The Flexbar breathes new life into Apple’s Touch Bar concept as a standalone device that’s compatible with multiple platforms and fully customizable. A promising innovation or a potential disaster?
A Revamped Concept for Enhanced Versatility
Discontinued by Apple in 2023 along with the MacBook Pro models that featured the Touch Bar, this feature returns in a unique form with the Flexbar. Developed by Hong Kong-based startup ENIAC, this independent 10-inch touchscreen with a 2K OLED resolution connects via USB-C to various devices, whether they run on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. Unlike its integrated predecessor, the Flexbar can be positioned freely on a desk or a magnetic stand, making it adaptable to various setups and uses.
Enhanced Customization with Dedicated Tools
One of the key benefits of the Flexbar lies in its flexibility. It offers predefined shortcuts for popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, or AutoCAD, while also allowing users to craft their own commands using the FlexbarDesigner app. This app, currently available for Windows (ironically not yet for macOS), provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. ENIAC also plans to release a JavaScript-based software development kit (SDK) that will enable developers to create extensions, which will be available on a marketplace set to launch in 2025.
A Useful Tool, but with Some Reservations
The Flexbar will include advanced features such as multi-step macro management and compatibility with third-party APIs, aligning it with solutions like the Elgato Stream Deck. However, some are concerned about the risks associated with its funding through Kickstarter. With an initial funding goal of just $2,500, there are significant questions about the project’s feasibility, especially concerning the production and supply of components like its OLED screen. Although the team has demonstrated a working prototype, manufacturing delays or issues are still a possibility.
Offered at a discounted price of $119 for early backers, the Flexbar aims to exceed the limitations of Apple’s Touch Bar by offering a more customizable and adaptable experience. But as with any crowdfunded project, there’s a considerable amount of uncertainty involved. Potential users must decide whether to support the project now or wait for its official market release in February 2025 to assess its true quality.