I know this topic has been discussed but I don't know if this has been posted. Sorry if its a repost





Japanese tech website TechOn has published an article about the new Remote Touch system that’s set to debut with the 2010 RX this month:
The “Remote Touch,” an HMI (human machine interface) for the car navigation system equipped in the “Lexus RX” released by Toyota Motor Corp, was developed by Denso Corp.
…the haptic technology was adopted so that the driver can feel like the pointer is gravitating toward the switch. The operating **** is equipped with two motors and an encoder, and the motors are controlled so that the operating **** will always be in a neutral position after the car navigation is started.
Toyota has not made any announcement in respect to the adoption of the Remote Touch for Toyota products other than the Lexus brand vehicles. It is expected to be more expensive than the haptic dials employed by German manufacturers including BMW AG and Daimler AG. Therefore, its adoption, if any, will probably be limited to upper grade models.
It’s interesting that the article reports the controller automatically centers itself — this would be an improvement over the Remote Touch displays shown at recent car shows, which lacked this functionality. This seems like an important feature, and we’ll have to wait until the RX debuts to get the final word.
Another point this article makes is that the Remote Touch may not appear in all Lexus models, but I highly doubt that will be the case. It stands to reason that every vehicle will have the option for the Remote Touch controller, provided the model can accommodate it.

 

Toyota should of put this in the upcoming 2010 prius.

 

I hope they keep it only for Lexus

 

Remote Touch is a Lexus exclusive feature. Can't give everything up to Toyota models. That would be boring.

 

I tried at the car show and it was actually really cool. It didn't feel awkward at all.

 

Same here. Very intuitive.

I don't see it going in all models. There'd be no place for it in my IS (and I don't want my gearshift coming out of the dash).

 

Probably with the next gen IS/GS/LS etc., Remote Touch will be added.

 

I'm sure everyone will eventually go to this model. I mean its very intuitive and I am one that hates mouses and ***** in cars. If you have a computer and a mouse, this makes tremendous sense.

If you are an Eskimo, you might want a touch screen