“A collection of new assets within the system resources for the virtual keyboard on macOS 10.12.1 essentially confirms Apple will be releasing new notebooks that include a touch-based OLED bar in lieu of the physical function key row seen on all current Macs, as has been rumored for the upcoming MacBook Pro,” Mitchel Broussard reports for MacRumors.
“In yesterday’s 10.12.1 update to Sierra, a new set of assets was discovered by MacRumors reader Gabriel Lorin, revealing an updated physical keyboard layout coming for machines supporting the new operating system version,” Broussard reports. “Three additional sets of layout files are included in system resources on macOS 10.12.1, with each image depicting a virtual keyboard that lacks the standard tactile row of function keys.”
Broussard reports, “The image files do not directly represent the OLED touch bar and its functionality, which will likely be managed using separate preferences, but the omission of the function row entirely in these new layouts leaves no other reasonable explanation beyond those key functionalities being moved to a separate location such as the rumored touch bar.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Can’t wait!
The problem is… these control buttons that are fixed in plastic and are the same for every application. Well, every application wants a slightly different user interface, a slightly optimized set of buttons, just for it. And what happens if you think of a great idea six months from now? You can’t run around and add a button to these things. They’re already shipped… It doesn’t work because the buttons and the controls can’t change. They can’t change for each application, and they can’t change down the road if you think of another great idea you wanna add to this product. Well, how do you solve this? Hmm. It turns out, we have solved it! — Steve Jobs, unveiling the iPhone, January 9, 2007
SEE ALSO:
Trademark filing suggests ‘Magic Toolbar’ will be Apple’s name for new MacBook Pro OLED touch strip – October 20, 2016
It’s official: Apple sends invitations for ‘hello again’ event on October 27th – October 19, 2016
Apple set to release Final Cut Pro, iMovie updates with support for new MacBook Pro’s OLED ‘Touch Bar’ – October 19, 2016
Get ready, Apple’s new Macs are finally set to arrive! – October 19, 2016
All-new MacBook Pro, refreshed MacBook Air and iMac, and more coming at Apple’s October 27th special event – October 19, 2016
Apple plans to launch new Macs at special event on October 27th – October 18, 2016
Thoughts on Apple’s MacBook Pro OLED touch strip – August 11, 2016
Apple preps all-new MacBook Pro line with OLED touch strip and more – August 10, 2016
Apple’s new MacBook Pro expected to feature OLED touch-panel, Touch ID power button – August 8, 2016
Next-gen MacBook Pro could feature Touch ID power button – June 28, 2016
Leaked photos pretty much confirm 2016 MacBook Pro’s OLED touchpad – June 1, 2016
Thinner, lighter 2016 MacBook Pro may feature OLED display touch bar and Touch ID – May 24, 2016
Apparently images of the new MBP has leaked: Somebody’s in trouble if true
http://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/25/images-of-new-macbook-pro-leaked/
Something I (and many) thought of years ago. Technology finally catching up. The iPad I think has some Mac control surface interface like this available with some apps like Pro Tools but didn’t look like the most optimum way to do it. This is pretty much the way future Star Trek light panel displays should’ve been projected to work and change based on need or function. This needs to be more than just a Toolbar strip though IMHO.
Why not just put a touchscreen in and be done with it.
Officially the first version of the Macbook Pro that I will skip.
Good idea. I know a few Apps for the Mac where you can buy a custom keyboard… This makes loads of sense.
It’ll be available to macOS only at first, then in a few years an API will be released for it. Iteration not evolution, it’s the Apple way.
I’m not all that fussed on the Oled strip. All I want is a faster MacBook Pro with more ram and better graphics.
Here’s a solution, MDN.
The default function of the panel is an ESC key plus F1 to F13.