Recently, we introduced Flexbar, an initiative from ENIAC Technology designed to resurrect the Touch Bar – Apple’s previously released, yet discontinued, touch screen feature embedded in MacBook Pro keyboards. Despite Apple’s rationale for phasing it out, there are still users who lament its absence. I managed to try out a Flexbar unit to see how the experience compares to the original Touch Bar.
Taking Another Look at the Touch Bar
The Touch Bar was launched in 2016 during Apple’s MacBook Pro redesign. It replaced the conventional function key row with a responsive touch strip displaying buttons tailored for each application. While it sounded promising, many users found interacting with touch-based buttons on the keyboard unsatisfactory.
As a former owner of a MacBook Pro featuring the Touch Bar, I hold mixed sentiments about it. Apple’s attempt to innovate was commendable, but it seemed unnecessary for most users. The Touch Bar felt sleek, and tasks like selecting emojis or navigating project timelines in Final Cut Pro were undeniably impressive.
However, the Touch Bar frequently proved to be a source of frustration. It was riddled with bugs, would become unresponsive at times, and very few applications incorporated its functionalities. In 2021, Apple chose to eliminate the Touch Bar, claiming that “Pro users love” the “tactile feel of mechanical keys.” While I can agree with this sentiment, I also believe there was potential for its enhancement.
Experience with Flexbar
Years later, a group of engineers introduced Flexbar, designed to closely resemble the Touch Bar but claiming to “resolve user frustrations and elevate productivity.”
Flexbar boasts a premium metal construction that aligns with the aesthetics of Apple’s Magic Keyboard and other devices. It features an AMOLED touchscreen displaying vibrant and clear contents.
Whereas the Touch Bar was limited to predefined controls, Flexbar offers extensive customization options via a dedicated companion app. Users can create shortcuts to launch apps, folders, websites, execute scripts, control the volume, or even sequence multiple commands. The ability to import and export configurations allows users to share and explore different setups.
My experience with Flexbar has been brief, and I’ve yet to explore all the settings thoroughly. However, I’ve set it up with shortcuts for my most-utilized applications, a volume slider, a button for Typing to Siri, and a lock screen button. Flexbar can be arranged to feature a fixed set of controls or allow scrolling to reveal additional options. You can even create folders for controls that only display when needed.
Think of it as a Stream Deck with touch functionality. For instance, I have designed shortcuts that run daily scripts and quickly access folders containing assets used in image and video editing. Plus, I included shortcuts for my favorite emojis, which is a feature I particularly missed from the original Touch Bar.
Enhanced Features and Third-Party Plugins
Flexbar also offers advanced controls that enable users to save their app arrangements, allowing for quick access to a full set of applications with just one tap. There’s also a functionality for scrolling through the display.
Regarding third-party application support, the team has developed an SDK for Flexbar, allowing apps to create tailored interactions. Unfortunately, the plugin store isn’t expected to launch until the latter half of 2025, meaning early users will be restricted to the built-in controls. This limitation is a tad inconvenient, especially as users currently lack features like a tab switcher for Safari.
Additionally, Flexbar incorporates haptic feedback for enhanced interaction with its controls. It is supplied with a magnetic stand for improved ergonomics while using it on a desktop, and it connects to your Mac via a USB-C cable. I’ve encountered minor issues, such as Flexbar not shutting down when my Mac enters sleep mode, but this could potentially be an isolated issue since I’m testing a prototype using beta software.
Is Flexbar a Good Value?
The concept behind Flexbar certainly piques interest, especially for those yearning for the Touch Bar experience. Since it does not impede the use of a physical keyboard, there’s no compromise involved in its usage. I find the Apple-esque design, the magnetic support, customization features, and haptic feedback quite appealing. Plus, utilizing it within a desktop setup (unlike the Touch Bar, which was exclusive to MacBooks) is delightful.
One feature suggestion for the engineering team: it would be intriguing to see an option that replicates the native macOS Touch Bar (which remains available even on Mac devices without the Touch Bar) on the Flexbar. Although this might present some challenges, I’ve noticed a community interest in exploring this concept. Why not give it a shot?
The Flexbar was introduced via a Kickstarter campaign and is anticipated to debut in February 2025. It will retail for $179, but pre-orders are available for $149 during the campaign. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows PCs.
Is it an essential addition? Perhaps not. Still, for enthusiasts of accessories like the Stream Deck or Logitech’s MX Creative Console, the Flexbar replicates similar functionalities but in a more refined and modern aesthetic. Additionally, the SDK for third-party plug-ins fuels excitement about the product’s future prospects.
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