When Apple discontinued the iPod Classic, it marked the end of an era. Fortunately, the developers at Eniac have seized the opportunity to create an alternative to the discontinued Contact Bar, dubbing it the Flexbar. The corporation is currently raising funds to complete the project.
The Flexbar is a slender, elongated OLED touchscreen strip that can be placed anywhere, including on top of your keyboard like a contact bar. The device syncs seamlessly with Macs via USB, functioning similarly to the intuitive Contact Bar. While designed for horizontal use, the device’s versatility allows for seamless adaptation to vertical orientations when necessary. Furthermore, it seamlessly connects with a range of devices, including iPads, iPhones, and Windows PCs.
While Flexbar offers more customization options compared to its predecessor, the Contact Bar, Microsoft has announced that it will provide Application Programming Interface (API) support for developers. The Flexbar Designer app allows users to customize its controls, while the Discord community provides a platform for getting assistance and tips on optimizing the Flexbar’s performance.
Despite surpassing its initial fundraising goal, Eniac still welcomes additional pledges as the campaign enters its final stretch with 29 days remaining. Priced from $119 (£94), this bundle includes the versatile Flexbar, an aluminium stand, and a 2-metre USB-C cable. The Kickstarter campaign will conclude on January 2, 2025.