Panasonic's EZ Touch multitouch remote control concept hands-on and video

Panasonic is looking to reinvent the remote control with its EZ Touch Remote prototype that it is showing off here at CEATEC. Rather than rely on a touch-screen interface that forces one to look down at a remote (and away from the object of one's entertainment), the concept puts the visual feedback where it belongs: on the screen. The remote can sense left- or right-handed users and adjust the interface appropriately, moving important triggers around based on where one's thumb may (or may not) be. Dual touch pads allow for multitouch data entry and zoom manipulation, while gestures allow for quick scrolls, making this one of the most intuitive and drool-worthy remote controls we've seen in a while, or ever. We're so into it that we've provided a full gallery and three videos after the break.

Gallery: Panasonic EZTouch multi-touch remote

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[superted @ Oct 1st 2008 7:45AM]

If my girlfriend already hates my channel flipping then she'll LOVE this where she can actually see my hand on the remote.

That aside, this looks absolutely amazing. The kind of thing that would make me go for a Panasonic.

[Holger @ Oct 1st 2008 8:03AM]

This is brilliant... I mean only thing would be it'll "cloud" your view of the screen, which could be a pain for volume up & down ( and maybe channel up and down). IE. if I'm watching a movie on the tv, I don't want to have something distrub the movie, jsut to be able to turn the volume up...

now if this stuff just became standard on all TVs instead of just Panasonic using it (ie. they should license it to others)

[Ras @ Oct 3rd 2008 2:39AM]

That's why the remote has also some buttons in the middle.

[xmrgamerx @ Oct 1st 2008 12:50PM]

it's probably likely that the onscreen display is optional

[Scott Clark @ Oct 1st 2008 9:29AM]

What is truly needed is a combination of the Logitech remote's Internet connectivity (e.g. it knows the components) and sequencing. These features on the Harmony remote have forever changed the way home theatre works in my home. These remotes know how to go from watching DVR to listening to Sat radio, and all the steps in between because Logitech has taken the trouble to produce a database that knows how. I've gone through a dozen "smart" remotes and the Harmony was the holy grail.

If the Panasonic remote were to integrate this kind of wizardry, it would be a double threat to all other remotes. Without it, I will never change from the Harmony.

[Eli @ Oct 1st 2008 10:09AM]

How does it communicate with the TV? Is it using bluetooth or RF? It does not look like infrared is used here. If it is bluetooth ( oh how I hope it is), then I hope when this becomes available that someone reverses the protocol and lets me use this as a mouse/keyboard for mythtv.

[0megapart!cle @ Oct 1st 2008 11:07AM]

I have to say, I'm perplexed why anyone would be excited about this. It blocks the view of what you are trying to see, entering numbers looks painful, and the entire concept looks stupid.

[TrackSol @ Oct 1st 2008 11:35AM]

Like Holger said, it seems like it would be a paint to show up on screen just to change channels or volume. Nothing is wrong with the current remote tech. Leave it alone. Better aestetics and or materials would definately be welcomed though.

[andy @ Oct 1st 2008 11:42AM]

oh yes, touchscreen remote controls really are fantastic... did i press the button?
this will wind up in the bottom of a drawer with the stock remotes.

eli, what would be the point of having it control bluetooth? one device in the world is controlled with bluetooth.

[KA @ Oct 1st 2008 12:45PM]

I thought of this a few months ago...

Along with a system where you can control the basic functions of TV by waving at it...

[Fletch949 @ Oct 1st 2008 1:02PM]

Thank god for this remote. My eye muscles get so tired having to look down at my normal clicker to change channels. With this, I will never have to turn my eyes away from my TV. Now if Panasonic would only invent a robot to feed me, I would never have to miss a second of CSI. Thank god, indeed.

[bjsguess @ Oct 1st 2008 1:02PM]

33 seconds split into 3 videos?

Cool concept. Sure the interface blocks the screen but is that any different that cable/TIVO/Sat boxes today?

[Garth @ Oct 2nd 2008 4:37AM]

This is reminiscent of LucidTouch by people at Microsoft Research:
http://research.microsoft.com/users/baudisch/projects/lucidtouch/index.html

It is is also similar to Shadow Reaching, which is something I published a while ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su4ZIqxaObo