Walkie Bits
one of the Walkie Bits turtles (TOMY)Miniature toy turtles small enough to fit in the palm of the hand are this winter's hottest toys. Kids love the adorable way that the turtles slowly plod along, stop, and plod along again.
The name of this little creature is Walkie Bits, released by toy maker Takara in June 2005. (Takara and Tomy have merged to become TOMY Co. Ltd.) Walkie Bits are about five centimeters long and come in six candy-like colors, including orange, melon, and soda. The turtles have been a big hit, with 300,000 units sold in just a few months.
Each turtle has eight fast and slow walking patterns. As well as walking, the toys can also run, play electronic tunes, and move to a rhythm taught to it by its owner. It may be just a toy, but it has functions you would expect to find in a robot.
Poke the turtle's shell and it starts to walk, plodding along with its rump wriggling back and forth. Tap rhythmically on the shell and - amazingly - the turtle will walk to the same rhythm. Walkie Bits can also race against each other, and they always try their best. Just looking at these cute turtles can help you relax after a tiring day. (206 words)
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