Touch Bar: crowdfunding campaign to create a replacement

It may not be a comeback for the controversial Touch Bar, but plans by a start-up company from Hong Kong promise at least a very similar alternative for fans of the narrow touchscreen, which provides software-controlled function keys. Unlike Apple's notebook keyboard extension, the Flexbar will not only be available for macOS, but also for Windows – and, at least with function keys, also for iPads and Android devices, the developer promises.

– However, as with all crowdfunding projects –, it remains to be seen whether the Kickstarter project will actually be realized. If you want to be on the safe side, it's better to see whether the first Flexbars really will be delivered in early 2025 and how well they perform in tests. Although the fundraising for Eniac's debut is still almost a month away, it is already several times oversubscribed at over 53,000 euros. The creators wanted to raise just 2444 euros –, which is suspiciously low for a hardware project.

Also for desktop Macs

However, even if the project is perhaps still more of a touchy subject at the moment, at least the idea is attracting a lot of attention. Apple's hapless attempt to replace the function keys on notebook keyboards with the narrow display strip finally ended in 2023, when the entry-level MacBook Pro with a 13-inch display was replaced by a modified 14-inch device. Since 2016, Apple has been trying to establish the touch display in keyboards. It met with mixed reactions from users. However, as Apple did not release any external keyboards with a display for desktop Macs and did not even integrate the bar into all notebooks, the Touch Bar remained a niche from a developer's point of view, which many did not even try to exploit.

The Flexbar with its 2K AMOLED display (resolution 2170 x 60 pixels) builds on the Touch Bar, but takes it a step further. The USB-C lockable bar in the aluminum frame can initially also be used for desktop devices. It should also have haptic feedback, which should convey the feeling of pressing a button better than pure display buttons.

Delivery planned from February

The young development team has also come up with some new functions, such as hardware performance displays that show the utilization of the CPU, GPU and RAM. The Flexbar will also allow users to assign their own functions to the on-screen buttons in a similar way to Elgato's Stream Deck and build up a community that contributes designs. Other developers will also be able to release plug-ins via a JavaScript-based SDK. The Flexbar is designed to appeal to creatives, streamers and all those who often use the same functions.

According to the Kickstarter campaign, a price of 120 US dollars is currently expected. The delivery date is set for February 2025.

(mki)