BMW's HoloActive Touch debuts at CES

BMW is set to make in-car buttons obsolete with the debut of its HoloActive Touch control scheme at next year's Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, combining its gesture control system with advanced head-up display technology.

Utilising a series of projectors and reflectors, the new system will display a floating image above a central touchpad, with users able to interact with the projected display using just their fingertips thanks to advances in BMW's gesture control system.

While no feedback is given through the fingertips, confirmation of selections are met with responses through the touchpad in which the rest of the hand is located upon.

Drivers will be able to scroll through the projected display in a similar manner to a smartphone, and will be able to control functions including satellite navigation, phone calling and audio controls.

The gesture control system, from which the HoloActive Touch is based, uses a camera mounted in the headlining to read specific hand movements.

Preview photos of the new technology also reveal a futuristic widescreen infotainment screen tucked behind a chunky steering wheel, similar to BMW's i Vision Future Interactive concept from this year's CES.

If past CES concepts are anything to go by, HoloActive Touch technology could rollout in production BMW vehicles in as little as two years.

During the 2015 CES, BMW showcased its then-groundbreaking gesture control system, which is now available in its flagship 7 Series and upcoming next-generation 5 Series luxury sedan.

The gesture control system, from which the HoloActive Touch is based, uses a camera mounted in the headlining to read specific hand movements – single- and two-fingered pointing, clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the index finger, and swiping – to adjust volume controls, selecting menu options and to reject incoming phone calls.

CES attendees will be able to get hands-on with BMW's HoloActive Touch system from January 5, alongside the German brand's other i Inside Future features – more of which is yet to be revealed.

Other brands attending the show include Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, McLaren, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Kia and Audi who are all likely to showcase new and emerging car connectivity technologies.

Would you like to see BMW's futuristic HoloActive Touch interface become the standard for interior car controls? Tell us what you think in the comments below.