MacOS Sierra code hints at MacBook Pro touch bar, Touch ID integration
A number of system control files discovered in Apple's latest macOS Sierra reference options for a potentially customizable LED interface, adding fuel to recent rumors of an OLED touch bar-equipped MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro render. | Source: Martin Hajek
Falling just shy of confirming the latest MacBook Pro rumor, macOS Sierra APIs spotted by French language publication Mac Generation point to human interface device (HID) usage resources suggest incorporation of a secondary, potentially customizable, display.
For example, the Sierra beta released Monday includes reference to "kHIDUsage_LED_NumLock" and "kHIDUsage_LED_CapsLock" APIs seemingly related to a keyboard status graphic, a logical asset for inclusion if Apple were to integrate a standalone status bar. Other resources control display of battery life indicators, printer status, media player functions, media transport, system status messages, audio controls and generic alerts, among other assets.
A closer look at Apple's developer document covering "IOKit Changes" reveals identical additions, as well as support for biometric devices listed under a subheading containing various keyboard operations.
Again, while not a direct reference to Touch ID, the APIs allow for tap tracking on a biometric key. Interestingly, support for key presses is not included at this time, suggesting the biometric device is a fixed structure. By comparison, the Touch ID home button as implemented in iOS differentiates tap and press events, for example a double tap triggers Reachability, while a long press invokes Siri.
Apple is rumored to deliver a dramatically redesigned MacBook Pro model later this year. In a note to investors last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the forthcoming laptop will nix the top row of function keys in favor of a single OLED touch panel, potentially with integrated Touch ID fingerprint authentication technology.
MacBook Pro render. | Source: Martin Hajek
Falling just shy of confirming the latest MacBook Pro rumor, macOS Sierra APIs spotted by French language publication Mac Generation point to human interface device (HID) usage resources suggest incorporation of a secondary, potentially customizable, display.
For example, the Sierra beta released Monday includes reference to "kHIDUsage_LED_NumLock" and "kHIDUsage_LED_CapsLock" APIs seemingly related to a keyboard status graphic, a logical asset for inclusion if Apple were to integrate a standalone status bar. Other resources control display of battery life indicators, printer status, media player functions, media transport, system status messages, audio controls and generic alerts, among other assets.
A closer look at Apple's developer document covering "IOKit Changes" reveals identical additions, as well as support for biometric devices listed under a subheading containing various keyboard operations.
Again, while not a direct reference to Touch ID, the APIs allow for tap tracking on a biometric key. Interestingly, support for key presses is not included at this time, suggesting the biometric device is a fixed structure. By comparison, the Touch ID home button as implemented in iOS differentiates tap and press events, for example a double tap triggers Reachability, while a long press invokes Siri.
Apple is rumored to deliver a dramatically redesigned MacBook Pro model later this year. In a note to investors last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the forthcoming laptop will nix the top row of function keys in favor of a single OLED touch panel, potentially with integrated Touch ID fingerprint authentication technology.
Comments
I'm gonna start things off by predicting that it will not only have a fingerprint sensor built in, it will also have a psychometric sensor that can see the fingerprints of your past lives.
If the Touchbar uses haptic feedback, then it would feel like real button presses. The only challenge being using it blindly. I'm a huge Esc key presser, so that key position better remain when I need it.
Not to mention there are TONS of other LED-related APIs there, such as: kHIDUsage_LED_PaperJam, kHIDUsage_LED_PaperOut, kHIDUsage_LED_Pause, kHIDUsage_LED_Play, kHIDUsage_LED_Record etc -- which don't have leds "already".
This is a mockup/rendering to give an idea. Nothing more.
well yeah I get that. I'm talking about the real thing. because the function key row is rather narrow and I'm just curious as to how large the bezels would have to be and whether or not they would inhibit functionality
Microsoft tried a touch keyboard with the first surface and it didn't fly too well. they also had their courier concept that never took off. acer had their Iconia laptop that didn't fare terribly well either. I could be wrong but I really don't think a touch keyboard is the proper direction
it would make more sense to expand the trackpad (or perhaps replace it with a touchscreen) to the edges of the body which would give you a lot more room to play around and keep the traditional clickety-click keyboard
Besides, there are already keyboard input usages for the "media keys" (pause, play, volume, etc.) that Apple would likely continue to use for an OLED bar. The USB traffic wouldn't need to change.
My guess is Apple is just adding explicit definitions for already existing USB usages they didn't support before (and maybe some new usages in the latest USB specification).
Recently I've notices that two apps, Find My Friends, and Podcasts, can no longer be downloaded to the Mac, saying these iOS apps are only available on iOS devices.
My guess is Apple is preparing to support executing iOS apps on the Mac.
I use it because it can take a fall or a really serious whack from a careless coworker and nothing will break. It also has a real serial port, which is nice for dealing with all the "enterprise" hardware that inexplicably still requires serial for initial configuration. If I could run Mac OS on this thing, I would be over the moon.
Regarding careless coworkers, we have some MBPs (all unibody; some retina, some not). Most of them look like somebody dropped them into a belt sander collection. One I use has its frame so severely bent that an ethernet cable won't go into the jack (Edited to add: it was like that before I got it). Another coworker didn't pay attention to his MagSafe connector and closed the screen on it. I have no idea how these people haven't managed to accidentally stick their hands in a blender or something equally stupid.
This is could be pretty cool but if there is no key press input I don't see how a strip like this can replace the function keys.