When describing the design, we paid a lot of attention to the main innovation of the model: touchpad Touch Bar above the keyboard. But it is important that this is not only hardware, but also software solution. Moreover, the effectiveness of its use directly depends on the software and settings. In this article, we decided to look at the Touch Bar in all aspects and talk about the panel from the point of view of its application in various use scenarios.
To start - general information. So, the Touch Bar is an OLED touch panel present in the 13-inch and 15-inch models MacBook Pro 2016. Touch Bar resolution is 2170x60. The panel replaces the top row of keys and can display various information - depending on the running application, user settings and actions.
Needless to say, the panel can only fully function in macOS Sierra and only if the specific application is optimized for use with the Touch Bar. Of course, all pre-installed macOS applications have this optimization, but third-party developers can also use its functionality. In particular, we will look at how this is implemented in Microsoft Office.
In order to take screenshots with the Touch Bar, you need to install the current beta version of macOS Sierra. Any user can do this by registering in Apple program, however, you need to be prepared for the fact that the MacBook Pro will quickly discharge.
To the right of the Touch Bar is the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. It is physically separate from the Touch Bar and is not part of it, but when we open the lid of the laptop, the Touch Bar displays the words “Unlock with Touch ID” and an arrow pointing to Touch ID.
As we noted in the first article, the MacBook Pro 2016 is the first Apple laptop with a fingerprint scanner. And its support first appeared in macOS Sierra. Below we will tell you how to use this feature on your MacBook.
Touch ID
So, when you turn it on for the first time and initial setup MacBook offers us to add a fingerprint.
The procedure is the same as for iPhone/iPad. We put our finger on the scanner several times, and the screen shows how the gray grooves are filled with red.
Once a fingerprint is added, you can add another finger and also specify what types of operations Touch ID can be used for. Besides unlock Mac it can be used with Apple Pay and confirmation of purchases from the iTunes Store and Mac App Store.
Touch Bar: Standard Options
Now let's get back to the Touch Bar itself. We have already seen what the panel shows before unlocking the computer. And this is what we see by default after unlocking. On the screenshot - right part. On the left there is only the Esc button, between it and the one shown in the screenshot there is black space. The original screenshot is available by clicking.
So, on the right is the Siri call button. Starting with Sierra, macOS supports Siri, and Apple immediately decided to make its launch as clear as possible. Moreover, during operation you often press this button by accident, because previously the volume up button was located in this place. And it turns out that we are being deliberately pushed to use Siri, willy-nilly.
The remaining icons do not need comments. Except for the arrow. If you touch it, a row of touch buttons will open, identical to what we see in the top row of the traditional MacBook keyboards. Here is a screenshot divided into two halves: at the top is the left part, below is the right.
The decision seems quite controversial, firstly, to make this view not the main one, but accessible only after touching the small arrow (hit it again!), and secondly, to leave the Siri call icon in this row. However, if desired, all this can be configured. We will tell you how exactly further.
Touch Bar in apps
Now let's see how the Touch Bar works in applications. Once again, if the application is not optimized for the Touch Bar, the bar will always display what is shown above. However, with its pre-installed apps, Apple has naturally made sure that each one actually takes advantage of the Touch Bar's capabilities. For example, Safari. The screenshots below show fragments of Touch Bar screenshots, but the original screenshot is available by clicking.
As we can see, thumbnails are displayed here open tabs. You can move between them simply by swiping your finger. Comfortable? Perhaps. On the other hand, I can’t say that it’s very clear - the thumbnails are too tiny, and they don’t always allow you to understand which site is which. And switching between tabs in the usual ways is no more difficult. But it's certainly a spectacular opportunity.
Another useful thing on this panel in Safari is “search” and “open new tab”.
The panel may also change depending on what is open in the browser. For example, if a video is playing there, the video navigation panel appears.
And here we come to understand the main quality of the Touch Bar: it is complete variability, that is, in one application there can be an infinite number of Touch Bar options. Everything depends solely on the imagination of the developers. The main question is that the functionality of the panel complements, and does not duplicate, the already easily accessible application options.
A good option is in the “Calendar”. There, you can easily switch between different weeks using the Touch Bar.
Less successfully done in text editors Pages and Word. The problem is that, for example, marking a piece of text in italics is much more convenient simply with the mouse, because we select this piece with the mouse. It turns out that in order to use the Touch Bar, we first need to make some kind of gesture with the mouse, then drop it, press the button on the Touch Bar, then grab the mouse again.
In general, despite the fact that the capabilities of the Touch Bar in text editors are very wide, in fact it turns out that you either need to relearn and get used to completely new movements while working, or simply perceive the Touch Bar as some kind of optional addition that we, maybe , someday we’ll use it purely for fun, but for now we’ll do it the old fashioned way - with a mouse and keyboard.
This applies not only text editors, but also most other applications. For example, QuickTime Player.
Yes, we see a pause button, but in order to pause the video, just press the space bar on your keyboard.
And this is the main problem of the Touch Bar concept and the main challenge for developers: how to make using the Touch Bar intuitive and simpler than the usual keyboard shortcuts and mouse commands? It is clear that a lot here depends on Apple itself, because it is necessary to set an example for third-party developers to show that the Touch Bar can really be used intelligently. And there are such examples. We have already given several examples and we can give more.
Let's say Pages has word suggestions that pop up. This is exactly the option that is impossible, or at least impractical, without touch screen, and the Touch Bar is just right for its implementation.
Setting up the Touch Bar
The Touch Bar can be customized to suit you, not only in general, but also for each application separately. Access to general settings can be accessed through Settings/Keyboard.
You may notice that the “Configure Control Strip” button has appeared there. This is exactly what you need to set up the Touch Bar. At the top you can also specify what should be displayed by default on the panel.
Control Strip is standard icons on the right side of the Touch Bar. An extended version of the Control Strip opens if you click on the arrow. But if you don't want to do this regularly, you can set the extended Control Strip to show immediately.
So, click “Customize Control Strip” and we see a window with icons, and above them there is the inscription: “Drag frequently used items to the Touch Bar at the bottom of the screen.” Actually, from this it is already clear how exactly we can replace any icon on the Touch Bar with another. Just take the mouse you need and drag it down to the edge of the screen, after which it “jumps” to the Touch Bar and shakes there, like on iOS after a long press.
There is quite a large selection here. There are also useful things. For example, “Screenshot”, “Sleep”, Launchpad, “Show desktop”, “Do not disturb”... So don’t miss the opportunity to create the optimal set.
Thus, outside of applications, we have two levels of Touch Bar customization: the first level - what is displayed by default, the second level - what is the composition of the Control Strip (regular and extended options). But in addition to this, you can also customize the composition of Touch Bar icons in individual applications. For example, below is how this is done in Safari. In the “View” menu we see the line: “Customize the Touch Bar.”
Click on it - and we see a window similar to the window Control settings Strip, but with a set of icons directly for the browser. Well, then we proceed according to the familiar scheme: drag the necessary icons with the mouse and pin them to the desired place in the Touch Bar.
Therefore, software developers must take care not only about the fact of using the Touch Bar, but also about the options for customizing the panel within their application and choosing additional icons. That is, on the one hand, there must be a clear relationship between user actions and the icons that appear on the Touch Bar, and on the other hand, the initial set can be adjusted by the user.
conclusions
Touch Bar is one of the main innovations in recent years. This is a very interesting and promising solution that can significantly expand the user’s interaction with the laptop and make it easier to perform a number of tasks. Hypothetically. In practice, a lot depends on how the Touch Bar functionality is implemented in a particular application and how easy or difficult it is for the user to customize it and start using it in real life.
We can't say that the Touch Bar is really useful yet. And expecting your productivity to increase if you upgrade from a previous generation MacBook Pro to a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar would be reckless. And if you consider that most third-party software manufacturers have not yet managed to optimize their applications for the Touch Bar, there is no need to be under any illusions. But, at the same time, the idea itself seems very promising, its implementation is as competent as it can be in real conditions, and the prospects are impressive, given that Apple has already demonstrated more than once how it can convince the entire industry of the need to implement those or other innovations. Will it work this time?
The Apple MacBook Pro (Late 2016) deserves our Original Design Award for its innovative Touch Bar and the deep integration of this hardware element into the laptop's software.
Over the past couple of weeks, we've introduced you to several fun (or weird?) apps for the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro. During this time, there were even more of them, so it was decided to make a small but relevant selection of all sorts of utilities, toys and applications for the touchpad on MacBooks. Some programs you will definitely like, others you may not even want to install. Already interested?
1. TouchSwitcher (free download)
It's strange that the functionality of this little utility was not originally built into the Touch Bar function. It's so intuitive to switch between applications running on your Mac using the touchpad. This is exactly what TouchSwitcher does. After installing it, a special button will appear on the left edge of the sensor, which will display icons on the small display running programs. They tapped on one and it instantly opened.
2. Rocket (free download)
Rocket is the same TouchSwitcher, only with a slightly redrawn interface and two important features. Firstly, after launch, the utility icon is always lit in the top bar, through which it can be updated or further configured. Secondly, with Rocket you can fully launch applications from the Dock. That is, those that have not yet been launched.
3.Doom
No, well, if you were once able to run the classic Doom game on the first iPhone, then why not try to do it on the most powerful MacBook Pro? Only they will play with you not on the Retina screen, but on the tiny Touch Bar. Yes, you can play Doom on such a narrow screen! The toy cannot be downloaded yet; apparently, its author Adam Bell is still finishing it.
4. Nyan Cat (free download)
Nyan Cat is a world-famous man who appeared thanks to a YouTube video that appeared in 2011. It depicts a cat running in space with a body made of cookies. Want something like this on your Touch Bar? Easily! Even with sound, which is very important.
5. KnightTouchBar 2000 (free download)
This is an entertainment utility for those who remember the 1991 film “Knight Rider”. After launching it, the Touch Bar screen will display the same animation as on dashboard Pontiac cars of the main character of this legendary film. And the sound design is the same, yes.
6.Lemmings
Who remembers Lemmings? This is a game from 1991, which over all this time has been ported to many gaming platforms. In it, funny little people walk around the level mindlessly, and your task is to guide them so that they don’t get into any trouble and successfully reach the end of the level. One of these levelers can now be on your Touch Bar. You can control the little people using taps on the small screen. By the way,
It became one of the main innovations in the laptop presented yesterday. As expected, the touchpad was placed at the top of the keyboard. Apple has integrated many functions into it that were previously available only on the screen or keyboard, and also did not ignore the ability to use the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. Detailed review functions and capabilities of the Touch Bar in the new further under the cut.
What is Touch Bar?
The new MacBook Pro 2016 has moved most options to the Touch Bar. So, for example, adjusting the screen brightness, sound volume, working with photos and videos, playback controls, the Siri call button - now this is not separate buttons on the keyboard, and “features” customizable in the Touch Bar. But simply replacing several physical buttons with a touch-sensitive solution would be a rash decision, so the Cupertino team turned this panel into a real “control point” for the main functions of the device and individual applications.
In the right corner of the panel you can find the Touch ID fingerprint scanner - a solution that previously only existed in mobile devices Apple devices. Thus, Apple Pay is fully operational on the desktop version of Apple software. To protect the sensor from scratches and other types of damage, Apple covered the Touch Bar with sapphire glass, and equipped the panel itself with Multi-Touch technology.
Touch Bar Features
We will dwell on this point in more detail, because The number of possible options is very diverse. We have already talked about the main functionality, but what else can you do using the Touch Bar?
And this is only a small part of the possible options in the Touch Bar. The rest depends on third-party developers and their resourcefulness, so soon we will apparently be in for a race among developers “whose feature for the Touch Bar is cooler?”
How to return the top button bar in the keyboard on the new MacBook Pro?
If you miss the old buttons at the top of the keyboard, you can simply press and hold the FN button. Through “Settings” the user can configure the necessary functionality that will be present on the Touch Bar. There you can place any buttons, from basic settings to a specific action in any application.
If Last update The iPhone turned out to be very controversial, then MacBook laptops Pro received the most significant update in the entire history of the line. And it’s not just a significantly updated case design, a new set of connectors and improved performance, but also the appearance of an innovative control element: the Touch Bar with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. Like any other product, the new MacBook Pro 2016 has both its pros and cons. What impressions did a professional Apple laptop leave after three months of use, further in the MacDigger article.
The defining feature of any MacBook is its design. Whether you're a Mac or PC fan, it's hard to deny that appearance and the build quality of the MacBook is at a level unattainable for many manufacturers. In terms of design, Apple has always been impeccable.
The appearance of the new MacBook Pro is radically updated compared to previous models. We can say that Apple has made a hybrid of the previous MacBook Pro and the 12-inch MacBook. The screen resolution has not changed compared to the previous generation, but its quality has increased significantly and when directly compared with its predecessor, the difference is immediately noticeable. Higher maximum panel brightness, saturation and contrast. MacBook Pro can now be used outdoors in bright sunshine.
The 2016 MacBook Pro has an updated keyboard mechanism so that key travel is barely noticeable, which may feel awkward at first. But once you get used to it, the rest computer keyboards will seem terrible to you.
As before, the laptop's all-metal body looks impeccable, but it's not particularly scratch-resistant. Over time, marks may appear on it, so it is better to get a cover.
Feature of the new MacBook generations– huge touchpad. Traditionally, the trackpad on Apple laptops is unrivaled, but the need to increase it to such a size is questionable. The touchpad is really big, comparable to the iPhone 7 Plus. This does not provide any additional benefits. The fact is that before the touchpad did not seem small at all, and there is no feeling that increasing it gives any significant increase in the comfort of use.
But the main complaint may be the transition to USB-C. This can really be a problem at first, and Apple should have at least left a memory card slot. But if you think that you will have to carry a bunch of adapters with you, then you are mistaken. In most cases, one single adapter with “classic” USB ports and a slot for SD cards. In addition, there are devices on the market for wireless transmission data. For example, MobiLite Wireless Pro with a built-in battery. It allows you to transfer data wirelessly from any device.
Apple is striving to establish the USB-C format as the only and universal one, and in principle there is a chance to force a general transition to it. Accordingly, if today for owners of MacBook Pro 2016 and MacBook 12″ connecting a USB drive becomes a headache, then after some time, on the contrary, owners of laptops with old connectors will experience the same torment, because the industry will gradually switch to USB-C .
There are only two weaknesses in this concept. Firstly, for some reason Apple is not switching to USB-C in the iPhone and iPad, although most competitors already use USB-C in smartphones and tablets. And secondly, even if it is the general adoption of USB-C as the main and universal format will ever take place, it will clearly not happen in the next two years. This means that by the time the “happy future” arrives, the current “software” will already be obsolete.
It's nice to be able to charge the MacBook Pro from an external battery, but the proprietary MagSafe port is missing. Moreover, the 15-inch model consumes 85 W, so from a regular portable charger It will not charge while in use. The 13-inch MacBook Pro consumes 65 W, so you can both use the gadget and charge the battery.
What I definitely like are the stereo speakers on the left and right of the keyboard. They give a fairly good and loud sound, as much as possible in principle in such a form factor.
On the Internet you can often find complaints about the poor autonomy of the new MacBooks. Unfortunately, real time battery life really far from Apple's claimed 10 hours. When performing complex tasks like video editing, a 15-inch laptop lasts 1-2 hours, and during normal use – 3-4. Things are a little better with the 13-inch model, which has a 5-6 hour battery life, but it's not even close to 10 hours.
The advantage of the new MacBook is definitely its performance, which exceeds all expectations. Despite the fact that the laptop does not have the latest Hardware, MacBook Pro 2016 is more productive than top-end Windows machines. There are no problems when editing 4K video when it comes to Final Cut Pro.
Upsets the limit random access memory 16 GB, which is especially noticeable when editing large videos. The laptop supports connecting an external 5K display via USB-C. The Mac simultaneously transmits images and charges the battery, but overall impressions of this combination are mixed. In normal tasks everything works fine, but under significant loads the performance may not be enough.
As for the Touch Bar, you can doubt its necessity in terms of everyday use, but this is an innovation that can justify the upgrade and immediately sets the MacBook Pro 2016 apart from all other models. It is logical to assume that other manufacturers will also begin to experiment in this direction.
The Touch Bar is an attempt to come up with another control element besides the touchpad and keyboard. But at the same time, this is a rethinking of the keyboard, because the Touch Bar replaces the top row of keys and can imitate them.
Although, despite all its innovation, the Touch Bar is a rather controversial solution, unlikely to significantly increase productivity and greatly facilitate interaction with a laptop. If you set a goal to learn how to use it to the fullest and unlock the potential of the Touch Bar, you will be able to find optimal scenarios where the touch panel is really much more convenient than the usual methods of interacting with a laptop. But it’s impossible to say that after using the MacBook Pro 2016 it will be difficult to return to a regular MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar.
The last thing worth noting is the fingerprint scanner. Well, in fact: top tablets, which most people use as toys, have a fingerprint scanner, but professional laptops, where the user has important documents, projects, archives Email and other things that should never fall into the wrong hands, the fingerprint sensor is still new. But now Apple will most likely build it into every laptop, which means other vendors will have to too. Again, a big plus for all users - even those who would never buy a MacBook.
Technically, the Touch ID sensor is not part of the touchpad, but is located to the right of it. Using a fingerprint scanner for quick authorization and online purchases is very convenient.
Most main question– is it worth buying this laptop? The answer depends on budget and personal preference. Apple relied on thickness and dimensions, innovation and the “wow factor”, which presented the user with a difficult choice: it seems that according to the logic of things, one should buy the latest model, if you have money, the more it is so cool, but if a laptop is taken to make money with its help, then doubt creeps in about the advisability of such a decision.
It is clear that Apple laptops have always been expensive, especially top-end ones, but when buying a classic MacBook Pro Retina 15″, we clearly understood what we would get: a top-end device for all occasions, absolutely understandable and predictable. MacBook Pro 2016 is something new, an experiment, and here everyone must decide for themselves: is he ready to spend money on this experiment and get used to the features of the new product, or is it better to wait until the innovations that Apple has implemented here become standard de facto.
Fair, not overpriced and not underestimated. There should be prices on the Service website. Necessarily! without asterisks, clear and detailed, where technically possible - as accurate and concise as possible.
If spare parts are available, up to 85% of complex repairs can be completed in 1-2 days. Modular repairs require much less time. The website shows the approximate duration of any repair.
Warranty and responsibility
A guarantee must be given for any repairs. Everything is described on the website and in the documents. The guarantee is self-confidence and respect for you. A 3-6 month warranty is good and sufficient. It is needed to check quality and hidden defects that cannot be detected immediately. You see honest and realistic terms (not 3 years), you can be sure that they will help you.
Half the success in Apple repair is the quality and reliability of spare parts, so a good service works with suppliers directly, there are always several reliable channels and your own warehouse with proven spare parts for current models, so you don’t have to waste extra time.
Free diagnostics
This is very important and has already become a rule of good manners for service center. Diagnostics is the most difficult and important part of the repair, but you don't have to pay a penny for it, even if you don't repair the device based on its results.
Service repairs and delivery
Good service values your time, so he offers free shipping. And for the same reason, repairs are carried out only in the workshop of a service center: they can be done correctly and according to technology only in a prepared place.
Convenient schedule
If the Service works for you, and not for itself, then it is always open! absolutely. The schedule should be convenient to fit in before and after work. Good service works on weekends and holidays. We are waiting for you and working on your devices every day: 9:00 - 21:00
The reputation of professionals consists of several points
Company age and experience
Reliable and experienced service has been known for a long time.
If a company has been on the market for many years and has managed to establish itself as an expert, people turn to it, write about it, and recommend it. We know what we are talking about, since 98% of incoming devices in the service center are restored.
Other service centers trust us and refer complex cases to us.
How many masters in areas
If there are always several engineers waiting for you for each type of equipment, you can be sure:
1. there will be no queue (or it will be minimal) - your device will be taken care of right away.
2. you give your Macbook for repair to an expert in the field of Mac repairs. He knows all the secrets of these devices
Technical literacy
If you ask a question, a specialist should answer it as accurately as possible.
So that you can imagine what exactly you need.
They will try to solve the problem. In most cases, from the description you can understand what happened and how to fix the problem.
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