AMS2HID is software that allows you to use a PowerBook with a motion sensor in new ways. You can play games such as Neverball and driving simulators by using the PowerBook itself as an input controller. The motion of the PowerBook in physical space provides input to such games through AMS2HID. You can also use AMS2HID to scroll in applications. The AMS2HID page provides a fuller discussion on this topic, and includes movies depicting the software's use.
Now that the cat's out of the bag, I can point people to something cool we did in our group at IBM Research. What I am referring to was demonstrated at IBM PartnerWorld 2005 a couple of days ago in Las Vegas, calling it a "personal jumper cable" to counter the "Blue Screen of Death" on PCs.
In a pinch, the Linux-based technology "transforms" a personal device, such as an MP3 player, a USB pen, or even a cell phone, into a powerful "Rescue and Recovery" device that can be used for things such as:
An iPod mini was used in the PartnerWorld demonstration.
I think it's cool because we are packaging all this functionality into personal devices that people won't find a chore to carry around, and in many cases, already carry around. Moreover, the original purpose of the personal device is unaltered. For example, if it's an MP3 player, it will remain so.
I've seen the software been described as "IBM One-touch Rescue & Recovery On Linux" in the press.
Some relevant links [updated]:
TechWorld Coverage
Breaking News @ CRN | IBM Software Performs BSOD Rescues
Webcast Containing the Demo (the demo is approximately 25 minutes into the webcast)
A pseudo-formal "disclosure" on the book that I am writing on Mac OS X.
I recently looked at the motion sensor based disk drive protection feature added to Apple's PowerBook line. Here is a discussion along with some examples of using the orientation data provided by the sensor.