Penguin Thermostat - why?

Need a family-friendly way to keep the temperature of your house regulated? Well if you enjoy touchscreen interfaces and anime-style penguins, I have got a treat for you.

Matsushita Electric has decided to take the idea of a home regulator (see: thermostat) in a different direction than most. I'm not sure if they were aiming at children, or just trying to make it easier for adults that hate technology.

I have two problems with this. First, they are making the thermostat easier for kids to use. I know when I was a kid I was never allowed to adjust the temperature of the house, I think in some countries an offense like that will get your hand chopped off. Also, does anyone else think this looks like a video game? I'm sure to a small child it does. I would recommend keeping this one out of reach of the kids.

Big utility bills? Penguins to the rescue [via crave]