Controlling external electronic devices using presence recognition through a multi-touch device is provided. An indication of the presence of at least one of an object or a gesture on a surface of the multi-touch device is received. A plurality of characteristics associated with the object or gesture are identified. Using the plurality of physical characteristics, a data structure is searched to determine the existence of a single object or a single gesture with characteristics that matches the plurality of characteristics. Responsive to a match, a determination is made as to whether the single object or the single gesture has an associated function. Responsive to the existence of the associated function, the associated function is executed on one of a plurality of external electronic devices.