It tries to figure out your home address by detecting where the device is during most nights.

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Dr Koshiba's device, which worked by detecting light generated as a result of collisions between neutrinos and the electrons in water, was located down a Japanese zinc mine.

ECONOMIST: The 2002 Nobel prizes: Windows on the world | The

Consisting of a trio of grip sensors located along the two edges and across the back of the prototype phone, these can each detect up to five levels of pressure from your hand, as well as detecting how you're holding the device.

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Apart from detecting artefacts, Dr Frazier believes that the device could also be used to find landmines.

ECONOMIST: Archaeology

Yeah, well, get used to the name -- it's just sued RIM, Apple and Palm for violating ten patents on things like detecting the difference between silence and voices, mobile device power management, and altering music to accommodate voices.

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The technology is not limited to detecting movement within camera view - it detects natural hand movements that extend beyond the camera, surrounding a device screen.

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