Tom Hanks' Typewriter iPad App Hits Number One

An iPad app created by Hollywood star Tom Hanks has shot to the top of Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - news) 's iTunes Store.

Hanx Writer, which emulates an old-fashioned typewriter, was only launched last week but has already become one of the most popular apps.

The free download makes all the noises of a typewriter, including the "ding" when you start a new line, but benefits from modern technology such as being able to press delete when you make a mistake.

After its launch on August 14, Hanks tweeted: "The Future. Will be written. On a #HanxWriter. This I vow. It's Free! Hanx."

When asked by @appstore on Twitter (Xetra: A1W6XZ - news) what inspired the Saving Mr Banks star to create the app, he said: " ... cause I find it's like music that spurs along the creative urge. Bang bang clack-clack-clack puckapuckapuckapucka... #HanxWriter"

Last summer Hanks wrote about his love of typewriters in the New York Times and revealed he uses one every day.

"Everything you type on a typewriter sounds grand, the words forming in mini-explosions of SHOOK SHOOK SHOOK. A thank-you note resonates with the same heft as a literary masterpiece," he said

Hanx Writer connects to the iPad via Bluetooth to external keyboards and also offers an on-screen keyboard.

The app offers three paid-for upgrade options which give different ribbon and background colour options and the ability to create title pages with pictures.

The actor teamed with mobile-development studio Hitcents on the app.

Users have called the Hanx Writer "genius" and "simple" in their reviews.

Andre wrote: "It is amazing just how simple sounds and a typewriter layout can deceive your mind. I actually feel what I am typing rather than the cold and soulless iPad default keyboard."