Great idea for embedded development

Question

For my university I (and three others), are searching for a project that utilizes at least one embedded device, web services or other web technology, and a Graphical User Interface.

Currently we are looking at developing a unified remote, that is an extendable application on a cell phone through which you can control your media center. Any ideas, or advice on this will be appreciated, though it is not the focus of this question.

We are having a hard time finding interesting (or funny) projects on which we can work a complete semester. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. The software will be released as free software. (GPL or BSD license).

We all have a Bsc in Software Engineering.

EDIT: I am very pleased with the suggestions so far. Thanks to everyone, and keep it coming.

Answer 1

How about follower: carry a device, as you move from room to room in your house devices configure themselves to your preference - lights, music etc. If two people are in the room some precedence rules.

Is that possible just on the presence of a mobile phone?

Answer 2

Another idea (from the top of my head):

A work environment ensurance thing. We programmers like to develop in nice and quiet environments. Unfortunately some people tends to annoy us with their disturbing behaviour (or just by being loud).

So the project could be to create devices wich tracks the stress level (sweat levels, pulse etc.) of the individual and their impact onto others.

An example: One individual is very loud (the device should measure this), and others around him becomes stressed and/or unfocused because of this. The serverside sw, should then detect and warn him to quit down a bit to improve the work environment.

Comments?