GadgetMadness: We find the coolest gadgets first

Nikon has announced three news models in the Coolpix line: The Coolpix 7900, Coolpix 5900 and Coolpix 7600. They're all packed with features, but what makes them interesting is the embedded facial recognition software. Face-Priority AF will detect your subject's face, highlight it and use it for auto-focus. Even if your subject is moving, Face-Priorty can keep up with it and maintain focus.

What's really interesting about this is that Face-Priority is based on FaceIt, which was developed by Identix Corporation to be used in biometric security systems. It's the same technology that is at the heart of Sweden's new biometric passport, some security systems and a few law enforment criminal identification systems. It has even been used by the TSA in airports to help (try to) catch criminals.

What I'm envisioning here is a major convergence of technology: WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled cameras that will scan the faces of your subjects and then cross-check them against law enforcement databases. If the subject is wanted, instead of the being temporarily blinded by the flash, they'll be Tasered, and while they're flopping about helplessly, the camera will automatically contact the nearest SWAT team with your position using the built-in GPS. That could be so much fun at parties.