A new Kickstarter project launched Tuesday claims to breathe fresh life into Apple’s discontinued Touch Bar concept, offering a more versatile and customizable solution for both Mac and Windows users. Flexbar, developed by Hong Kong startup Eniac Technology, reimagines the controversial MacBook Pro feature as a standalone accessory that promises to deliver on the Touch Bar’s original potential.
“The discontinuation of the original Touch Bar didn’t mean the concept was flawed — it simply wasn’t taken far enough to reach its full [potential],” the Eniac team said. “There’s something undeniable [about the idea]: the potential for a customizable, adaptive interface that could streamline workflows was immense. We decided to step in.”
Flexbar touch bar device by Eniac Technology seeks pledges on Kickstarter
The upcoming Flexbar, now seeking crowdfunding on Kickstarter, represents an interesting evolution of Apple’s discontinued Touch Bar concept. It seeks to “streamline and customize interactions with software, games and streaming” for Mac and Windows users through a USB-C-connected strip with an OLED screen.
The Flexbar could offer the flexibility and customization many users felt was missing from the original MacBook Pro feature. By making the device platform-agnostic and providing greater control over its functionality, Eniac may succeed in winning over Touch Bar enthusiasts and skeptics alike. (In case you never used Apple’s hardware innovation, read Cult of Mac’s story for more insight into how it worked: Top 40 tips that make you love the Touch Bar.)
10-inch touchscreen
The new Flexbar device features a 10-inch 2K AMOLED touchscreen display (2170 x 60 pixels) housed in an aluminum alloy frame measuring 275 x 15 x 8.35 mm, according to the Kickstarter campaign. Unlike Apple’s built-in Touch Bar, which was permanently fixed to MacBook Pro keyboards, the Flexbar can be positioned horizontally or vertically to suit different workflows. The device connects via USB-C and includes features its predecessor never offered, such as haptic feedback through a built-in motor and compatibility with Windows PCs, iPads and iPhones.
Eniac Technology, a team of four engineers — with no connection to the 1940s-era Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) computer — has designed the Flexbar with customization in mind. The company is developing a Flexbar Designer app that allows users to personalize their control layouts and functions. Additionally, the company plans to release API support for developers and launch a plugin marketplace in Q2 2025, potentially expanding the device’s capabilities beyond what Apple’s Touch Bar ever achieved.
The hardware specifications include non-slip silicone pads for stability and a 500mAh (5 volt) battery. The entire unit weighs just 71.7 grams and comes with an aluminum magnetic stand for improved ergonomics. Each package includes a 2-meter USB-C cable for connectivity.
Watch Eniac’s video about Flexbar:
Software still iffy
While the hardware development appears to be complete, the software side appears to remain a work in progress. The Windows version of the Flexbar Designer tool is currently available in alpha form, with the macOS version still under development with no specified release date. Despite these software uncertainties, the project has already exceeded its initial fundraising goal on Kickstarter.
Early backers can secure a Flexbar for $119, a significant discount from the planned retail price of $179. The Kickstarter campaign runs until January 2, 2025, with shipping expected to begin in February 2025. However, as with all crowdfunding campaigns, potential backers should note that there are no guarantees regarding the final delivery timeline or feature set. Notably, the new campaign is already well over its fundraising goal with 29 days left to go.
Buy from: Kickstarter
