The fuzzy midway-point between our virtual and physical worlds is augmented reality. While there have been projects to show a virtual element on a phone when pointed at a special anchor point in real life, like a QR code or other pattern, no attempt has rivaled Google's Project Tango, which actually analyzes and builds an internal model of a space.

This can be used as a tool for building true augmented reality, with applications like measuring objects and seeing if a chair will fit through a doorway. (Right now it's a contractor's dream.)

Today, Chinese hardware maker Lenovo announced the first Tango-enabled phone, called the Phab 2 Pro. The phone not only packs a 16-megapixel camera, but also dedicated depth and motion-tracking cameras to enable Tango.