Robots are taking over the planet, but as the guide helpfully advises, don’t panic! This isn’t one of those pesky evil robots, intent on enslaving humanity , but the new Spykee Vox, the latest robot kit from Meccano that responds to the sound of your voice! Reacting to a huge range of voice commands, it can even be programmed to perform a series of movements and sounds using a very simple programme editor included with the robot. All it takes is a bit of practice and you’ll soon have your Spykee Vox zipping round the carpet shooting its lasergun. You can even edit his facial animations to react to different commands you give him. It?s all very exciting. The robot arrives disassembled, but there’s no need to brush up on your robotics – it’s just like any other Meccano kit and the instructions will hold your hand through every step of the process (we let our office luddite loose on the kit and he managed to finish making the robot within 3 hours – though he did try and destroy it afterwards). Once you’ve got the hang of your Spykee you can use it to control your mp3 player or iPod, and if you’re feeling particularly lazy the robot will even take over as the remote control for your telly, giving you complete voice control over the idiot box. So, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a robotics amateur, get hold of the Spykee Vox and let a little bit of the future into your living room.

Price : £ 99.99

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Designed from the start to be used indoors, it is constructed from sturdy polypropylene foam, which allows it to shrug off knocks and crashes. It is also far less devastating when you crash into the TV or Uncle Albert’s left ear. Weighing just 10 grammes (that’s less than half an ounce in old money) undoubtedly helps, but this has only been made possible by the very latest technology. The tiny but effective electric motor is powered by a lithium-polymer battery (the same technology used in the very latest mobile phones). Charging only takes 10 minutes which is good for around 5 minutes flying time. Cunningly, it is designed as “pusher prop” which means the propeller is mounted just behind the wings rather than at the front. This means Uncle Albert’s left ear won’t get shredded, and the prop is far less prone to damage.

Price : £ 14.95

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Isn’t it infuriating when the remote control goes missing? Well that is much less likely to happen with the Big Button Remote Control – it is nearly a foot long! It seems that manufacturers are competing to make the smallest most delicate remotes possible. They may look chic and elegant, but it results in a piece of plastic and metal that is tricky to use unless you have the eyesight of an 8 year old and the dexterity of a brain surgeon. If you have a fantastic home cinema set up, with a big screen, DVD player, and surround sound, seeing what all those fiddly buttons do can be next to impossible in the cinematic gloom.

Price : £ 17.95

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Subscription-free satellite system that can be taken on holiday

• Easy Channel Finder with integrated optical and acoustic satellite finder (requires line of sight to satellite) 4,500 channel memory with multi function timer 7-day EPG – Electronic Program Guide Remote control unit Child lock 12V power cable provided for car cigarette lighter Scart cable and 10m dish connecting cable supplied Guaranteed for 2 years Includes: High quality digital set-top box Coated-steel 35cm diameter satellite dish High performance weather protected LNB Full installation kit

Price : £ 99.95

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