Tasked with making a toy for Makers’ Secret Santa gift exchange recipient Look Ma No Computer, former toy designer James Bruton decided to construct a giant-sized version of a Furby. The XL Furby features a regular-sized version living inside its chest and has a moving body and eyes that run on a loop, as well as 16 different sound effects, hopefully none of which are, “I’m coming to get you.”
When the Furby’s motion detector is activated, it performs a different series of moves and sound effects, so its actions appear random. That’s great news because the last thing I’d want is a predictable giant Furby in my living room. I like to be kept on my toes.
The fact that people like James have the ability to imagine a giant-size Furby and then actually successfully design and build one never ceases to amaze me. I’m great at imagining things, but turning that idea into an actual physical manifestation is the tricky part. And by tricky, I mean next to impossible, especially if electronics are involved.
With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.