Do you remember the Bowlingual, the portable dog language translator that was released in Japan last year? The basic concept behind the $250 device (which people living outside Japan can get here) will soon be used for an iPhone app that translates what a dog “says” into human language and emoticons in real-time. → Read More
Japanese toymaker Takara Tomy claims it has developed a device that can translate what a dog “says” into human language and emoticons in real time. And the so-called “Bowlingual” [JP] isn’t being marketed as a (pure) gag product.
Jointly developed with an acoustics research laboratory and a veterinarian, the Bowlingual works wirelessly (your dog must wear a wireless mic around the neck). Let the… → Read More
Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank is currently running a summer marketing campaign [JP], using gift certificates, coupons and (almost certainly) the biggest cell phone strap on the planet to attract customers. The strap, a stuffed husky standing 30cm tall, is limited to 30,000 units. → Read More
Humping or crunching USB dogs are out. The newest fad (at least in Japan) is owning puppy-shaped and USB-powered speakers [JP] for your computer. They are brought to you by Japan Trust Technology (what a name), a Tokyo-based Thanko competitor that has just released a USB-powered mini Zen garden. → Read More
The days of running free are over for Koni. The most powerful dog in Russia, perhaps the world has she could kick Barney’s presidential tail any day, now has her own 6 ounce GPS-like collar. Russia’s GLONASS satellites will provide the Prime Minister with 24/7 info about his beloved dog. I actually don’t know if he loves her, but who doesn’t love black labs? I mean, come… → Read More
About three months ago, I blogged an ugly and clumsy robotic dog a Japanese company demonstrated to the press in this country as a prototype. But now, after about 4 months in development, said robot is not only technically ready but it also made a leap forward in terms of cuteness. Osaka-based Daisen Denshi Kogyo [JP] named its creation Dog Wan (“Wan” means bow-wow in Japanese but in… → Read More
If you are an avid hunter that uses hunting dogs the DC 300 GPS dog tracking Collar from Garmin might be the new toy your looking for. You simply attach the collar to your dog and it communicates with your (if you happen to have one) Astro 220. The device tells you your dog’s position ever 5 seconds for 17 hours. You can improve the battery life by setting it to broadcast every 30 seconds… → Read More
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