen features Wacom's new proprietary Tip Sensor technology, offering users near-zero (one gram) starting pressure for the most natural feeling experience of any digital pen to date. "The lightest touch will activate the pen, emulating the same feel, response and results derived from working with traditional art tools," said Glenn Tsunekawa, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager at Wacom Co., Ltd. Additionally, the Intuos4 pen delivers 2048 levels of pressure, doubling the resolution of the pen's pressure curve to further enhance feedback and expand the creative effects within software applications that support pressure sensitivity. "Delivering a consistently great and natural pen tablet experience starts with the pen. The Intuos4 Grip Pen provides an experience and performance that far surpasses anything we've had before. The range of input options will please even the most discriminating professional," continues Tsunekawa. "In addition, our latest pen technology should encourage Wacom's software partners to continue to expand pen-related features and functionality." The Intuos4 Grip Pen also features a pressure-sensitive eraser and two customizable side switches (pen buttons) for setting commands such as double-click and right-click on the pen. For those who prefer a pen with a thicker barrel, a wide-body Intuos4 replacement grip is included with all Intuos4 pen tablets.

see Wacom 2nd Generation Tip Sensor (PDF 1.6MB)

Breakthrough Design Improves Workflow, Boosts Productivity

With its ergonomic design, the ultra-slim Intuos4 pen tablet is the ideal creative instrument for working with digital content. Its new reversible (ambidextrous) design puts the "shortcut" ExpressKeys™ in the ideal position for both right-handed and left-handed users. The ExpressKeys are conveniently located on one side of the tablet, making them easily accessible for the users' non-dominant hand. To move from right-hand to left-hand operation, simply rotate the tablet 180 degrees and change the orientation of the illuminated icons within the Wacom Tablet Properties software. These application-specific ExpressKeys are instrumental in helping improve workflow and boost productivity by placing commonly used commands right at the fingertips. The close proximity of these tools to the actual work area is efficient and comfortable and helps save valuable time by minimizing dependence on the keyboard, without taking focus away from the pen hand. New to the Intuos4 are illuminated (OLED) displays (not featured on the Intuos4 Small) that provide a helpful reminder as to the current function of each ExpressKey. With past Intuos versions, users had to rely on their own memories for their specific key function settings. As these settings can be specific to different applications, the displays will update immediately as the user changes between applications.

"Wacom's new Intuos4 provides Adobe Photoshop CS4 and our latest Creative Suite products with an approachable interface, enhanced pen performance, elegant design and new non-dominant hand features," said Julieanne Kost, Senior Digital Imaging Evangelist for Adobe. "For me, the Wacom pen tablet has always been particularly beneficial when working on photo compositing projects within Photoshop and it did not take long to discover the vast improvements in workflow this new pen tablet delivers. By combining the super-accurate pen with OLED-displayed keyboard shortcuts, I am able to navigate and complete Photoshop work sessions quickly and efficiently."

Also new to the Intuos4 is the user-defined Touch Ring, capable of controlling up to four different functions in any application. A button located in the centre of the ring "toggles" the ring between functions such as zoom, scroll, brush size adjustment, canvas rotation and layer selection. The position of an LED located along the perimeter of the Touch Ring indicates the current function. "The Intuos4 design carries form and function to new heights," said Tsunekawa. "Never before has a Wacom pen tablet so elegantly provided such tangible workflow and productivity enhancements."

More Intuos4 Innovations

A new weighted pen stand not only provides a convenient pen holder, but also functions as a handy twist-off storage compartment for a total of ten alternate and spare pen nibs. Standard, felt, stroke and flex nibs ship with the Intuos4, allowing users to simulate the feel of a variety of traditional art and design materials. If users have a task for which they prefer a mouse, the Intuos4 offers the most advanced, cordless, battery-free mouse that Wacom has ever produced as an optional accessory. A technology upgrade in the mouse allows the cursor to move based on both the direction and orientation of the mouse, delivering smooth and accurate tracking across the tablet surface. Each of the five buttons and the scroll wheel can be customised by the user.

Valuable Software

Intuos4 ownership offers valuable software applications for professionals to address a variety of creative needs. Each Intuos4 pen tablet includes the following bundled software: Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 (Mac) / 7 (Win), Corel® Painter™ Sketch Pad, Autodesk® Sketchbook® Express, Nik® Color Efex™ Pro filters and Wacom Brushes. In addition, Intuos4 users will appreciate the significant upgrades to Wacom's powerful, user-friendly driver software, including the introduction of radial menus for a quick and precise workflow, and customisable, application-specific preference settings.

Noteworthy Accessories

Intuos4 owners are encouraged to take advantage of some additional tools. For example, the Art Pen turns on the barrel rotation feature within such applications as Adobe Photoshop®, Illustrator® and Corel Painter® X to deliver natural brush effects, much like a calligraphy pen. The Intuos4 Airbrush offers users the ability to create and define paint patterns within certain creative programs.

"Wacom totally nailed it with the Intuos4 and it has already changed the way I work in Adobe Photoshop," said Scott Kelby, President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. "From the design of the tablet and the way it responds, to the brilliant way Wacom has incorporated OLED displays to show which shortcut or modifier tasks are assigned to what ExpressKey on the tablet surface, you instantly know that this is a tool designed for creatives. This will be the tablet that made everyone who has ever wondered if they should be using a tablet finally get on board. It's that good!"

"The Intuos4 is a sophisticated pen tablet that artfully addresses the needs of creative professionals with exciting new pen performance and thoughtful detailing," said Shigeki Komiyama, Executive Director. "By listening to our professional community we are able to deliver today a revolutionary pen tablet packed with new technologies and features that positively impacts creative control and productivity."