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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1176476
Future MacBooks Might Feature Touch-Based Keyboards (That Look and Feel Real) By Mike Peterson A future MacBook device could ditch a physical keyboard in favor of a touch-based digital one that looks and real. At least, that appears to be something that Apple is working on due to a string of patent applications over the past few years. And today, a new application corroborates Apple's continued development in the area. Apple Touch Keyboard Patents Apple patents are typically written in dense language and today's patent is even more complex than usual. But, in a nutshell, it appears to describe a screen-based keyboard that simulates motion or feedback based on a method of haptic motors and electrostatic charges. The end result appears to be a touch-based keyboard similar to the ones you may f ind on an iPhone or iPad. But before you get too worried, the patent seems focused on ensuring that the digital keyboard looks and feels as close to a physical one as possible. That includes simulated key edges and travel. The aforementioned electrostatic charge could allow a user's fingers to "find" the individual digital keys by making it feel like they have a slightly concave shape. This is far from the first touchscreen keyboard patent that Apple has filed. Several other patents hint at similar technology, which may end up in a future iPad — or even, as we've been alluding to, a MacBook Pro. Benefits of Screen-Based Keyboards Keyboards are extremely important to computer users. There are plenty of people who are extremely passionate about things like key travel, tactile feedback and even the noise that keys make.