Despite some users showing marked resistance, there is still real interest from the industry in adding touch support to desktop computers and laptops. The advance of hybrids is a clear demonstration of this, but existing systems need a bit of external help. That is where AirBar comes in, a very compact accessory that for just $49 will let us interact directly with the screen.
The question remains as valid as ever: Do we want a touch screen on our computers? Microsoft bet most of its chips on that desire, but the failure of Windows 8 made it clear that it had not yet materialized. Windows 10 was forced to balance the scales, restoring several aspects of previous operating systems, but it did this without sacrificing touch support. This detail caused a notable advance in hybrid computers, which go from PC to tablet without major inconvenience. But what about users with conventional screens? Replacing a whole computer because of the lack of touch support is pure madness. On the other hand, some of the accessories that tried to fill the gap were not very practical, to say the least. Something a bit more elaborate is needed, and with that in mind, let's make room for AirBar.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/p6VdbZxBoacAt first glance, AirBar reminds us (at least in part) of the Sensor Bar from Wii consoles, with the obvious difference that it has been designed to recognize our touch commands on the screen. Pinch, zoom, swipe and scrolling are the order of the day, but that is not all. The fact of generating a "light field" in front of the screen allows us to perform commands with fingers, pens, and even brushes. AirBar is installed at the bottom of the screen thanks to a series of magnets, and when closing the computer it is very easy to remove (unfortunately, the thickness of the accessory forces us to remove it first).
At the moment, AirBar's announcement is limited to a 15.6-inch version, and its compatibility extends to Windows 8.x, Windows 10 and Chromebooks. OS X users will get more limited support, so that operating system does not appear on the official list. The first public demos of the AirBar accessory will take place at the next CES, during January. Its price? $49.
