Your old household pet suddenly looks very 20th century with the advent of Genpets, these adorable, impish mini-Golems. They come in two “core configurations,” one-year lifespan and three-year lifespan, as well as seven different personality types. It may seem cruel to wrap them in plastic, but they don’t care. “Each package has an embedded microchip that monitors and controls the state of the Genpet while it is asleep waiting for you to take it home,” says the Web site. “Better yet, it displays the status of the Genpet with a Fresh Strip, as well as a fully working heart monitor in the top right of the package.” How do they stay alive exactly? This according to the FAQ: “While the Genpets hang on retail shelves they are in a chemically induced type of hibernation controlled by a protein in the packages’ nutrient supply tubes. This was a natural trait found in many seasonal animals that would normally hibernate in colder northern climates that has been added to the Genpet line. This also ensures comfort for the Genpets while they are on store shelves.” It’s a miracle of science. Via YesButNoButYes.

—Posted by Tim Nudd