Weighing up the 'smart' scales

Tablets have long been considered a useful chef's companion for downloading recipes but now they are being pushed further, into the realm of food preparation.

Developers in California have created a $150 (£94) "smart scale". The Prep Pad communicates wirelessly with an iPad app containing detailed information on everything from fruit to fillet steak.

The idea is to help consumers to be more informed about what they are putting on their plate.

The BBC's North America technology correspondent Richard Taylor weighs up the pros and cons of having the app as a kitchen companion.