Advanced Multitouch Trackpad 'Unique to MacBook Air'
Yesterday, T3.co.uk published a story based on statements from Apple that existing MacBook and MacBook Pro owners might see expanded multitouch trackpad capabilites through a software-only update. The statement, however, was inaccurate and resulted in T3.co.uk pulling the original article.
Apple later clarified to T3.co.uk that the new Multitouch Trackpad is indeed unique to the Air, implying that existing Apple notebook owners should not expect to see these features added:
While existing Apple notebooks do have some multitouch capabilities (two finger scroll, secondary click), Apple introduced 3 new gestures (swipe, pinch/expand, rotate) in the MacBook Air. Apple, of course, is rumored to be adding the new advanced multitouch trackpad to future Macbooks and MacBook Pros.
Apple later clarified to T3.co.uk that the new Multitouch Trackpad is indeed unique to the Air, implying that existing Apple notebook owners should not expect to see these features added:
"MacBook Air features the most advanced trackpad we've ever made, integrating the multi-touch technology from the iPhone. This integrated feature is unique to MacBook Air."
This also correlates with disassembly photos that revealed the MacBook Air incorporates the same multitouch controller as the iPhone, which is not found in previous Apple notebooks.While existing Apple notebooks do have some multitouch capabilities (two finger scroll, secondary click), Apple introduced 3 new gestures (swipe, pinch/expand, rotate) in the MacBook Air. Apple, of course, is rumored to be adding the new advanced multitouch trackpad to future Macbooks and MacBook Pros.
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52 months ago
shame but to be expected - next lot of updates to notbooks should see this feature added
52 months ago
I found the techniques not as good as the iphone, because of how one uses the tackpad. I also thought that the mouse button was too thin and too near the edge.
52 months ago
I call shenanigans on Apples part. My PowerBook can detect 2-finger movements in all directions, as the little article snippet said, so why can't a small piece of software be written to allow for later-model iBook and PowerBook owners to enjoy the same gestures?
The trackpad can detect multi-fingered movements in any direction. Its too bad Apple has patented the junk out of the multitouch gestures, else I'm sure we'd see software to make these same abilities possible on later PowerBooks and iBooks. Of course, the iBook and 12- and 15- inch PowerBook trackpads are too small to do this comfortably. My 17" PowerBook has a huge trackpad, the same size as current MacBook and MacBook pros, but I'm not sure about the size of the one on the Air.
The trackpad can detect multi-fingered movements in any direction. Its too bad Apple has patented the junk out of the multitouch gestures, else I'm sure we'd see software to make these same abilities possible on later PowerBooks and iBooks. Of course, the iBook and 12- and 15- inch PowerBook trackpads are too small to do this comfortably. My 17" PowerBook has a huge trackpad, the same size as current MacBook and MacBook pros, but I'm not sure about the size of the one on the Air.
52 months ago
Why does "unique" have to mean "we only plan to offer it on this platform?" Why can't "unique" mean "it can only currently be found on this platform?" Seems like a pretty large assumption to say that because it's unique to MacBook Air, it won't find its way into the other MacBooks in future revisions.
52 months ago
Why does "unique" have to mean "we only plan to offer it on this platform?" Why can't "unique" mean "it can only currently be found on this platform?" Seems like a pretty large assumption to say that because it's unique to MacBook Air, it won't find its way into the other MacBooks in future revisions.
My thoughts exactly. Its the wording of the statement. It leaves them open to either keep it only on the MBA if its a flop, or bring it out later on other laptops if its a success.
52 months ago
Software was available to give notebooks without the 2-finger-scroll the feature before Leopard gave it, hopefully the same will be possible in this case, even with the older hardware. The rotating and zooming of pictures is something I'd hardly use, the changing text size in Safari was disappointingly bad when I tried it, but going back and forward with 3 fingers is awesome.
52 months ago
I just noticed yesterday that on my 15" MBP 2.0 ghz, I was able to "pinch" and "reverse-pinch" in Google Maps just like I do on my iPhone. I had not read or seen anything indicating that this was possible, so I was a little shocked that it actually worked. Am I late to the party on this one, or is this a sign that MBP's et al actually can use the multi-touch capabilities in more applications?
52 months ago
anyone who thinks apple would release a software update for older macs is very naive. :rolleyes:
52 months ago
anyone who thinks apple would release a software update for older macs is very naive. :rolleyes:
$20 and all the NEW Mouse Features are yours :D
52 months ago
Why does "unique" have to mean "we only plan to offer it on this platform?" Why can't "unique" mean "it can only currently be found on this platform?" Seems like a pretty large assumption to say that because it's unique to MacBook Air, it won't find its way into the other MacBooks in future revisions.
I don't think they are ruling that out. Apple is just saying that the features will not be available on current laptops via software update.
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