MacBook Pro Trackpad Functionality Expanded: Weighing Scale Capability, Open-source Code, and Claimed Accuracy of Force Touch System by Innovative Hacker.
In an exciting development, Canadian developer Krish Shah has unveiled TrackWeight, an open-source app that transforms the Force Touch trackpad of any 2015 or newer MacBook Pro, or 2016 or newer MacBook, into a digital weighing scale [2].
By harnessing Apple's Force Touch technology, TrackWeight interprets the pressure applied on the trackpad surface as weight measurements [1]. This innovative approach allows users to weigh various objects, from small trinkets to items weighing up to 3.5kg, with impressive accuracy [4].
However, it's essential to note that TrackWeight is intended for experimental and educational purposes only. It is not suitable for weighing 'mission-critical' substances, commercial purposes, or when precision in weights and measures is essential [5].
To achieve this groundbreaking functionality, TrackWeight leverages Takuto Nakamura's Open Multi-Touch Support library, which provides access to global multitouch events on macOS trackpads, including position, pressure, angle, and density [3]. This integration offers the detailed pressure data necessary to convert physical force into weight values [3].
The Open Multi-Touch Support library is a significant contribution from another developer that enables TrackWeight's core functionality of capturing raw input data beyond the standard public APIs provided by Apple [3]. This collaboration or reuse of the library is crucial because it provides the access necessary for force touch-based weighing, which would otherwise be difficult or impossible with standard macOS developer tools alone.
Key contributors to the app include Krish Shah, who notes several important contributions that helped make TrackWeight a reality, such as the use of SwiftUI for the user interface and Combine for reactive data flow [6].
To get started with TrackWeight, users can find the app's code on GitHub, released under the open-source MIT License [7]. Instructions for building and running the app are provided.
While TrackWeight has shown promising results, there are some limitations to consider. For instance, the app might misread metal objects, so weighing metallic items on a paper towel is recommended [8]. Additionally, continuous contact with the trackpad might have a slight impact on the weight measurement's accuracy [9].
In conclusion, TrackWeight represents an impressive feat of innovation, turning a MacBook's Force Touch trackpad into a digital weighing scale. While it may not replace professional scales for critical weighing tasks, it offers an exciting opportunity for experimentation and education. For those interested, the app's code is available on GitHub for further exploration and potential development.
[1] https://developer.apple.com/documentation/forcetouch [2] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight [3] https://github.com/Kyome22/OpenMultiTouch-macOS [4] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight#demo [5] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight#disclaimer [6] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight#credits [7] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight [8] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight#metal-objects [9] https://github.com/KrishShah/TrackWeight#accuracy
Engaging with TrackWeight's innovative capabilities, users can weigh a variety of gadgets, such as smartphones or other small objects, with surprising precision. This digital weighing scale for MacBooks harnesses the Force Touch technology from Apple, providing an intriguing alternative for casual weighing needs.
