● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Astropad Workbench 1.3 Released with Faster Streaming and Privacy Features
Key points
- Workbench 1.3 features 30% faster streaming on Apple silicon.
- A new privacy curtain conceals the Mac's display during remote sessions.
- Watchdog feature relaunches Workbench after crashes or disconnections.
- Picture-in-picture support and 71 bug fixes are included.
Workbench 1.3 Enhancements
Astropad has launched Workbench 1.3, marking its most significant update since the application's debut earlier this year. This release focuses on improving remote access to Macs from iPhones or iPads, particularly for managing unattended Mac mini setups and AI agents.
The update includes a rebuilt video streaming system specifically optimized for Apple silicon, resulting in a 30% increase in streaming speed. Content-aware encoding has also been implemented to enhance text clarity and refresh rates during remote sessions.
New Privacy and Reliability Features
Version 1.3 introduces a privacy curtain feature that allows users to conceal the Mac's display during a remote session. Users can select from three styles, dim the physical display, and block local keyboard or mouse input for enhanced security.
A new Watchdog feature has been added to improve reliability. Watchdog monitors Workbench in the background and automatically relaunches the application if it crashes, disconnects, or becomes unresponsive.
Additional Improvements and Bug Fixes
Other new features include picture-in-picture support, enabling users to keep the remote Mac visible while using other applications. On iPad, shortcut mapping can now redirect commands to the connected Mac.
The update also addresses 71 bug fixes, resolving issues related to keyboard input, clipboard syncing, sign-ins, and other aspects of the application's functionality.
Previous Updates Since Launch
Since its initial release, Workbench has received several updates. These include improved external mouse support, smoother zooming capabilities, smarter sleep handling, visible macOS cursors, and the ability to send Command-Space from an iPad.
Subsequent releases added non-English speech-to-text, longer background connections, faster connection times, improved encryption, more reliable clipboard syncing, Japanese Kana keyboard support, and compatibility fixes for Wispr Flow and Apple Pencil Scribble.
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Reporting from
Astropad released Workbench 1.3, an update to its remote desktop application for Mac, introducing a rebuilt video streaming system for Apple silicon, a privacy curtain, and a Watchdog feature. This update improves performance and adds tools for accessing unattended Macs, which is relevant for users managing remote Mac mini setups or AI agents.