Imagine a world where your smartphone can realize that you're angry or sad, and react accordingly. Thanks to the University of Rochester, it's not as far away as you might think.

The app is designed to measure twelve different factors, such as the pitch of your voice, and determines whether you're in one of six different emotional states. This means it's both relatively simple compared to other "emotionally intelligent" software, and that smartphones don't need any new sensors in order to use the tech.

But what would this technology be used for? Well, it could adjust the background of your phone, or create mood-based playlists. The technology still needs work: Currently it needs to "learn" each person it's introduced to. But a smartphone that sympathizes is not so far away.

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