In December 2015, Tech Times introduced the Neonode AirBar, a device that adds touchscreen capability to regular laptops by projecting an invisible light field on the display.
Earlier versions of the device only supported Windows laptops, but Neonode happily announced this week that it has finally manufactured an OSx compatible version of the USB plugin device.
The announcement was made at CES 2017, but Neonode noted that the OS X compatible AirBar is only available for the 13.3-inch MacBook Air. While the company has started accepting preorders for the device, it has not specified when exactly it will become available; only that it will be "soon."
MacBook Air Turns Touchscreen
Although Apple releases a slew of touchscreen devices every year, the company still refuses to budge when it comes to the MacBook line.
And, since Apple refuses to listen, Neonode has taken up the challenge and listened to people's request to turn the MacBook Air display into a touchscreen.
The result: just over a year since it released the first AirBar, the MacBook Air compatible version is finally complete, fully supported, and ready to please Apple users.
"AirBar is the world's first plug-and-touch solution for MacBook Air 13.3". It's a brand new way to interact with your Mac notebook," the AirBar official website reads.
How The AirBar Works
The OS X compatible AirBar is still the same ultra-thin plug-and-touch device that uses Neonode's zForce AIR technology. Basically, the AirBar emits a very sensitive light field that reacts to any type of disturbance and translates those disturbances into actions on the screen. It is also equipped with AlwaysOn sensors so it is always ready to work its magic.
Using the $99 AirBar is extremely simple. Users just need to place the AirBar in the bottom portion of the display, plug it in an available USB port, and you're good to go. The AirBar is equipped with a magnetic strip, so it will not come off during usage. Just don't forget to remove it if you want to close your MacBook Air because it still takes up a little space.
Users don't even have to use their fingers all the time because the light field is so sensitive that it reacts to gloved hands, paintbrushes, and even a banana! For MacBook users, however, you may want to use the Apple Pencil instead of a banana.
Watch Neonode's promotional video for the MacBook Air-compatible AirBar below.
