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New app 'Touche' simulates MacBook Pro Touch Bar on other Macs

A developer called Red Sweater has released a free app, Touché, which can simulate the new MacBook Pro's Touch Bar even on older Mac models without the technology.

Once installed, the app is invoked with a keyboard shortcut, which brings up a simulation window. Further shortcuts let people save a screencap, or copy the image to the clipboard. Settings can be configured through a menu bar item.

Although it's free, the app not only requires macOS 10.12.1 but specifically build 16B2657, which should be the latest one on Apple's servers.

On the Pro, the Touch Bar completely replaces function keys, serving up contextual commands based on the app a person is using. While these can directly substitute for the missing keys, they can also go beyond them to include things like sliders and thumbnail browsers.

The first Touch Bar Pro orders should now be arriving on doorsteps. For an in-depth look at the laptop, read the official AppleInsider review.



11 Comments

coolfactor 20 Years · 2341 comments

So it just simulates Apple's own Touch Bar simulator? I wonder if it's using any private APIs to achieve this?

Rayz2016 8 Years · 6957 comments

So it puts the touchbar… on the screen?  

I don't get it. 

bruceatk 8 Years · 1 comment

It allows a non-developer to play with the features of the Touch Bar on a non Touch Bar Mac.  A developer can test their apps while on a non Touch Bar Mac and take screens shots for their documentation.

coolfactor 20 Years · 2341 comments

Looks like Red Sweater wasn't ready for the load on their website.

#MacRumoured

Rayz2016 8 Years · 6957 comments

bruceatk said:
It allows a non-developer to play with the features of the Touch Bar on a non Touch Bar Mac.  A developer can test their apps while on a non Touch Bar Mac and take screens shots for their documentation.

Okay, thanks. Now I get it.