It Gets Hard In Your Hand

Human-product relationships increasingly play out in a realm which was previously considered exclusive for human-human and human-animal relationships. Panasonic now redesigned one of the most ubiquitous pieces of modern technology – the remote control. And the goal was to create a product that is “waiting to be touched”.

Is this going to be an electronic accessory or some fancy sex toy? Here's the press release:

Constructed of a soft, flesh-like gel, the remote appears cold when off. Once turned on, however, it seems to come to life. A soft light emanates somewhere from within as the center of the device begins to slowly rise and fall, mimicking the tranquil motions of breath. Left undisturbed, the remote will slumber peacefully...but should a human hand approach, sensors inside alert it to the imminent touch. It stops breathing, grows rigid – the light from within is extinguished. A remote is the ideal metaphor for the disturbance electronic distraction poses to life.

I don't know who's on that design team, but I think David Cronenburg may be involved somehow...