A new Kickstarter campaign is aiming to bring back the Touch Bar, a feature that Apple removed from its MacBook Pro laptops after mixed reactions from users. While some people disliked the Touch Bar for being unreliable, others found it useful for simple tasks like scrolling through videos or quickly adding emojis.
The new product, called Flexbar, is being created by a company named ENIAC Technology. Flexbar is designed to work like Apple’s Touch Bar but with more features and improvements.
What is Flexbar?
It is a 10-inch device with an AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 2,170 x 60 pixels. It fits in a durable aluminium case and even has a small motor that makes the device vibrate for haptic feedback, helping users feel when they press something.
The tool to customise Flexbar, called FlexbarDesigner, is currently only available for Windows computers. However, the makers are working on a version for Mac computers.
Flexbar Pricing, Shipping, and Future Prospects
It is priced at $119 for backers, is planned to start shipping in the second quarter of 2025. The campaign has already raised over $75,000, reflecting strong interest in the idea. However, as with many crowdfunding projects, there is always a chance of delays or changes, so backers are advised to keep this in mind before investing. They aim to give fans of the Touch Bar another chance to enjoy its features while addressing the issues Apple faced with its original design, though time will tell if it succeeds in winning back old fans and attracting new ones.
