Apple has recently released its newest edition of MacBook Pro with the addition of a cool new feature unseen from both competitors and within Apple itself, the Touch Bar.
The new MacBook Pro - with both a 13-inch and 15-inch model - is an improvement of its line of notebooks. It is thinner than its predecessors and promises improved utility, visuals, and sound. The addition of the touch bar makes the new edition more personal to the owner, as one can simply customize the options found therein. It will also be the first to have a fingerprint security feature.
In an interview with The Verge, Steven Troughton-Smith, Irish programmer, and developer, mentioned the touch bar may "actually be a mini Apple Watch." This allows the MacBook to access the iOS' embedded security making an impact to the touch sensor and apparently, the front-facing camera too.
Much optimism is seen in using the new touch bar for the MacBook series. Aside from its obvious security feature and huge potential for customization and personalization, it could theoretically function still with the whole machine turned off, adding a more powerful power-save feature. Further experimentation could make it a huge hit in the future, although the touch bar is already a breakthrough even with the absence of a true touchscreen.
There are a few skeptics though on how it would make work more efficient the way things are currently. As per Fast Company, the touch bar looks like a unique addition, but its functionality is something that is yet to be proven. Some would prefer using existing keyboard shortcuts or via touch pads and command bars. Perhaps habit is the biggest problem, and using the touch bar would need some getting used to.
The potential of this product will be seen on the type and volume of audience it invites, and how it revolutionizes the way people do things. Like how it started in the past, time will tell how "functional" the new functionality is going to be.
