Why did they take away the function row to do it?
This is the right question to ask. Stupid gimmick and then didn't need to be in that place.
Why did they take away the function row to do it?
Apple's Market Share, according to Gartner / IDC, was about 7.1% in the 2nd quarter this year (see what I did there, I made a statement and included a link to where I got the data). And yet, for some reason, all kinds of companies take the time to write software for the platform. Heck, they were still doing it when Apple's Market Share was 1/3 of where it is now (see, I did it again). Perhaps the relationship between Market Share and the value of a platform is not all that simple?Mac OS's 6-7% market share is totally going to be the impetus for companies and dev's to utilize this gimmick. Especially with pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures.
Well, a year or so from now when most devices are shipping with USB Type C connectors and another generation beyond USB-3.0 (already very dated technology, MBP uses USB 3.1 Gen 2) your statement about the Surface Studio will be considered prescient. I will be sure to credit you.But don't you know the Magic Bar is 'the future' while Surface Studio is 'the past'.
Why keep the existing function row? The only purpose they serve are to control brightness, play music, change volume, etc. Beyond that, it's just taking up keyboard space, so it makes sense to expand the capabilities of the function row.
Why did they take away the function row to do it?
Well it's a good thing you can keep the function keys on the Touch Bar, isn't it? But imagine for a moment: context sensitive function keys that automatically switch depending on what you are doing and actually offer a graphical representation of the current function? Currently in Avid Media Composer I have 3 different keyboard shortcut set-ups saved because Avid has chosen to allow only a single modifier key (Shift) and I am a FCP keyboard junkie that wants a lot more than that. Though I am doubtful Avid will update their software for the Touch Bar any time soon I can imagine how it would be extremely helpful with my desire not to have to be switching keyboard set-ups.I don't mean to sound rude but those keys do a lot more for developers, photogs - basically all pros. Each of those keys are shortcuts that enable productivity. The people who are calling this bar a gimmick use their laptops for a lot more than just a web browsing cool machine.
Mac OS's 6-7% market share is totally going to be the impetus for companies and dev's to utilize this gimmick. Especially with pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures.
Yes, that is an argument I certainly didn't take into consideration because none of the software I use to make my living is a "port from windows". In fact, with Adobe and DaVinci Resolve on board, along with Apple Apps, my only big-work daily hold out would be Avid Media Composer which I am assured is not simply a "port" but it sure feels like it sometimes.What I am thinking. Don't think many realize many applications on mac os are windows ports.
Well it's a good thing you can keep the function keys on the Touch Bar, isn't it? But imagine for a moment: context sensitive function keys that automatically switch depending on what you are doing and actually offer a graphical representation of the current function? Currently in Avid Media Composer I have 3 different keyboard shortcut set-ups saved because Avid has chosen to allow only a single modifier key (Shift) and I am a FCP keyboard junkie that wants a lot more than that. Though I am doubtful Avid will update their software for the Touch Bar any time soon I can imagine how it would be extremely helpful with my desire not to have to be switching keyboard set-ups.
Did I mention the part where you can set it to show only function keys?
In addition to your line of thought a lot of pro tools that enter the market are in-house tools that have been further developed to be licensed to other companies. The odds of these applications ever getting touch bar support are laughably low. This is how the conversation will go:What I am thinking. Don't think many realize many applications on mac os are windows ports. take windows app, throw in cross platform tech and release. If not putting a big budget on it, it could be an overglorifed wine wrapper even.
catch here being it be that cross platform tech that would have to support the touchbar. that's the middleman translating windows and mac os. If middleman doesn't speak touchbar....
Compounded by linux would need to adopt touchbar support. You see...when you run crossplatform tech a shrewd company goes lets go most bang for the buck. We've converted an application that speaks .net 4 to lingo mac os speaks. while here and to make most use of cross platform license....lets have this talk to RH (variants) or debian (variants) at least too.
they aren't going deep end mac rebuilding the tl;dr. fix bugs, same function level-ish (some ported apps have feature variances from windows version) as windows, move on. worst case touchbar would have to take of on windows side imo for cross platform to even care about the effort. While some seem to be all about the loss of f keys in mac os....windows side f keys are much more alive and well. Not sure how that would pan out tbh.
will some do it? maybe. Not seeing a surge though. At least until cross platform technology adopts this into the system.
Apple's Market Share, according to Gartner / IDC, was about 7.1% in the 2nd quarter this year (see what I did there, I made a statement and included a link to where I got the data). And yet, for some reason, all kinds of companies take the time to write software for the platform. Heck, they were still doing it when Apple's Market Share was 1/3 of where it is now (see, I did it again). Perhaps the relationship between Market Share and the value of a platform is not all that simple?
I have not seen any evidence of "pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures". Time will tell.
I hope I am wrong but still see the touch bar as a gimmick.These laptop versions may be the best MacBook Pros' to date, but they don't hit my mark as innovative or interesting when looking only at the touch bar. I still value and recommend Macs. I enjoy and benefit from my older MacBook Pro 15" laptop, iPhone 7 and iPad 9.7 Pro. I also have a 2nd gen MacBook. But the touch bar is not a primary reason to buy a new MacBook Pro laptop. It is a transition and marketing hype, nothing more. Keyboard is input; screen is information. Wait and Apple will go 100% on touch as an additional input to Macs. It is coming, just not today regardless of what they say. This is an intermediary that assumes you can't type. That's code for mainstream and maximized profit. Hold off if you can. If you need a Mac today sure. These look to be the best MacBooks to date. But if you can wait, wait. Apple says A but will soon champion B. Count on it. Multiple input means is the future. These are temporary solutions, even if they are the best Macs to date.
Courage.
3K down on a house?Take my money! I have a down payment for a house I wasn't planning to do anything else with.
Better yet, provide this functionality in an iPad app that interacts with a desktop or laptop.Really???Developers don't want to waste time developing touch bar buttons only available on one device.
Who would have thought that????
Apple get off your lazy arses and provide some unity in your product lines for once. Make a wireless keyboard with this feature, package it along with your forgotten desktops and put it in all of your laptops if you want adoption of this gimmick.
Got my Macbook 15 inch today(full spec). Guys, I have to say, I am really disappointed with this new MacBook. As a graphic/web designer, I've longed for a new MacBook since the MacBook air release and was optimistic, regardless the mix reviews. But unfortunately, I will be returning it tomorrow. I rarely leave comments, but felt like I had to for this one. I'll keep this brief.
Here's why this 15 inch, MacBook pro touch bar will be shipped back to apple. But first, let's start with the pros:
Pros:
- Display is ok and vibrant
- Very thin
- Space grey
- Thin bezel
- Speakers. Oh man it's loud.
- Fast, but ram get's devoured really quick.
- Overall, this laptop feels great and premium in the hands.
Cons:
- Touchbar is so gimmicky(trackpad can do the same functions at a fraction of the time). After 10 minutes of use, you forget it's there. Also, when looking closer on the Touchbar, it seem that Apple used a low resolution Oled strip. It's blurry. Don't led the pictures fool you. I can't believe apple charged extra for this. I thought I wouldn't mind this new direction, but it's really bad guys.
- Gets really hot fast
- Keyboard. Wanted to like it, but after 30 minutes of use, I can't stand it. Way too stiff. I think apple nailed the travel/feel on the standalone magic keyboard.
- Trackpad is unreasonably huge. I thought I wouldn't mind it at first, but the palm rejection wouldn't work most of the time. It's obtrusive and ruins the typing experience.
As an Apple enthusiastic, I really wanted to like this, even with the lack of ports. But the $3500+ price tag doesn't justify it. I strongly suggest that you get your hands on it at your local apple store to get a feel. It's a beautiful laptop, but that's not the main issue here.
Yes, what about the rest of the line? Sounds like a mess!I see Apple going back on their word and introducing an iMac in the first half of 2017 with rudimentary touch support and pencil support. The form factor will feature a display similar to the Surface Studio. Phil Schiller will get up on stage and talk about this focusing on specific use cases and how they worked with major software developers like Adobe and Autodesk to deliver compatible products.