Scientists have also been intensely investigating PSCs for their potential in making unique advances for broader applications.

ENGADGET: UCLA creates transparent solar cell, dreams of current generating windows

Following up on my post about the Science of Tequila, I contacted Mexican botanist and author Ana Valenzuela Zapata on the broader applications for blue agave cultivation.

FORBES: Biofuel from Tequila By-products

Buford thinks that if the technology becomes more accessible, creative people will come up with broader applications we haven't thought of yet, and desktop 3-D printer sales could take off.

CNN: Seeking a market for cheap 3-D printers

Viewdle sees much broader applications of the technology.

FORBES: Viewdle's SocialCamera App Tags And Learns Your Friends' Faces

The product includes new levels of security, data protection, interoperability and system performance to extend EMC Isilon storage to a broader range of big data applications.

FORBES: Big Data, Big Storage

Nass contends that demand could be even broader, citing blind dates and most work-related conversations as other applications.

FORBES: Stanford Developing Vocal Cosmetics Technology To Make Cellphone Talkers More Likable

As part of a broader strategy, Xsens now offers IP originally developed for professional (B2B) applications of 3D body motion tracking using wearable motion trackers for mass market application in the consumer electronics industry.

ENGADGET: Xsens teases wearable 3D body sensors that won't cost, will track an arm and a leg (video)