On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

Garmin proposes an alternative to touchscreens for controlling in-dash entertainment systems-- a console-mounted multi-controller concept combining infrared sensors with a rotary dial.

Designed to minimise driver distraction and "eyes off the road," the controller concept consists of a large knob with 4 buttons and IR sensors. The sensors detect when a hand approaches the knob, "waking up" menu buttons and the display menu when required.

The 4 buttons on the rotary controller allow the user to switch between audio, apps, communications and navigation menus, while further preset buttons (with infrared sensors) allow the driver to "feel" for the right button without pressing it.

The system can be tied to HVAC controls, vehicle bus information, connected services and smartphone apps.

Garmin appears to be moving away from the portable GPS industry-- it already makes integrated cockpits for the aviation industry, and now wants to use that experience in automobile space.

Go Garmin Multi-Sensor Controller Concept

Fresh rumours emerge on Facebook's supposed smartphone-making plans-- the New York Times says Facebook is briefing employees with plans relating to the hardware game.

Apparently the social network also hired "more than half a dozen former Apple software and hardware engineers who worked on the iPhone, and one who worked on the iPad," NY Times sources continue.

One ex-Apple engineer even says he was questioned on "the inner workings of smartphones" by none other than Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who asked for intricate details such as "the types of chips used."

DigiTimes reports Intel and Samsung's Tizen OS is coming out sometime in H2 2012 inside a variety of devices-- including smartphones, netbooks and even in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Vendors to supposedly sell Tizen-based devices include HTC, Acer and Asus. Apparently Acer and Asus will be testing the waters by launching a Tizen netbook in emerging markets by Q3 2012.

Announced on September 2011, Tizen is an Intel and Samsung co-development borrowing code from Intel's MeeGo and Samsung's LiMo platforms. The Tizen Association counts a number of operators, including NTT DoCoMo, Orange, NEC, Panasonic, Sprint, Vodafone, SK Telecom and Telefonica.

The Linux Foundation is reportedly is also working with the Association.

Go Tizen-Based Devices to Appear in H2 2012 (DigiTimes)

The Samsung Galaxy One Tablet Projector Concept is just a design concept at this point, but a convincing one at that (look at photos in link below).

It’s a combination of three characteristics from three different devices. It has the mobility of tablets, the widescreen of desktops, and the power of a laptop.

It’s 305x195x14 mm.Adding a back kick-stand and projector, the device gets additional presentation functionality by coming bundled with Windows 8.

Concept designers are Laura Hong and Charles de Belizal.

Go Galaxy One Tablet Projector Concept