Before the likes of Facebook and MySpace exploded on to the scene, keyboard monkeys (yes, that means you) had to communicate with likeminded geeks in the real world. Hang on a second…they still do. Even if it’s just to exchange social networking info. The bummer is, jotting down email addresses, user IDs and screen names takes forever. ‘Say that again? Kissybongo227?’ So thank heavens for Poken.

Set to revolutionise the way social networkers…er, socialise, this keyring-friendly USB device lets you swap contact details instantly. Simply pull out your Poken and ‘high five’ it with your new best friend’s. Clever RF technology then zaps the info between the devices, so next time you log on to your favourite site, your profiles are linked. Genius!


Each time you successfully ‘Poken’ a new friend, a green light glows on your cute little critter’s hand. And don’t worry if you’re outrageously popular because Poken can store up to 64 contacts before each upload. An orange light warns when it’s nearing its maximum capacity, so you can avoid swapping info with the spotty nerd intent on discussing Boba Fett’s helmet and concentrate on exchanging details with the drop dead gorgeous gossip who’s just uploaded a heap of holiday pics. Result!

Click on to the Poken site and you can view contacts alphabetically or chronologically. You can also group contacts with a label, write notes and much, much more.

Don’t worry about sharing any IDs you don’t want to (there’s nothing worse than swapping Facebook details with the boss, then remembering your page is packed with pics of the cat dressed as Hitler) because your online Poken account lets you choose which of your profiles you want to share.

You can even create multiple identities and assign them to different modes on your Poken. Then when you’re out and about, simply cycle through ‘em by pressing your Poken’s palm. It’s like having an instantly customisable business card. We think Poken will totally transform the way social networkers interact in the real world. Collecting friends has never been easier. So hit that Buy button and prepare to be popular!