Microsoft researchers are developing a clock that they acknowledge owes a debt of inspiration to the magical clock in the Harry Potter series that tracks the location of any Weasley family member at any given time. Designed for the (non-existent) family with no issues over personal privacy, the "whereabouts clock" will track the GPS signal on family members' cell phones, indicating whether they are at Home, School, Work or the vague Elsewhere. Whether Elsewhere means a brothel, a crack house or just another family's house for a decent meal, this sounds like a real Domestic Doomsday Device to me.

Harry Potter mania hits scientists [PhoneyWorld.com]

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