Working Star Trek Communicator badge goes on sale

Someone has finally created a device which works almost exactly like a Star Trek Communicator - a badge worn on the chest which allows users to talk to friends instantly by tapping on it.

The tiny Onyx badge is worn on the chest, and tapping it lets the user talk to contacts instantly, without diallling or paying call fees.

Just like in Star Trek, users have to tap on the badge to speak their reply, walkie-talkie style.

All the £62 badge needs to work is an internet connection, and at least one Onyx badge paired with it to start a conversation.

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Unlike the Star Trek version, Onyx badges can’t violate the laws of physics - for instance by allowing people on the ground to communicate with starships without using a satellite.

The badges work via an internet connection (they pair wirelessly with smartphones or any other internet-connected portable via Bluetooth), and communicate with any other Onyx badges the user has added to their network.

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The devices work regardless of which mobile network or gadget users choose - so iPhone users on Vodafone can chat instantly, for free, to Android users on Orange.

Users simply select who they wish to speak to in the paired app, press on a contact, and their badge buzzes.

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When someone’s badge buzzes, the gadget works like a walkie-talkie, with each person pushing to reply.

Makers OnBeep say, ‘Our initial production run is currently being assembled, and we expect our first Onyx customers to receive devices in December, 2014.’