Vegas is a city-sized version of this obsession with control, under a shallow sea of cultural references.

FORBES: Why I Hate Vegas - And Apple Sync, Too

As for the liquid lens, Nippon Electric Glass' version uses low-power electric field to control its liquid crystal molecular orientation, thus changing the focal point.

ENGADGET: Nippon Electric Glass demos liquid crystal lens and 'invisible glass' at CEATEC (video)

For example, researchers in Arizona are using real-time kinematic global positioning systems, an ultra-precise version of GPS that can measure positions with sub-inch accuracy levels, to control weeds in cotton fields with steel cultivators.

FORBES: American Agriculture's 'Sputnik Moment'

Sophisticated information, climate-control and fireextinguishing systems (remember, the ancient version is said to have burned down) complete the picture of a state-of-the-art institution.

ECONOMIST: Runes among the ruins

The TV device Apple is working on would use a version of Apple's wireless-streaming technology AirPlay to allow users to control it from iPhones and iPads, according to people briefed on the matter.

WSJ: Apple Moves Forward With TV Plans

On a more-practical level, the Supercharged version adds a Dynamic mode that further tweaks the chassis control and powertrain settings to afford a modestly more aggressive and responsive on-road driving experience.

FORBES: 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review: Born to Run

The software is a version of its embedded device software, overlaid with the Windows Media Center interface, with media streaming and remote-control capabilities.

FORBES: Crystal Ball(mer)