Several products that eliminate remote controls and other awkward interfaces are being shown at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, or are in the labs.

• LG Electronics has developed a voice recognition remote for TVs.
• Ubuntu, embedded in your TV, will combine online streaming, television channels, and apps (see video below).
• Kinect for Windows (available Feb. 1) will let you simply wave your hands to control your PC.
• A smart Internet-connected TV from Samsung with built-in camera will allow you to browse the Internet with a wave of your hand and change the channel by voice. It will also recognize your face, launching your favorite apps.
• OnLive’s app lets you run a Windows 7 desktop on your iPad (the trick: it streams the Windows interface in real time).
• Polytechnic School in Montreal researchers are developing a smart fabric that behaves like a cellphone touchscreen that will let you control the radio in your car (for example) with finger motions instead of reaching for buttons

Also see: CES 2012: A New Era of Simpler Gadgets – Technology Review