A new crowdfunding project aims to revive the (oft-derided) MacBook Pro Touch Bar, this time as a standalone device that work with Windows, macOS and, potentially, Linux too.
It’s called Flexbar, and it’s currently seeking cash through Kickstarter.
Now, I don’t like writing about crowdfunding projects generally. If I do, they need to offer something novel, or have a track record of delivering. Flexbar is novel, but the campaign has red flags that make me doubtful it will ever exist – more on that in a mo.
If you don’t know your Apple from your Orange Pis, the Touch Bar was a context-aware display strip that replaced traditional function keys on MacBook Pro laptops.
Apple dropped Touch Bar from its MacBook Pro line last year, a decision championed by tech reviewers and users alike, who welcomed the return of physical function keys — and that underscores the main reason Touch Bar was unpopular: it wasn’t optional.
But ENIAC, a new company based in Hong Kong, is convinced there’s merit in the idea of having a thin, touch-enabled display able to surface shortcuts, settings, and interactive features for software and apps as a user goes about their daily work.
So they’re crowdfunding to resurrect the corpse of the concept under the slogan “inspired by the best, built to be better”.
Let’s hope Apple don’t mind, eh!
Flexbar: Apple’s Touch Bar Set Free
The Flexbar connects via USB to desktop operating systems, according to the campaign. It ships with pre-configured shortcuts and integration with major desktop software like OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and more.
Users will be able to access a JavaScript-based tool (FlexbarDesigner) to create their own button graphics, shortcuts, and record macros. A bespoke plugin marketplace is planned for launch next year to expand support options.
Initially, Flexbar will support Windows and macOS, and function as a standard HID device on iOS.
So what about Linux?
In a reply to a query from a backer on their Kickstarter they say:
We’ve noticed a lot of inquiries about Linux, and we’ll be officially adding it to our support plan, Please be patient.
ENIAC
Linux support would be cool, and having a novel device like this integrated with pro-level tools like Krita, Kdenlive, and Audacity would be even cooler.
Assuming the device ever actually gets made, of course.
Can’t put my finger on why this feels off
The Flexbar Kickstarter campaign is live, and met its goal within hours of going live — but don’t be impressed by that: the target goal was an alarmingly anaemic £2,003 ($2,569).
Now, I’m no manufacturing expert but that’s… sounds insufficient.
They have to build an entirely new computing device, source a uniquely-sized 2K OLED touch display (and other components), and get a case machined from aluminium. They also have to pay for factory time, assembly, packaging, and cover software costs.
On the plus side, the company has at least demonstrated that the Flexbar’s mortal-plane existence in a series of slick (but not too slick1) videos.
But whether this will ever be made…
Personally, if I was an investor on Dragons’ Den (the franchise known as Shark Tank in other countries) and this pitch was in front of me? I’d be squinting politely, putting the elastic back around my notepad, wishing them the best of luck, but stating:
Still, nothing to say another company couldn’t pull off the concept without crowdfunding.
Elgato’s Stream Deck is a nifty device popular with a lot of Linux creatives — no official Linux app but a solid GTK one is on Flathub. The newer Elgato Stream Deck+ has a touch panel but it’s more passive than the notion on offer here.
Anyway, if the Flexbar has taken your fancy, you can back it from now until January 2, 2025. Early-bird tiers start at £95/$119 – just keep in mind that as it’s already met its initial goal, if you back it, and you don’t cancel before January 2, you will be charged.
Let me know what you think of this concept (if not the execution) down in the comments. Also, share any crowdfunding red-flags you look for when assessing projects to back as it can be a minefield…
- Most “too good to be true” tech crowdfunders rely on CGI concepts or AI slop superimposing screens on devices – to know there is a real working Flexbar is mildly reassuring. ↩︎