If you’re in need of some conversation, but the missus is doing the washing up, then how would you feel about chatting to a PC-based buddy?

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Tengu is just that - well, sort of. The 70 x 40 x 10mm USB-powered gadget sits on your desktop and responds to sound stimuli around it with various facial expressions.

For some unknown reason, the desktop chum is only activated when you blow on it. However, pass a little wind past the gadget’s face and it’ll begin a routine of over 14 different expressions; these seem to range from a smiling face to shock and awe.

Tengu’s expressions are actually LEDs built into the gadget’s face, lighting up according to different stimuli.

If you don’t fancy talking to Tengu, then you’ll be glad to hear that it’s also able to lip sync in time with music – although we’re not sure how it would pull off a Gene Simmons' trademark expression when you stick on a little Kiss.

The Tengu is available now from online retailer Firebox for £20 (€25/$40).