Sony's little dog/cat crossbreed entertainment robot, AIBO, is about to celebrate its second anniversary with three new software titles and new commemorative colors.
On May 11, 1999, Sony's first version of the AIBO entertainment was released onto the market and created a hysteria in Japan. The little robot with the shape of a puppy (we wonder if Sony considered the name robopup) became so popular that the entire stock disappeared, and Sony which hadn't anticipated the tremendous response was overwhelmed - and probably decided there and then to continue with the AIBO project.
 | | The AIBO ERS-210 interacts among other things with its LED "eyes" |
It's been two years now since the first AIBO, the ERS-110/111, was introduced to the crowds, and since then the second generation ERS-210 has joined the ranks with a distinctive look that is a result of what seems to be a dog/cat crossbreed. The 2nd gen AIBO is cheaper and can do much more than its predecessor, but Sony has still generously included a software title intended for the original AIBO in its release of three new software titles for the AIBO series.
The new software title for the ERS-110/111 is called Party Mascot, and has previously only been available for the ERS-210. With Party Mascot, AIBO owners can initiate 11 different games and performances such as Sing and Dance, Spell Caster and Rock, Paper, Scissors by pressing a button on the AIBO's sound controller.
For the ERS-210 however, we dare say the two new titles are a bit more exciting - or at least one of them. Called AIBO Messenger and AIBO Navigator, the two applications will allow you to make the AIBO your personal e-mail butler or remote control its every move from a PC - or even use it as a surveillance tool.
With AIBO Messenger AIBO can inform owners, via a wireless LAN card connected to your PC, that e-mail has arrived as well as read the contents of an e-mail. Using voice commands or depressing its touch sensors will make AIBO tell you when you've got email and it will also read the message out loud while making gestures with body language and actions. For example, the AIBO will raise its paw when it reads to the word hello or flash its green LEDs when the word good is mentioned.
But that's not all the AIBO can do with the AIBO Messenger. Given the opportunity, it can read text-based information to its owner - for instance, if you let AIBO know what your favorite topic and Web site is, AIBO will fetch the digital news when the story is posted and read it to you. In addition, AIBO can also keep you informed, reminding you of important appointments such as your favorite TV shows.
 | | For a mere 1650 US$ plus, you'll get a walkin', talkin' everest-green robopup that reads your e-mail aloud, lets you know when interesting websites have been updated and will let you spy on your kids when they come home from school |
With the AIBO Navigator software, owners will be able to manipulate AIBO to perform an assortment of behaviors from a remote location via their PC. AIBO Navigator allows manipulation of such AIBO behaviors as walking patterns, head angles and even how AIBO bends its joints. Owners can also manipulate AIBO to dance, kick a ball and send voice data as well as take a still photograph through the picture capture function -- all while AIBO's CMOS camera sends pictures back to the operator's computer screen.
 | | Roll over, Beethoven! |
Through the Navigator graphic user interface display, users will also have the ability to see what AIBO sees through its camera located at the end of its nose. Additionally, using the AIBO Navigator's sound transmission features, AIBO can transmit speech by sending wave files wirelessly allowing AIBO to have a conversation in real time, communicating with whomever it is interacting with during its experience.
The AIBO Navigator display shows other information as well, such as AIBO's present position in 3D graphics. This feature can be used to check on objects, such as family or friends from up to 100 meters away from your PC. And if you have the ability to remotely log onto to your personal network, you can use the AIBO Navigator to check on your home or office via your AIBO using this new software application from any location.
Beginning in early June and lasting until the end of July, three new, special anniversary edition colors will be available (while supplies last). The new anniversary color offerings -- Everest White (glossy), Sapphire-Violet (metallic), Mazeran Green (metallic) -- will come complete with custom painted finishes and a new iridescent colored visor according to Sony. The anniversary edition AIBO model carries a suggested retail price of 1650 US$, and includes the AIBO Carrying Bag and Hello AIBO software free of charge.
Not a bad upgrade for a two-year old pup, or what do you think?
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