TARDIS safe is unlocked with your smart phone

Timelords-in-training won't need a Sonic Screwdriver to crack open this adorable TARDIS safe -- instead it's unlocked using a smart phone. We've gone paws-on with the Zeon Tech TARDIS Smartsafe at the Toy Fair in London, so hit play on the video above to examine it for yourself.

Here's how it works. Once your secret items have been squirrelled away inside -- no doubt you'll be able to store a surprisingly large amount of stuff -- you shut the door and the safe locks itself.

Next, install a companion app (never has the phrase been more appropriate) on your iPhone or Android device, stick your phone into the slot atop the safe, and use the app to set a four-digit passcode.

To unlock the Smartsafe, put your phone in the same slot and key in your code. Press enter and the door pops open. Dead easy.

It might be simple to operate, but the tech employed here is actually very clever. Rather than connecting your phone to the safe using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a docking station, inside that slot at the top there's a tiny sensor.

When you key in a passcode on your mobile, an area at the bottom of the phone's screen flashes a pattern of lights. The sensor detects those flashes and can tell by reading them whether you've got the right code. Nifty.

The safe itself is lovingly rendered, with a flashing light on top and all the necessary vwoooo-vwoooo sound effects, but it doesn't look all that tough, so while it should keep prying sisters away from your most precious Hot Wheels, it's probably best not to store the family silver inside.

Have you seen any good Gallifreyan gadgets? Tell us in the comments, or leave a post on our Face of Boe wall.