For most of us, decision fatigue is real. Between endless scrolling on food delivery apps and deciding what to wear, the choices can be paralyzing. Enter the Halotomo Cyber ‘Book of Answers’ (赛博答案之书电子潮玩抽签机)—a pocket-sized, pixel-art fortune-telling gadget that’s taking over as your go-to bag charm.
Reminiscent of the classic Magic 8 Ball or the hit novelty book The Book of Answers, this trendy electronic device gives a distinctly 21st-century, cyberpunk twist to everyday divination. Equipped with a small digital screen and chunky interactive buttons, the device spits out randomized answers to life’s most pressing questions.
Can’t decide what to eat for lunch? Hit the button, and the cyber-oracle might suggest hotpot, or simply command you to get a burger. Should you text your ex? The machine will probably tell you to touch grass instead.
Beyond its practical use as a humorous decision-maker, the gadget taps into the blind box (mánghé) culture and retro Y2K aesthetics that the youth still absolutely adore. While technically a gimmicky keychain, ask it how you should think of it, and it may tell you that “it’s a lifestyle accessory that relieves the pressure of adulting, one pixelated draw at a time.” So, the next time you’re stuck at a crossroads, why not let the cyber-algorithmic, Digimon-looking pocket device take the wheel?
As for where to get it, you don’t need the Halotomo to tell you that it’s on Taobao…
Cover image via Taobao.