The first few years of life are all about touch. Anyone who has spent more than five minutes with a toddler could tell you that. As we grow older, we begin to rely on our other key senses – we develop certain tastes, our eyesight sharpens (only to start weakening somewhere around age 13) and we eventually learn when something smells funny (literally and figuratively!). Touch has been one to lose its hype the older we get. Until now.

With the plethora of smartphones, tablets and other devices equipped with a touch screen we’re all a bit obsessed. iPhone users are probably the worst of them all (and I say that lovingly as one of them). How many times have you tried to move something on a screen by sliding your finger across it? Say, for example, on your Kindle. Doesn’t work, does it? While not all beloved electronic devices accommodate our screen happy-tapping, many brands are jumping on board in order to provide user experiences that fit our habits.

For example, hotels like the Plaza, Hilton and Mondrian are equipping guest rooms with iPads, allowing guests to access a variety of services including the concierge, room service and transportation. Most of these iPads are locked for hotel use only and don’t allow the guests to download apps or access certain web sites, but it’s a much easier way to schedule room service than strategically placing – and then removing – the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door.  Airlines are also getting on board (pun intended). Samsung recently announced that first-class passengers on American Airlines will receive its Galaxy Tab for in-flight entertainment on certain transcontinental and international flights. Not a bad way to kick it at 30,000 feet. A lot of credit goes to Virgin America, who has humored our love for the touch screen for a number of years, equipping its fleet with built-in screens for all passengers to order movies, food and beverages throughout the flight.

So, where will touch screens pop up next? My predictions – and yes, hopes: McDonald’s drive-thru, the shoe department at Nordstrom and in Section 217 at AT&T Park.