Based on my experience with the RX 350 F Sport, I declare the rotary controller obsolete.

WSJ: 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Review: Dashed on the Rocks of the Lexus Dash | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

Four buttons with infrared sensors on the rotary controller allow switching between different menus, such as audio, apps, communications and navigation.

ENGADGET: Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig

The infrared sensors of the rotary controller automatically detect an approaching hand and the system reacts by displaying menu options even before it is touched.

ENGADGET: Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig

The center stack is dominated by the 8-inch touch screen, above a gloss-black panel with the rotary controller for the Sony sound system (there's a smaller LCD between the gauges in the instrument cluster).

WSJ: 2012 Focus Titanium Sedan: A Stab at a European Sport Sedan��From Ford | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

Garmin's concept positions the screen higher up on the dash in the driver's eyesight and combines it with a rotary infrared controller in convenient reach, a touch pad, and menu mode buttons.

ENGADGET: Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig

The emphasis, of course, is on performance here with nary a rotary nor fader in sight (we imagine you'd be using your other controller for that, right?).

ENGADGET