According to Philips, the sensor measures your inter-pupillary distance -- the distance two pupils -- to determine whether you're sitting at an optimal distance from the monitor.

CNN: Computer monitor uses sensor to promote better posture

Indoor Tracker: Accurately track indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that users can monitor pace and distance even while running on a treadmill.

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Volcanologist Sonia Calvari, of the Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania (INGV-CT), said rapid advances in technology enable experts to use a wide range of methods to continually map and monitor Etna from a distance.

CNN: Keeping track of Etna's pulse

Comparing 28, 000 venture-backed companies who raised funds between 1980 and 2006, Tian studied whether venture firms could use technology to monitor investments just as well from a distance.

FORBES: Venture Capital and Distance

By wielding the software, users can monitor and set goals for calories burned, distance and duration, and even log their actions outside the gym for activities ranging from rollerblading to skiing.

ENGADGET

The 24-inch LCD monitor uses a built-in CMOS sensor to determine your distance from the screen and your neck angle while sitting.

CNN: Computer monitor uses sensor to promote better posture

Wahoo Fitness' iPhone cycling system allows users to monitor all the vitals including power, speed, cadence, heart rate, pace, distance, location, course and more.

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Among other things, the band can record how much distance the wearer has covered in a day and how many calories he has burned, and can even monitor his sleep patterns.

ECONOMIST: Technology will become even more personal

Between the blind-spot monitoring system, the active lane-keeping, the adaptive cruise control (maintaining a set distance to the vehicle ahead), and the "precollision" system, which uses internal cameras to monitor drivers' faces for signs of inattention, the GS350 is about as close to an automated auto as you'll find on the market.

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Additionally, the COOLPIX P520 allows users to not only shoot images from a distance, but also at unique angles thanks to a versatile 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor.

ENGADGET: Nikon updates Coolpix compact lineup with S9500, sub-$200 S5200 and L28