We won't go so far as to call this thing vaporware: there's clearly an uber-cute, finger-biting robot in the works here (and that new press shot to prove it!), but our confidence has been shaken by this latest
Pleo delay. UGOBE, which was claiming until recently that it would begin taking orders of some sort in March, with a price of roughly $250, has just announced that it's going to be releasing the bot in the summer of 2007 for about $300. To blame for the delays are new improvements based on test user interactions, including a brand new chin sensor -- sensor number 35 for anyone keeping track -- because that seems to be a touching favorite. Pleo is also getting better and louder speakers and an increased number of sounds for "fostering an emotional connection." Finally, UGOBE is brushing up the looks, with better sculpting in the hard plastic parts and more detailed eyes, along with adding muscle-like tissue under the skin to enhance the feel. You can't fault UGOBE for trying to make this thing perfect, we just wish they'd make it perfect a little sooner already. Peep a couple new shots of Pleo after the break.
"Hey... I remember the last time they tried to get me to go down these things."
(Credit:
Perspective Branding)
"For some reason nothing ever smells as good as it did back in the Jurassic period."
(Credit:
Perspective Branding)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
William @ Feb 1st 2007 5:48PM
Ugobe is playing a fine line here. This is the second reported price increase, and at least the 2nd release delay. If they aren't careful they'll end up where plenty of other companies have - over promising and under performing.
Here's hoping they don't end up that way though. Pleo definitely ranks very highly on the 'cute list'. I looks like I'll be buying two, since the fiancee said I couldn't hack her's up.
*sigh* ... $600 ....
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PleoBot.com
Leon @ Feb 1st 2007 8:23PM
I love hacking "things" up as much as the next person but I just can't imagine taking one of those things apart, they just seem too sweet. Maybe I just have a soft spot for mini carnivores (it was a carnivore right?).
Lonnie McClure @ Feb 1st 2007 8:34PM
Flat teeth = herbivore.
Most 4-legged dinos were herbivores. Carnivores typically evolved to walk on 2 legs due to the speed advantage it gave them.
Jake @ Feb 1st 2007 10:20PM
evolved, eh? What is this evolution you speak of? Don't you mean God granted them 2 legs?
Robert Oschler @ Feb 2nd 2007 12:57AM
To see the Pleo in action with its' new skin, check out the recent PC Magazine video of a recent prototype from the CES 2007 private showing:
http://www.robotsrule.com/html/pleo-videos.php
Ryan @ Feb 2nd 2007 2:49AM
I am still curious as to how they are going to cover the holes in its nose for the sonar/camera. Very good stuff though, I don't mind the delay if they are improving the little Pleo
azz0r @ Feb 2nd 2007 6:34AM
Cute!
robotgirl1326 @ Feb 2nd 2007 11:38PM
Like the firby,will they prohibit PLEO from the Pentagon? Anyone remember that?
Robert @ Mar 8th 2007 11:13AM
But when can I buy it?!?
http://pleo-web.de