Laser smartphone add-on accurately measures everything in a photo

Forget the sanding, the painting, and all the construction; the worst part of a renovation is having to use a tape measure to size up a room. But if you’re willing to cough up $560, there’s now a much better way that almost sounds like magic. It’s a smartphone accessory called the Spike that uses lasers, GPS, and other sensors to automatically measure everything in a photo you take. 

Traditionally, the technology that goes into laser hardware for surveying and 3D modeling has been the plaything of architects, surveyors and engineers. But now, with a view to expanding into the consumer market, Virginia-based IkeGPS wants to bring this functionality to the mainstream. And what better way to do it than sticking it on the back of a smartphone?