Forget DSLRs and Laser TVs.
A toy box that lets you poke it from the inside is the perfect holiday gift for your loved one. This is especially the case if your work takes you away on long periods of travel.
Bandai's Tuttiki Bako (literally, 'the poking box') features a type of touch interface where you can 'tease and harass the digital characters' on-screen with your own finger. According to the manufacturer, the box gives off a realistic sensation each time you touch a character, and you can see your own finger in the shadow-hand-style display.
Apparently, this wonderful sounding feat is accomplished through motion sensors embedded inside the box. We don't know if the screen will replicate other things that may be placed inside, like, say, a pencil or a q-tip.
This technology is visually reminiscent (but far from the same) as that of Microsoft's LucidTouch, which allows you to manipulate the front and back of touchscreen devices. That one also produces transparent finger shadows to touch things on-screen, but instead, uses a camera to read movement.
Among the various things you can poke in the Poking Box toy are a panda, a face, and a tiny stick-like device. It also works as a bed clock, so you can always have it right next you in case you need to check the time in the middle of the night.
The Poking Box is available in Japan, for about $30, and should be a great gift for all.
