What Mako previously called the computer in his pocket was described more adequately last week by my brother: the cell phone in your pocket is the new Tamagotchi, the “cellphonegotchi”.
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It needs regular feeding. The few times that I have witnessed impending starvation, feeding the cellphonegotchi eclipsed every other conversation or endeavour.
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The cellphonegotchi lets you play with it. This does not have to involve an interactive game, often patrons are entertained by senseless interaction with the entity.
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If you are not playing with the cellphonegotchi, it will demand your attention, shaking vigorously if it is being neglected. Most cellphonegotchis also quickly employ auditory cues to make sure everyone in the vicinity knows how badly you are treating it. Some of these auditory cues are about as unbearable as a child’s cries of pain at 4am.
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A cellphonegotchi can communicate with other cellphonegotchis, using a variety of means. Some of these communications are on behalf of the patron, some are sanctioned, others happen without knowledge.
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Cellphonegotchis can pair with each other. Whether they can procreate is still unknown. If not already possible, it’s likely only a question of time.
I guess the main difference between the Tamagotchi and the cellphonegotchi is that the latter can actually accumulate significant costs if the patron does not properly handle its upbringing.
Oh brave new world!
NP: OSI: Blood
