Working Star Trek ComBadge Coming Later This Year

While the real world caught up with Star Trek: The Original Series’ handheld communicators – in the form of flip phones, which now seem quite quaint – within a matter of decades, twenty-three years after the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) and we are still waiting for a contemporary version of the TV show’s ComBadge, with which Starfleet officers could communicate with one another by tapping the insignia on their chests. That wait, though, is about to come to an end.

US sci-fi store ThinkGeek has developed an official, working replica of TNG’s ComBadge, which can be connected to a phone or communication device via Bluetooth for hands-free voice activation. The badge even makes the familiar chime sound when pressed.

“We’ve had a screen-accurate prop replica [of the] ST:TNG badge in our closet for a while,” ThinkGeek says. “The only thing it was missing was the ability to emit the classic communicator chirp sound effect when we pressed it.”

“And then we found out an audio company is making a fully-functioning officially-licensed communicator badge,” the listing adds. “Behold the Star Trek TNG Bluetooth® ComBadge. It hooks up to your phone or device via Bluetooth® and has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling.”

ThinkGeek is launching the Star Trek TNG Bluetooth ComBadge to coincide with Star Trek’s 50^th Anniversary; the original series aired back in 1966.

“Once connected, one touch answers/ends calls, plays/pauses audio, or accesses Siri, Google Now, or Cortana,” ThinkGeek says. “And, of course, a touch plays that classic communicator sound effect. Warning: you’re going to want to keep the micro-USB charging cable handy right after you receive this, because making it chirp is well-nigh irresistible. “

Product specifications:

• Wireless Range: 33 ft.
• Drivers: Neodymium magnet
• Frequency Response: 200Hz – 20KHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: >80dB
• Materials: ABS and zinc shell
• Attaches using magnets so you don’t have to make holes in your clothes
• Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-ion (one charge lasts 10 hours)
• Charges via micro-USB cable (included)
• Micro-USB Port: DC5V, 350-400mA
• Dimensions: 1.65″ wide x 2.08″ tall x 0.36″ deep

The Star Trek TNG Bluetooth ComBadge is available from ThinkGeek from November onwards, priced $79.99 (approximately £60).