View this article at: http://dev.macnn.com/articles/08/02/13/macbook.multitouch
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 9:20am
Apple: MacBook multitouch m...
(Updated with T3 removal) Spreading advanced multitouch technology to other MacBooks may be simpler than expected by the public, an Apple spokesperson has revealed. While the Air is currently the only MacBook to support gestures such as pinching and swiping, the Apple representative notes that this is entirely software-based. As a result, existing MacBooks and MacBook Pros may gain the extra commands in the future, though no official release plans have been laid out.

Concern had been raised in the industry that earlier MacBooks would be left behind in terms of interface, requiring a hardware refresh that has yet to manifest. Multitouch on these systems is currently limited to scrolling through browser windows, or performing right-click commands. The addition of Air-like controls to the Pro could prove especially useful, allowing new commands in programs like Aperture, Final Cut and Photoshop. Update: T3 has pulled the article from its website, a move that suggests it was posted in error. Previous information from a teardown by iFixit suggested that the Air's multitouch is handled by a Broadcom chip, the same one used in the iPhone and the iPod touch.