New app 'Touche' simulates MacBook Pro Touch Bar on other Macs

Posted:
in Mac Software
A developer called Red Sweater has released a free app, Touch?, which can simulate the new MacBook Pro's Touch Bar even on older Mac models without the technology.




Once installed, the app is invoked with a keyboard shortcut, which brings up a simulation window. Further shortcuts let people save a screencap, or copy the image to the clipboard. Settings can be configured through a menu bar item.

Although it's free, the app not only requires macOS 10.12.1 but specifically build 16B2657, which should be the latest one on Apple's servers.

On the Pro, the Touch Bar completely replaces function keys, serving up contextual commands based on the app a person is using. While these can directly substitute for the missing keys, they can also go beyond them to include things like sliders and thumbnail browsers.

The first Touch Bar Pro orders should now be arriving on doorsteps. For an in-depth look at the laptop, read the official AppleInsider review.
ivanh

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 11
    So it just simulates Apple's own Touch Bar simulator? I wonder if it's using any private APIs to achieve this?
    doozydozen
  • Reply 2 of 11
    Rayz2016Rayz2016 Posts: 6,957member
    So it puts the touchbar… on the screen?  

    I don't get it. 
    coolfactorhcrefugeedoozydozen
  • Reply 3 of 11
    bruceatkbruceatk Posts: 1unconfirmed, member
    It allows a non-developer to play with the features of the Touch Bar on a non Touch Bar Mac.  A developer can test their apps while on a non Touch Bar Mac and take screens shots for their documentation.
    mike1bloggerblogdoozydozen
  • Reply 4 of 11
    Looks like Red Sweater wasn't ready for the load on their website.

    #MacRumoured


    doozydozen
  • Reply 5 of 11
    Rayz2016Rayz2016 Posts: 6,957member
    bruceatk said:
    It allows a non-developer to play with the features of the Touch Bar on a non Touch Bar Mac.  A developer can test their apps while on a non Touch Bar Mac and take screens shots for their documentation.
    Okay, thanks. Now I get it. 
    doozydozen
  • Reply 6 of 11
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    bruceatk said:
    It allows a non-developer to play with the features of the Touch Bar on a non Touch Bar Mac.  A developer can test their apps while on a non Touch Bar Mac and take screens shots for their documentation.
    Exactly.  IMHO It's actually useful in of itself for the average user having played with it for a while.
    edited November 2016 doozydozen
  • Reply 7 of 11
    ivanhivanh Posts: 597member
    iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro users will like this app. Apple wireless keyboard is using Bluetooth with is not fast and responsive enough to implement Apple Touch Bar.  I wonder eventually Apple will have a virtual Touch Bar soon.
  • Reply 8 of 11
    This app doesn't even work. Tried running it on my Mac, and it says I need to install 10.12.2, which my mac is already running. Who programmed this thing?
  • Reply 9 of 11
    ivanhivanh Posts: 597member
    Xcode (next version) may have it.
  • Reply 10 of 11
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    ryan good said:
    This app doesn't even work. Tried running it on my Mac, and it says I need to install 10.12.2, which my mac is already running. Who programmed this thing?
    Works fine for me on several Macs ranging from older MBP, newer MBA, Mac mini  and Mac Pro.  Perhaps something else is causing your issue?
  • Reply 11 of 11
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member

    ivanh said:
    iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro users will like this app. Apple wireless keyboard is using Bluetooth with is not fast and responsive enough to implement Apple Touch Bar.  I wonder eventually Apple will have a virtual Touch Bar soon.
    I'd like for a new Apple Keyboard with Touch Bar and Track Pad, I know it would probably cost an arm and a leg though but I'd go for it for my Black Mac Pro.
    watto_cobra
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