ThinkGeek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con
Ever wished you too could make use of the awesome powers that lie within Dr. Matt Smith's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver? Well, it's still not exactly a reality in the way of the space-bred handyman's gadget seen on Doctor Who, but ThinkGeek and The Wand Company have you covered if an IR-packing replica universal remote sounds good enough. This BBC-licensed Mark VII remote handles up to 39 commands that are all controlled using 13 different motion gestures. Of course, if controlling the likes of TV and AV devices in an extraterrestrial fashion just isn't your thing, there's always ThinkGeek's Sonic Screwdriver flashlight, right? There's no word on price just yet, but San Diego Comic-Con attendees can try it out first-hand at the BBC America Booth (#3629) starting July 12. The Mark VII remote is set to go sale for $99 at ThinkGeek's website on August 31st, so for now we'll direct you to the press release after the break.
Update: Video demo added after the break.
[Thanks, Alan]
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Change Channels, Control Time, Save the World
ThinkGeek and The Wand Company Unveil World's First Working Sonic Screwdriver
FAIRFAX, VA – July 11, 2012 @ 11:55AM EST– ThinkGeek, working in partnership with The Wand Company and BBC Worldwide, has obtained alien technology from beyond time and space and are ready to unveil it, the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control, in Booth #3629 at this year's San Diego Comic-Con on July 12, 2012.
A high quality metal replica of the Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver currently used by the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control is a gesture-based remote. Utilizing infrared (IR) technology it is able to manipulate almost all Earth-based home entertainment systems – from TVs to iPod docks and beyond. Through the piece's advanced gesture recognition technology, wielders of this powerful tool can put the power of 39 commands in the palm of their hand.
Chris Barnardo, Co-founder of The Wand Company says, "As well as being a universal remote control, the new Sonic Screwdriver will have a host of other great gadget features that we can't wait to tell everyone about at Comic-Con."
Control is straightforward, even for humans. The Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control works via a series of 13 short gestures, such as rotating, flicking, and tapping. A guided set-up procedure uses spoken prompts to match gestures to commands learned from remotes originating here on Earth.
Those interested in viewing this unique collectable will be able to view and experience it at BBC America Booth #3629 during the duration of Comic-Con. ThinkGeek.com will begin collecting interest at the same time with sales launching on August 31, 2012.
