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This is the best reason to revive that old iPad and put it to good use

Published Dec 15th, 2014 4:05PM EST
Mac and iPad: Second Display Setup
Image: Screenshot | Duet Display

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iPad owners who have found themselves using their tablets less and less and people who still have old iPad models gathering dust in a corner will soon be able to bring them to life with help of a handy app developed by a previous Apple engineer, Business Insider reveals. Be warned though, there’s a catch for this particular type of endeavor.

FROM EARLIER: Shopping for iPhones, iPads and Macs at Apple.com is now even easier

Duet Display is the name of the yet-to-be-released app, and, as it suggests, it’ll turn the iPad into a secondary display for your Mac — thus, the app only works on Macs, so iPad owners who don’t also own a Mac won’t be able to take advantage of it.

Of course, this isn’t the first app that lets you turn the iPad into a second Mac display. In fact, there are several such apps that have this particular type of functionality. However, this app promises a great experience on a large variety of iPad and Macs, including tablets as old as the first-generation iPad that can only run an iOS version up to iOS 5.1.1, and Macs running at least OS X 10.9.

More interestingly, iPhones can also be turned in additional Mac displays, as long as they’re able to run at least iOS 5.1.1.

Furthermore, Duet Display works both over Lightning or 30-pin connections, and supports the iPad’s or iPhone’s touchscreen.

The app should be launched soon — you can register your interest on the developer’s site, available at the source link. Furthermore, a video showing such a setup in action follows below.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.