It’s been billed as the best sonic screwdriver ever – and I’m inclined to agree. The Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control – developed by the Wand Company and BBC Worldwide – is set for release on 31st August, priced £59.99.
Now, that may seem a high asking-price for what essentially just changes channel and turns the volume up, but just think how cool you’ll look putting Countdown on using a sonic screwdriver. Plus, of course, this is Time Lord technology; it isn’t just limited to something a standard Sky remote can achieve. Aside from televisions, it’s also compatible with DVD and Blu-ray players and iPod docks, and, using advanced gesture recognition software, can store up to 39 remote control codes, based on 13 gestures across 3 memory banks.
As well as a practice mode, the remote features a guided set-up, with spoken prompts, and a personal lock code, with a three-digit PIN. There’s also an FX mode with 13 authentic sounds from the Whoniverse (one for each gesture performed) and every two seconds, the tip flashes briefly. And one of eleven special Morse code messages beeps after every 1,963rd flash! (Yes, 1963 – a nice touch.)
Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed individuals, the copper-plated sonic is 221mm long, with a diameter of 30mm, and stays true to the eleventh Doctor’s TV version with die-cast metal, polymers and synthetic, soft-touch rubber. There’s also a presentation display case, and a double-sided, fully-illustrated instruction manual, previews of which give us a good glimpse into the remote’s functionality.
It looks as if all the sections of the screwdriver are fully utilised, reacting to circular, stabbing and up, down, and side-to-side movements.
When Doctor Who returns to BBC One, you’ll be able to turn the volume up using Time Lord Tech. It’ll be soooo, unbelievably cool.
Best sonic screwdriver ever. Best remote control ever. And the best collectable ever?
You can pre-order it from ForbiddenPlanet.com for just £59.99!
