You're not losing function keys, they're just becoming more powerful. You can still set the touch area to be a row of function keys, if you like that! Or they might become more dynamic, by updating which binds are available based on what's on screen.
It is a nice gimmick. Is there anything wrong with an improvement, even if it's a little one?
First, your F keys already change binds based on what's on screen. Second, you are ignoring all the things that are worse. You can't really touch type any more, you have to take your eyes away from the screen, and you get greatly reduced tactile feedback.
It is a gimmick, but in my opinion it's not an improvement, it's counterproductive.
It is a nice gimmick. Is there anything wrong with an improvement, even if it's a little one?