But strangely enough, Tricorder also does practical stuff. It performs an acoustical analysis of the ambient sound in your area (useful if you're about to record a podcast). It measures the strength of the cellular and Wi-Fi signals in your area. It locates the closest GPS signal and tells you what satellites are in range -- not bad to have if you want to figure out what's going on with your GPS service. It monitors the local gravitational and magnetic fields (yes, really!). Oh, and it tracks solar flares -- just in case you're worried about them.

In other words, if you're a tech nerd, Tricorder actually offers up some interesting data. And it does all this with one of the coolest interface designs this side of the Neutral Zone.

Bic USA Inc.

So here you are at a concert of your favorite band, and you're just having a great time, jumping up and down and screaming the lyrics. Now it's time to really show your appreciation by flicking on your lighter -- but the management of the concert hall has decreed that a couple of thousand lighters being waved by a bunch of enthusiastic music fans constitute a fire hazard.