Apple's (in)famous Touch Bar was controversial to say the least, and with the announcement of the 2022 MacBook Pro, many were happy to see the function keys return. Eniac, formed by a small group of engineers, is bringing back the Touch Bar in the form of Flexbar, a standalone device that can do much more than send emoji.

Pre-orders are currently available on Kickstarter starting at $119 and are made to work seamlessly not only with MacBooks, but also with Windows PCs, iPads, Android devices, and smartphones. The silver aluminum bar features a 10-inch 2K (2170 x 60) OLED touchscreen that seamlessly connects to devices via USB-C. This means that it does not need to occupy a row of function keys and can be placed in a convenient location, such as on the top deck of a laptop or next to it.

As many thought with Apple's Touch Bar, Flexbar aims to add functionality with rich customization features rather than take away reasonable functionality... Adobe Premiere's timeline, Twitch's streaming controls, Photoshop's photo editing options, etc., adapt to the software in use.

Eniak points out the pains and frustrations of the Touch Bar, stating that “the original Touch Bar was discontinued not because the concept was flawed, but simply because it was not good enough to reach its full [potential].”

This is evident in the more finely tuned features. Shortcut combos and controls for specific programs are preloaded, allowing users to adjust volume, open files, turn on Airplane mode, check the weather, close apps, and much more at the touch of a button.

In addition, there is a Workspace function that records and reproduces your favorite layouts at the touch of a button, a way to personalize the functions of each app using FlexbarDesigner (an Alpha version for Windows is available for you to try), on-screen operations to instantly replay a macro recording function

, and many other features that are intended to be useful for hardcore PC users and beyond, including the ability to automatically repeat tasks according to your preferences. See examples below:

Thankfully, Flexbar is not permanently fixed to your device, but it is still a solid bar that you need to carry around. Measuring 9.8 x 0.28 inches and weighing 0.15 (71.7 g) without the stand, it is large enough to carry around, but thin enough that an unfortunate *snap* is a concern. In any case, at least this redesigned Touch Bar provides tactile feedback.

The MacBook Pro's Touch Bar is no more, as it is no longer missed on the latest MacBook Pro M4. However, if it is as new and improved as it looks, the Flexbar could be a useful addition without taking away an entire row of keys.

The Kickstarter has already exceeded its goal, and the Touch Bar is not being overlooked. Otherwise, if you prefer to stick to non-touch on your Apple laptop, you'll find that all the best MacBooks have left the Touch Bar behind.