Volkswagen praises the power of touch in its CES 2015 press conference (pictures)

The company shows off its Golf R Touch, which incorporates not just touchscreens but gesture controls.

Lori Grunin

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

Jan. 5, 2015 4:29 p.m. PT

1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Under wraps

In one of the shortest CES press conferences of my career, Volkswagen showed how it perceives "cars and computers are merging" with an emphasis on interfaces adapted from the consumer electronics industry. These include better smartphone integration, via App Connect, to support Androidauto and Apple Carplay, and touchscreens for "more intuitive car operation."

2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Multifinger sensing

The control screens in the Golf R Touch recognize multitouch. They provide haptic feedback so that, presumably, you're less likely to look down and get distracted while operating them.

3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Three displays

The Golf R Touch has three displays: a 12.8-inch main screen, an 8-inch control-center screen and a 12.3-inch display that replaces the typical cluster.