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Google could be developing a microchip that you tattoo to your neck, a patent application has revealed.

The Motorola Mobility division has filed an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for the bizarre device.

The patent describes a "system and method" to tattoo a microphone onto your throat.

There are several uses for the device, Motorola argue.

In noisy environments, the person on the other end of the line will be able to hear you better if there is a microphone directly on your throat.

The device in question could also send voice commands to your smartphone, also useful in a noisy environment, or when you can't hold your phone in your hands.

The tattoo could be programmed to respond to "a user's vocal intonation ... a specific word or words ... a melody ... or a harmonic tone/vibration," and send specific commands for each one.

Power for the device could be supplied by a variety of methods, including "solar panel technology, capacitive technology, nanotechnology, or electro-mechanical technology."

Curiously, the filing also talks about how the tattoo has a display - despite the fact the wearer will not be able to see the device if it is placed on their neck.

The document also says that the device could be used as a lie detector, which is sure to spark security and privacy debates.

"The electronic skin tattoo can further include a galvanic skin response detector to detect skin resistance of a user," said the application.

"It is contemplated that a user that may be nervous or engaging in speaking falsehoods may exhibit different galvanic skin response than a more confident, truth telling individual."

Motorola suggest that the device could also be implanted into animals - although it does not suggest a non-human use.

Worryingly, the document does not mention any option to remove or take off the device, implying it could be permanent.