ENIAC just unveiled the Flexbar, a versatile external touch display that brings the concept of the Apple Touch Bar up to date. This cutting-edge accessory offers customizable controls for a range of platforms, including MacBooks, Windows PCs, iPads, and other USB-enabled devices.
The Flexbar is priced at $119 through Kickstarter and features a sleek 250mm x 7mm AMOLED display with 2,170 x 60 pixel resolution. It’s made of aluminum, weighs just 72 grams, and is super portable. You can connect the device through USB-C, and it comes with a magnetic stand for stability.
What makes the Flexbar different from its predecessor is its open approach to customization. Users have complete control over their workspace, so they can set up specific buttons and controls for different apps. When you switch between programs like Photoshop or Spotify, the display automatically adjusts to show the tools and controls you need for that program.
Macro recording is a great feature for power users. It lets you turn repetitive tasks into single-touch commands. This feature is really useful for creative professionals and people who like to get things done, as it makes it easier for them to perform complex sequences of actions.
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The timing of this release raises questions, given that Apple discontinued the Touch Bar two years ago. However, ENIAC thinks the concept is worth developing further, focusing on better customisation and cross-platform compatibility. The Flexbar is up against some tough competition, including established products like the Stream Deck+ and Logitech MX Creative Console.
The technical specs show that a lot of thought went into the engineering. The display is the same size as the original Touch Bar, and there’s even haptic feedback for a more tactile response to your interactions. The stand that comes with it is a bit heavier, but it’s perfect for giving you the right viewing angle.
The February 2025 delivery timeline seems pretty ambitious for a Kickstarter project, but ENIAC seems pretty confident they can meet it. The company ships to a number of different regions, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Some people think that an external touch strip can’t be as elegant as Apple’s integrated solution. Some users might find it a bit awkward to position the device between the keyboard and the screen. On the plus side, this design choice makes it compatible with a wider range of computing platforms.
The Flexbar is more than just a throwback to the MacBook’s Touch Bar. ENIAC is all about expanding compatibility and letting users customize their experience. It’s a great solution for optimizing workflows and offers a competitive price point that could attract both existing Touch Bar fans and newcomers looking for efficient control options.
The Flexbar’s success will depend on whether users embrace an external touch interface alongside their existing input devices. Its versatility and cross-platform support suggest potential beyond the original Touch Bar’s scope, but we’ll have to wait and see how the market responds.
