Now here’s an interesting sign-of-the-times invention.

New York University grad student Adam Harvey has invented an “Anti Paparazzi” ^[1] device that detects the camera flash from one or more photographers and returns a flash almost instantaneously, ruining the shot. The patent-pending invention is targeted at celebs who are sick of being snapped on the sly but want to look cool playing defence (uncool attempts to prevent photos often earn paparazzi’s their most lucrative fees).

The device is being embedded in a clutch bag, which will become available in limited release towards the end of 2010.