The Apple MacBook Pro’s haptic trackpad now has a surprising new function: it can weigh small objects. Thanks to an innovative software tool developed by Canadian developer Krish Shah, the trackpad can serve as a scale for items weighing up to 3.5 kilograms. Despite its promise, the software does come with a few limitations.
Both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air feature haptic trackpads that detect not just clicks but the pressure behind them. This functionality is typically used for gestures, such as looking up words with a firm click. Shah has turned this capability into a practical application by creating an app called TrackWeight. This app leverages the trackpad’s pressure sensitivity to calculate an object’s weight, offering a novel utility for MacBook users.
TrackWeight, available for free on GitHub, comes with a few caveats. Users need to ensure their finger is on the trackpad while weighing an object. The objects themselves must fit entirely on the trackpad, and conductive items require an insulating layer, like fabric, to ensure accurate readings.
Setting up TrackWeight can be a bit complex, as it requires downloading the source code, compiling it, and running it in Xcode with specific settings changes. Shah emphasizes that while the app can measure weights relatively accurately, it is still experimental. Users should treat the results as guidelines, and caution is advised since exceeding the trackpad’s capacity could cause damage.
This development opens up intriguing possibilities for MacBook trackpads, blending technology with everyday functionality in a unique way.
