Panasonic has demoed an innovative touch-sensitive remote control design at Japan's CEATEC show. The prototype, dubbed the EZ Touch Remote, features a touchpad on each end of the device with a small collection of buttons in the middle. Rather than using a touchscreen, as so many high-end remotes do, the EZ Touch lets the user keep his or her eyes on the TV by superimposing an image of a traditional remote control. An onscreen thumb icon follows the motion on the touchpad and allows the user to select the proper button. By turning the device on its side, it can be held with both hands and functions as a multi-touch input system; for example, sliding thumbs towards the middle of the remote is used to perform a zoom command. Panasonic hasn't indicated how it intends to integrate the device into its TV lines, nor when a commercial model will be ready.

[Image courtesy of Impress AV Watch]