TekTidbits

Correction to Earlier Post on PleoBot

I have just been corrected - I had misunderstood the Pleo postings to read that it would be available Dec 21.  They are only taking orders Dec 21st, and the Pleobot will actually be available in March.

See www.pleobot.com

What a shame I can't give it to my little girl for Christmas!

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New Robotic Pets Available in Time for Christmas

Another of the newly funded Silicon Valley companies includes Ugobe - a creator of robotic "lifeforms" designed to emulate real living beings in every way. Brought to us by Caleb Chung; one of the most prolific toy designers of all time and the father of the "Furby", Ugobe's newest pet promises to be a most interesting creature.

Ugobe claims that Pleo can feel and express emotions, learn through his environment as he is equipped with sight sound and touch, and even develop a unique personality.  He can even catch a cold! 

Pleo's body design is based on that of a long extinct lizard-like dinosaur, and he comes to his new owners as a one week old infant. 

He is available before Christmas, and is targeted to be below $250.  What a deal!

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Will They Multiply Like (Gulp) Rabbits?

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, in comes Nabaztag - which is Armenian for bunny. What is Nabaztag?  Why, a WiFi enabled bunny, of course! 

Nabaztag is the 2006 answer to the Pet Rock of the 70s - only much more intelligent.  You can name your bunny on registration, and the colors of its belly will tell you whether you have mail, what the weather is like outside, or even if there are new posts to your favorite blog.

Created by Violet, the same company that brought us a USB fragrance diffuser, Nabaztag can move his ears, play music, read you the latest ESPN column from your computer, tell you when you have an SMS message on your phone, wake you up to your favorite MP3s, and download RSS feeds. And yes, he can communicate with other bunnies - he can even send them music clips.

Podcasts are now passe - as now we have Nabcasts through your bunny. 

But beware, these bunnies are programmed to have a personality.  They will tell you at the end of the week how much they have enjoyed (or not enjoyed) their week with you.  Chill out from the stress by taking a Tai Chi lesson with your bunny.

Nabaztag is a bargain at $149 from ThinkGeek. 

Oh, and watch the fashion scene. Nabaztag has just made a debut at this years London Design Festival. After all, they ARE French!

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