This year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) saw a hefty amount of automakers showcasing their latest car-related technologies, with BMW->ke178 providing quite a lot of eye candy to those attending the event. From the M4 Concept Iconic Lights fitted with the company's Laserlight technology and Selective Beam function to the gesture-control feature of the all-new iDrive Controller, BMW showed off near-future technologies that will be available on its cars in the next few years.

The Bavarians joined German fellows from Volkswagen->ke94 in demonstrating in-car gesture control, a technology that will soon replace nearly all mechanical buttons and knobs. BMW also introduced the Touch Command device, a Samsung tablet that enhances connectivity and entertainment options for passengers traveling in the rear seats. Currently the first regular tablet to become part of a production vehicle, Touch Command is also set to become the norm in future BMWs. Read all about it below.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW's Touch Command and iDrive Controller systems.

Touch Command

Having a tablet in the rear might not sound like a big deal at first, but the big news here is that BMW managed to integrate the Samsung device with the car's systems. Specifically tailored by Samsung for BMW, the Touch Command tablet comes with an Android operating system and a dock in the rear seat. Users can opt to use it simply as an Android tablet or as a Touch Command device which will enable them to adjust their seats, climate settings, and switch radio stations.

What's more, it incorporates function controls from the iDrive controller, meaning it can display various controls, a navigation map, and control the DVD player part of the BMW Rear-Seat Entertainment system. Naturally, the tablet uses the car's Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet for updates, apps and any other features available with a mobile device.

iDrive Controller

This is by far the most interesting feature BMW showcased at CES 2015, as it updates the iDrive system to support touchscreen and gesture control. While the touchscreen function isn't actually new, the gesture control option is downright innovative, allowing drivers to navigate without touching the screen. Using a camera mounted in the car's roof, the iDrive Controller looks for one of several gestures made by the driver's right hand, including swiping, finger rotations and tapping in the direction of the screen. A 3D sensor also detects whether one or two fingers are being pointed or whether the thumb and index finger are being moved toward each other.

All these gestures can be programmed to several functions. The circular motion can turn volume up and down, a raised finger can accept a phone call, while a swipe can reject an incoming call. Tapping is likely the best gesture to access menus and open applications. All told, iDrive Controller is similar to the system Volkswagen showed on the Golf R Touch, and it seems gesture command is the next big trend in car interfaces.

Why it matters

Technology is evolving incredibly fast in today's automobile. What BMW showcased at the CES 2015 will become the norm in the next few years, with all major manufacturers to join the trend. Sure, iDrive Controller isn't a necessity, but it's pretty neat before anything else. It's main purpose is to enhance comfort and convenience by reducing driving distractions while operating controls, but it remains to be seen whether these features work as they should with actual consumers behind the steering wheel. Meanwhile, gesture control remains a cool idea we're hoping to test by the end of the year.