Bot's All, Folks -- Toshiba ApriPoko Robot

[MIR]

As if you needed another reason never to leave the couch. This 11-inch-tall robot -- which looks like the love child of a bird Pokemon and the Pillsbury Doughboy -- is actually a voice-activated remote control that incorporates artificial intelligence. If you pick up your TV's remote and start pressing buttons, ApriPoko will ask "何をしているか。" and then memorize the IR codes associated with your actions. The next time around, you can just say, "Turn on the TV" and ApriPoko will take matters from there. That's the theory, anyway.

Availability: As yet, ApriPoko is nesting in Toshiba's research labs, awaiting its first solo flight.

[MIR]

Conspicuous Consumption -- Face Bank

The Face Bank lets you put your money where its mouth is. Wave a coin in front of the bank's eyes (actually light sensors), and it opens wide to swallow your loose change. Afterward, it looks so pleased that you half expect it to emit a contented belch. The thing would be even cooler (and creepier) if it spoke with the voice of Vincent Price -- but alas, no. Created by Japanese designer Takada, the $50 bank is available in eight colors and textures, from lemon yellow to brick red.

(creepy)