So we've seen other companies adopt retina display that Apple had, now we have this audacious display of ridding the function keys on the latest gen Macbook Pros (except for one model) in favor of the touch bar. What do you guys and girls think? Will we see other companies like Dell start getting rid of the function keys in favor of a touch bar?
My thought is given that the touchbar APIs are likely proprietary to Apple, that either:
1) Microsoft, Dell, or a combination of manufacturers and maybe even google will create their own touchbar with its own API that is independent of Apple.
2) Computer manufacturers like Dell will get creative and take the "Optimus Keyboard" approach with not adopting a touchbar, but making the function keys customizable shortcuts with OLED for each key to customize icon design and function. Maybe even build in LEDs that can be used as indicators.
My thought is given that the touchbar APIs are likely proprietary to Apple, that either:
1) Microsoft, Dell, or a combination of manufacturers and maybe even google will create their own touchbar with its own API that is independent of Apple.
2) Computer manufacturers like Dell will get creative and take the "Optimus Keyboard" approach with not adopting a touchbar, but making the function keys customizable shortcuts with OLED for each key to customize icon design and function. Maybe even build in LEDs that can be used as indicators.