Brando offers USB "virtual friends"

While we consider many of our gadgets to be "virtual friends," the good folks at Brando have now taken the notion one step further, offering so-called USB Virtual Friends for those whose desks are a little lonely. Available in "Virtual Girlfriend" or "Virtual Boyfriend" varieties, the plasticized buddies each pack infrared motion sensors, and come equipped with 100 preprogrammed sayings, along with a "personality editor" to ensure the two of you get along. For that added touch of realism, you can also slide a picture of your choice into the frame in the USB friends' head. If that's the companionship you've been looking for, you can snag either friend now for $17, or get the pair for $30.

[cjlowe @ Jul 5th 2007 5:03AM]

And technology reaches a new low.

[dglaz @ Jul 5th 2007 5:52AM]

well put

[Leoedin @ Jul 5th 2007 6:07AM]

I once saw a toy phone from China with preprogrammed sayings - they where all in a chinese accent!

I wonder if the USB friends speak in chinese accents...

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 5th 2007 6:50AM]

It should also come with a sympathy card stating how truly sorry they are that you needed to buy this product in the first place.

[Scooter @ Jul 5th 2007 7:14AM]

could work for the kids, but replace the slide-in photo with an LCD, and have it update the image when a new friend comes online to chat. Buttons on the device will let you send pre-set messages: wassup, lol, etc. (insert inane teen chatter here).

[Mike @ Jul 5th 2007 11:19AM]

Nice idea, take it to the next level, add a camera. Hey presto, video-conferencing dolls. Wheres my lawyer? I feel a patent brewing!

[Anjali @ May 19th 2009 7:23AM]

Although mechanical examples of computers have existed throughout history, the first resembling a modern computer were developed in the mid-20th century