Remote Touch

The Remote Touch controller, which is similar to a computer mouse or joystick, allows the driver to operate an on-screen cursor on the vehicle's GPS navigation system screen.

Although this system was regarded by many reviewers as easier to use than conventional rotary knob controllers,[6] the need to place the touchscreen within easy reach limited design possibilities for the interior (by forcing placement of the screen in the center dash and in close proximity to the steering wheel).

Of these systems, some reviewers praised their ability to simplify the dash layout,[6] while others levied criticism for reputed complexity and user difficulty, particularly with iDrive.

[7][8][9] In the mid 2000s, Lexus began developing an alternative to the touchscreen interface, in light of the latter's restrictions on interior styling and instrument panel configuration.

Introduced on the third generation Lexus RX, the Remote Touch system differs from previous interfaces in being the first to use a computer mouse (or trackball)-based concept,[11][12] instead of the rotary knob model.

[10] The incorporation of haptic feedback, similar to the Wii Remote,[13] enables the driver to feel the placement of buttons and icons on the screen by touch.