Apple may have retired the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar last year, but a group of four engineers believes the concept still has untapped potential. Their innovation, the Flexbar, is a standalone version of the thin touchscreen display, designed for use across multiple devices and platforms via a USB connection.
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The team behind the Flexbar has formed a new company, Eniac, and launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the device to market. Early backers can secure one for $119, discounted from the full retail price of $179, with deliveries slated to begin in February 2025.
While Eniac has showcased functional prototypes in videos, this is its debut product, so some risks remain. The company stated it sources components through standard supply channels but has not disclosed the supplier for the Flexbar’s distinctive 10-inch 2K OLED screen. Ideally, it’s a sustainable source, unlike Apple’s now-limited stock of Touch Bar screens.
The Flexbar stands out because, unlike Apple’s fixed Touch Bar, it’s a versatile accessory compatible with desktops, laptops running Windows or macOS, and even mobile devices like tablets. It can be positioned on top of a keyboard or used independently on a magnetic stand for added flexibility.
The device functions much like Apple’s Touch Bar, dynamically adjusting to display shortcuts, playback controls, or app-specific tools. For example, in Adobe Photoshop, the Flexbar can be oriented vertically to replicate the layout of the app’s toolbar, allowing seamless switching between tools without disrupting workflow.
Customizability is a major selling point. Eniac offers an early release of its FlexbarDesigner app (Windows, with macOS in development), enabling users to create custom buttons and shortcuts via a drag-and-drop interface. Additionally, developers can use a JavaScript-based SDK to build plug-ins, with a marketplace for these tools expected to launch next year.
The Flexbar could offer new utility for creatives and professionals, providing a fresh take on a polarizing feature.
