Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Magic Trackpad Details: Software Update Required, Clicking Feet, and a New Gesture

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,141
38,906



155046-magic_trackpad_desk.jpg


Apple's Magic Trackpad next to MacBook Pro (Source: MacRumors Forums)
Announced earlier today, Apple's Magic TrackPad is already making its way into the hands of reviewers and customers, and a few tidbits of interest have been coming out about the Bluetooth device.

One of the first observations made by purchasers who have been able to get their hands on the device is that it requires a software update to enable full functionality, an update that has just been posted on Apple's site in Mac OS X, Windows 64-bit, and Windows 32 -bit versions.
To use the Trackpad, you need to install a software update that Apple will release later Tuesday. The software update enables full multitouch and gesture customization, including tap-to-touch and program-launching clickzones. Even without the software update, the Trackpad works like a regular non-multitouch trackpad. While Apple geared its full suite of multitouch gestures toward Macs, the Magic Trackpad will perform in its basic functions when paired via Bluetooth to a Windows PC--we tried it.
Click to expand...

155046-magic_trackpad_feet.jpg


Underside of Magic Trackpad showing clickable feet (Source: Macworld)
Macworld notes that the trackpad does support a physical click but that it is generated by two feet near the front edge of the bottom of the device rather than with a movable surface on the body of the device.
Despite the Magic Trackpad's thinness and its support for the same tap-to-click feature as MacBook trackpads, you can also click by pressing down. The trackpad surface itself doesn't depress, though--instead, when you press on the trackpad, the force from the surface it's sitting on will depress the two round feet at the trackpad's base. That's what registers a click.
Click to expand...
Finally, Engadget reports that the Magic Trackpad comes with an optional new three-finger gesture that allows users to easily drag windows around the screen, a feature not present on trackpads integrated into Apple's current notebook computers.
There's also a new gesture, if you're keeping track -- a three-finger move that lets you drag windows around (very helpful), though you give up the functionality of being to navigate stuff like iPhoto galleries with a swipe (it's an option you can toggle in preferences -- you have a choice).
Click to expand...
Apple's Magic Trackpad is priced at $69 and requires two AA batteries, available as part of Apple's new battery charger set also released today.

Article Link: Magic Trackpad Details: Software Update Required, Clicking Feet, and a New Gesture
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2010/07/27/magic-trackpad-details-software-update-required-clicking-feet-and-a-new-gesture/
WANT — I have fallen in love with Apple's trackpads. Nobody does it better.

HLdan said:
If you can't see it being useful then you've never used the glass trackpad and all the multitouch gestures on the Unibody Macbooks.
Click to expand...
 
As awesome as it looks, a built-in trackpad, Magic Mouse, AND this external trackpad would be too much for my MBP. :D
 
Looking froward to checking this out. Hopefully the valley fair store has some in today!
 
Glen Quagmire said:
Can someone try it with Windows (7/XP) and see if it works? Inquiring minds would like to know! Thanks!
Click to expand...

It says there in the article that the basic functions work:
the Magic Trackpad will perform in its basic functions when paired via Bluetooth to a Windows PC--we tried it.
Click to expand...

(Probably left click/right click, no multitouch I'm guessing).
 
iPad?

While I can already guess its not going to work....anyone know if it will work with the iPad?

Something tells me know being there is no cursor or anything. Might be useful for the iWork apps though.
 
Program specific gestures?

I haven't heard too much about this yet, does anyone know if there will be program specific gestures? I'm dreaming about new ways to control FCP.
 
I greatly miss my MBP's trackpad at work, so I've been waiting for this. Hopefully, somebody is going to make a "BetterTouchTool" for Windows.
 
I really don't see this changing the game all that much. I have yet to meet anyone that prefers a track pad to a mouse when both are present options.

Granted, I do love the gestures from the MBP trackpad, but the magic mouse can provide the same actions with MagicPrefs - not to mention the fact that you can set hot-spots on the screen to accomplish the 4-finger swipe action on the trackpad.

Sure, its a cool gadget, but it doesn't seem like any sort of game changer.
 
My iMac runs 10.4.11. Would this work? I know it says 10.6 on the website, but I have the Aluminum Bluetooth Wireless keyboard and it works just fine and Apple's website says it only works with 10.5 or later.
 
Does anyone know if it allow you to use the gestures in Windows? Like can you do 2 finger scrolling in Safari for Windows? Can you swipe with 3 fingers to go back and forwards a web page using Safari on windows? I hear that its a basic touch pad for Windows using the windows drivers, but Does Apple update give it some capability on Windows?
 
It appears the software update also enables the gestures on MacBook Pros? Can someone confirm?
 
As a side note, this update added some functionality to older machines. I can't verify precisely what machines, but a friend of mine bought my 2008 15" Unibody MBP a few months ago when I got the most recent 13" model.

Inertial scrolling has been added to these older machines with this update.
 
ouimetnick said:
Its available in Software update now. I am currently downloading it as we speak. This update will require you to restart your computer. It weighs 78.6 MB, and I'm using a MacBook Pro 13" April 2010 base model. The update may be larger or smaller in size depending on your computer.
Click to expand...

Does this mean we can get inertial scrolling now in the mid-2009 MBP's?
 
Will it work with Windows at least as a touch mouse? Will it work with iPad in some sort of way?
 
Interesting. Seems to be less moving parts than the whole surface clicking.

In soviet russia feet clicks you?
 
Has anyone mentioned yet that this software is also available for the Macbook Pro ? Just got the update to enable three finger drag gestures :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back