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This new crowdfunding campaign aims to bring back Apple's Touch Bar but for Windows and Mac

The Flexbar should be compatible with professional applications and even games. (Image source: Eniac Technology)
The Flexbar should be compatible with professional applications and even games. (Image source: Eniac Technology)
The Flexbar is a rather unusual accessory designed for Windows and Mac. Built around an ESP32 microcontroller, the Flexbar features a 2K AMOLED touchscreen and supports software that allows it to mimic Apple's infamous Touch Bar.

Apple has now discontinued the Touch Bar from its entire MacBook Pro product line. However, it offered its infamous function row replacement across all MacBook Pro sizes at one point. Added to that, the Touch Bar was officially available until last year with the MacBook Pro 13 (curr. $832 - renewed on Amazon).

Now, a start-up called ENIAC Technology has introduced what it describes as a 'more versatile and fully customisable' Touch Bar solution, which it is calling the Flexbar. Please note that the developers of the Flexbar have no affiliation with the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) from the 1940s.

At any rate, the Flexbar is said to feature a 2K AMOLED touchscreen display (2,170 x 60 pixels) that measures 10-inches across across within a 275 x 15 x 8.35 mm housing. According to ENIAC Technology's Kickstarter campaign, the Flexbar sits within an aluminium alloy housing, which contributes to its 71.7 g weight, as does a 500 mA (5 V) battery and a small motor that provides haptic feedback. Incidentally, the device can be attached to a magnetic stand for improved ergonomics.

While ENIAC insists that it has its hardware locked down, it admits that the software side of things is still unfinished. To that end, it has provided Alpha access to its FlexbarDesigner tool, which even non-backers can download from its Kickstarter page. Unfortunately, this is only is the Windows version; the MacOS equivalent remains 'a Work in Progress' with no fixed release date.

Moreover, ENIAC does not expect to launch its plugin system and associated marketplace until Q2 2025, which is after it hopes to begin shipping Flexbar units to backers. Currently, the Flexbar is available to back on Kickstarter for approximately $119 with shipments set for February 2025. Please note that although has already surpassed its modest campaign goal, there is no guarantee that ENIAC Technology will keep to its software and hardware release timelines.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 12 > This new crowdfunding campaign aims to bring back Apple's Touch Bar but for Windows and Mac
Alex Alderson, 2024-12- 3 (Update: 2024-12- 3)