While I must preface that this information came from a post in 2007, I do love the idea of technology educating us through biology and a cell phone telling you when you are most fertile, which for some could aid in conception and for others tell them when to be extra careful if their goal is to prevent pregnancy.
Apparently Samsung filed a patent for a “portable device for user’s basal body temperature (BBT) and method for operating the device.” Testing your body temperature is one method in determining where you may be in your menstrual cycle, as your basal body temperature rises during ovulation. The phone would work by using a ultrasonic or laser-based distance sensor, and an infrared ray temperature sensor to measure the temperature inside your ear. This data would be collected and analyzed through the phone's software indicating likelihood of conception.
Many women and their partners use apps to chart their menstrual cycle, collecting data on everything from mood, daily weight and other biological symptoms associated with the female cycle. Temperature is also a key field in many of these, wouldn't it be great if your cell phone could help gather that information for you? or would you see this as an invasion of privacy?
To read more:http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2007/08/samsung_files_patent_for_safe_/