Sony teaches Aibo new tricks

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2003 02:22:33 -0700
> From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
>
> [Note:  We own one of the first gen Aibos [me also djf].  This product 
> family rocks!  Being wireless enabled presents for some interesting 
> possibilities of what this toy could do in the home.  DLH]
>
> Sony teaches Aibo new tricks
> By Dinesh C. Sharma
> Special to CNET News.com
> September 4, 2003, 11:07 AM PT
> <http://news.com.com/2100-1041-5071396.html >
>
> Sony Electronics has bred the third generation of its Aibo robotic dog to 
> be faster, smarter--and floppy-eared.
>
> The company's Entertainment Robot America division on Thursday announced 
> that the ERS-7 model of Aibo is more responsive to voice and touch 
> commands than are previous models. And with improved infrared sensors, it 
> is better able to avoid walls, obstacles and edges. The digital pup also 
> features a faster CPU (central processing unit), a higher-resolution 
> camera and twice as much memory as have its predecessors.
>
> Since its introduction in 1999, the Aibo breed has been regularly gaining 
> new features and functions. In May, for instance, Sony released Aibo Eyes 
> software that enables the high-tech pet to send digital photos to a PC or 
> e-mail-equipped device.
>
> The ERS-7 can understand nearly 180 voice commands and, using 
> visual-pattern recognition technology, can find its Energy Station and 
> recharge itself when its battery runs low, the company said. It also 
> features Illume-Face, an LED (light-emitting diode) face panel that lets 
> it better express its feelings, emotions and current conditions.
>
> "This latest generation design is a result of significant evolutionary 
> advancements in robotic hardware and software, as well as our analysis of 
> what people want most in an Entertainment Robot," Victor Matsuda, ERA's 
> vice president, said in statement.
>
> The new model, which includes a 32MB Memory Stick, an Energy Station to 
> recharge its battery and wireless LAN (local area network) software, will 
> be be available at retail and online in November, priced at $1,599.
>
> In addition, software updates due later this year will let owners add new 
> content via the Web to their dog's Mind Memory Stick.
>
> Archives at: <http://Wireless.Com/Dewayne-Net>
> Weblog at: <http://weblog.warpspeed.com>

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