Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Plex hops on the Google TV train, finds it has plenty of room to stretch its legs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/plex-hops-on-the-google-tv-train-finds-it-has-plenty-of-room-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/plex-hops-on-the-google-tv-train-finds-it-has-plenty-of-room-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/plex-hops-on-the-google-tv-train-finds-it-has-plenty-of-room-to/#comments Plex on Google TV Well, the guys and gals over at Plex are on a roll right now. Less than a week ago they took the wraps off myPlex then, just a couple of days ago, new versions of the desktop and mobile clients hit the web alongside updated server software. Now the streaming media service is landing on the newly revamped Google TV. Even though this is the first release of the client for Mountain View's living room platform, all the most essential features are in place, including myPlex support and some keyboard-friendly UI tweaks. It seems like the only major limitation, and we're using that term loosely, is the limited support for HLS -- an essential ingredient in Plex's transcoding formula. Thankfully, bandwidth over your local network shouldn't be a major concern and Google TV has pretty robust codec support, so you might not even notice it's missing. You'll find a few more detail at the source and you can install the app right now from the market.

Plex hops on the Google TV train, finds it has plenty of room to stretch its legs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsgooglegoogle tvGoogle TV appsGoogleTvGoogleTvAppshdpostcrossmedia serverMediaServermyplexpleoplex for google tvPlexForGoogleTvstreaming mediaStreamingMediaWed, 02 Nov 2011 21:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo bares it all for FCC approval]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/pleo-bares-it-all-for-fcc-approval/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/pleo-bares-it-all-for-fcc-approval/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/pleo-bares-it-all-for-fcc-approval/#comments Poor Pleo. Everyone fell in love with the little green dino at first sight, but no one actually bought the thing. Undaunted, the adorable fleshy robot made a triumphant return at this year's CES as Pleo RB (that's "Reborn"), with the help of adopted manufacturer Innvo Labs. The newly invigorated 'bot brings voice recognition, more sensors, and RFID-based command learning technology to the table. With all its new gear in place, Pleo was poked, prodded, and peeled by the FCC, revealing, among other things, that new RFID reader in its chin. The results are gruesome and not recommended for faint of heart robot dinosaur lovers. You've been warned.

Gallery: Pleo Hits the FCC

Pleo bares it all for FCC approval originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dinodinosaurfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionInnvoinnvo labsInnvoLabsPleoPleo RBPleoRbrfidrobotroboticstoytoysWed, 18 May 2011 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo RB cuddles up to CES, we go hands-on and talk to Innvo about future Pleos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/pleo-rb-cuddles-up-to-ces-we-go-hands-on-and-talk-to-innvo-abou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/pleo-rb-cuddles-up-to-ces-we-go-hands-on-and-talk-to-innvo-abou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/pleo-rb-cuddles-up-to-ces-we-go-hands-on-and-talk-to-innvo-abou/#comments The folks behind the Pleo robot dinosaur didn't have much but promises and a giant, not-for-sale version of the bot at last year's CES, but Innvo Labs has come through this year. They have a number of their new Pleo RB dinos on hand, and we got a chance to both check them out and talk to Innvo COO Derek Dotson about what the future might hold for the robot dinosaur that refused to die. As for the current Pleo RB, while it may look relatively unchanged from before, it does boast some fairly impressive improvements, including voice recognition (with any language), more touch sensors, the ability to sense temperatures, RFID-based "learning stone technology" for feeding and other advanced commands, and time of day awareness. As you might be able to surmise, the combination of those latter two means that the Pleo will get slow and lethargic if you don't take care of it, but Innvo assures us that it won't actually die (just make you incredibly sad).

It sounds like we could be seeing some even bigger changes in future generations of Pleo, though. Innvo tells us that they've basically pushed the current design to the limit, and they seem to be keeping all options on the table for future models. We asked about different versions, internet-connectedness, and even a Roomba-like ability to recharge itself, and Dotson said that Innvo considering all of those, but that it doesn't want to rush and do anything that would dilute the Pleo brand. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look at the Pleo RB, and head on past the break for a video.

Gallery: Pleo RB hands-on

Continue reading Pleo RB cuddles up to CES, we go hands-on and talk to Innvo about future Pleos

Pleo RB cuddles up to CES, we go hands-on and talk to Innvo about future Pleos originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011derek dotsonDerekDotsondinodinosaurhands-oninnvoinnvo labsInnvoLabspetpleopleo rbpleo rebornPleoRbPleoRebornrobotrobotstoyvideoSat, 08 Jan 2011 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype Pleo motion capture exoskeleton up for grabs: $2,400 OBO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/prototype-pleo-motion-capture-exoskeleton-up-for-grabs-2-400-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/prototype-pleo-motion-capture-exoskeleton-up-for-grabs-2-400-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/prototype-pleo-motion-capture-exoskeleton-up-for-grabs-2-400-o/#comments
 Still haven't nailed down the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone in your life? Shame on you. Just kidding. But on the real, if you've got $2,397.99 and a lust for robotics, there's hardly a better buy available right now than this. The concoction you're peering at above isn't apt to go on sale to the general public again anytime soon, as it's a rare prototype motion capture exoskeleton that was used by (the now-defunct) Ugobe in the creation of Pleo. Word has it that this suit was vital to the R&D efforts surrounding the first edition of the outfit's robotic dinosaur, with one Caleb Chung fitting in and hulking about as computers analyzed and recorded movements. So far as we can tell, all of the circuits and wires are still here, meaning that you actually could use this for R&D of your own provided you had the right equipment to read it. Unfortunately, it'll cost a small fortune to ship a 350 pound crate anywhere outside of the continental US, but for those of you currently living overseas... well, here's your excuse to relocate.

[Thanks, Colin]

Prototype Pleo motion capture exoskeleton up for grabs: $2,400 OBO originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionebayexoskeletonfor saleForSalemechMOCAPpleoprototyperobotsensorsensorssuitUGOBEwalkingwalking suitWalkingSuitwearableMon, 20 Dec 2010 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo RB robosaur now on sale for $469, Christmas now cleared to take place]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/pleo-rb-robosaur-now-on-sale-for-469-christmas-now-cleared-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/pleo-rb-robosaur-now-on-sale-for-469-christmas-now-cleared-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/pleo-rb-robosaur-now-on-sale-for-469-christmas-now-cleared-to/#comments Worried that your holiday celebrations just wouldn't be able to take place without an autonomous robotic dinosaur roaming the halls and frightening the grandparents? Fret no more. With under a fortnight to go, Innvo Labs has managed to put the revitalized Pleo RB (Pleo Reborn, if you must know) on sale, with a stiff $469 getting you a newborn dinosaur with a Li-Polymer battery, a charging cradle and a training leaf. Yeah, a training leaf. Unfortunately, the MSRP here is a fair bit higher than the $350 that Ugobe charged for the original, but at least the price premium does include a tougher hide, a newfangled RFID sensing system and a stronger, longer-lasting battery. And really, who could say no to a smile like that?

Continue reading Pleo RB robosaur now on sale for $469, Christmas now cleared to take place

Pleo RB robosaur now on sale for $469, Christmas now cleared to take place originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Derek DotsonDerekDotsondinodinosaurinnvo labsInnvoLabsJettanow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingon saleOnSalePleoPleo 2Pleo RBPleo RebornPleo2PleoRbPleoRebornrobotshipshippingshipstoytoysvideoFri, 17 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo Reborn detailed by Innvo CEO, one lucky fan finds and buys the tiny dino (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/17/pleo-ceo-talks-about-the-new-robot-dino-fan-actually-goes-out-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/17/pleo-ceo-talks-about-the-new-robot-dino-fan-actually-goes-out-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/17/pleo-ceo-talks-about-the-new-robot-dino-fan-actually-goes-out-a/#comments Innvo Labs wasn't sharing a single detail about its new Pleo at CES last year, but the company's being a bit more forthcoming now -- not only did CEO Derek Dotson grant the baby dino community a lengthy interview detailing most every improvement last week, but its Hong Kong parent is apparently already selling the robot abroad. It's called the Pleo Reborn (or "RB" for short) and the primary features are these: a lithium-polymer battery good for two hours of continuous use, a much tougher hide, and an RFID "sense of smell" that lets it interact with a variety of optional accessories to "eat," take medicine for virtual injuries and learn new tricks as you go.

The little creature's also got four additional touch sensors, a temperature sensor, a gravity sensor and an internal clock to tell the time of day, improved motors, and basic voice recognition -- and the Hong Kong packaging suggests the dinos will even come in two different sexes. User marcimarc444 claims to have paid roughly $500 for the one pictured above at the Hong Kong Electronic Show, and though we don't have US pricing or availability at this point, the CEO did suggest that "very, very limited" quantities would be available later this month. Find the full interview and a testimonial at the links below, and watch the Pleo RB in action right after the break.

[Thanks, Michael W.]

Continue reading Pleo Reborn detailed by Innvo CEO, one lucky fan finds and buys the tiny dino (video)

Pleo Reborn detailed by Innvo CEO, one lucky fan finds and buys the tiny dino (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Derek DotsonDerekDotsoninnvo labsInnvoLabsJettaPleoPleo 2Pleo RBPleo RebornPleo2PleoRbPleoRebornrobotvideoSun, 17 Oct 2010 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo returns to CES with big promises, bigger Pleo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/pleo-returns-to-ces-with-big-promises-bigger-pleo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/pleo-returns-to-ces-with-big-promises-bigger-pleo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/pleo-returns-to-ces-with-big-promises-bigger-pleo/#comments
Pleo (and its new maker Jetta) isn't exactly out in force at CES 2010, but the company is here with some promises about a new and improved second generation Pleo and, perhaps more importantly, a giant version of the current Pleo. Unfortunately, it's not for sale, and Jetta apparently doesn't have any plans to change that in the future, so your Kota triceratops won't be getting a buddy anytime soon. Jetta also isn't offering anything much in the way of actual details about the next generation Pleo, but it is promising that it'll be more than just a simple revision. In the meantime, feel free to take a wild trip through the world of Pleo in the gallery below.

Gallery: Pleo returns to CES with big promises, bigger Pleo

Pleo returns to CES with big promises, bigger Pleo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010dinosaurhands-onpleorobotFri, 08 Jan 2010 00:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo lover and former Ugobe CTO John Sosoka separates robo-mind and robo-body with two new companies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/pleo-lover-and-former-ugobe-cto-john-sosoka-separates-robo-mind/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/pleo-lover-and-former-ugobe-cto-john-sosoka-separates-robo-mind/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/pleo-lover-and-former-ugobe-cto-john-sosoka-separates-robo-mind/#commentsPleo lover and former Ugobe CTO John Sosoka separates robo-mind and robo-body with two new companies
Why did Pleo-maker Ugobe fail? There are many reasons, but former CTO John Sosoka thinks one of them is that the one company tried to do too much, working on both hardware and software for the lovable little paleolithic guy. Live and learn, as they say, and so his next venture is not one but two companies: the first, Vita Robotica, to develop a "completely new implementation of a brain for robots;" the other, Pulse-Robotics, to work on a sort of robo-OS for the thing. It sounds smart, but don't get your hopes up for a next-gen Pleo that can not only look cute but perhaps forage for food or do something useful. Sosoka is now focused on creating companion robots of the sort that could perhaps provide an alternative to therapy dogs. And here we thought dancing to Britney Spears was the pinnacle of robo-evolution.

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Pleo lover and former Ugobe CTO John Sosoka separates robo-mind and robo-body with two new companies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john sosokaJohnSosokapleopulse-roboticsugobevita roboticaVitaRoboticaTue, 01 Sep 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Pleo gets new dance moves, alpha dev kit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/video-pleo-gets-new-dance-moves-alpha-dev-kit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/video-pleo-gets-new-dance-moves-alpha-dev-kit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/video-pleo-gets-new-dance-moves-alpha-dev-kit/#comments We've seen the Pleo get shredded, overtaken by a Wii wand, and generally mocked for its status as a perennially endangered species. With no dignity left to protect, its makers have decided they might as well kick out an SDK, or PDK in this case, to let the great unwashed masses have their way with the originally autonomous bot. Still only in the alpha stage and not yet widely available, the dev kit has already borne fruit in the shape of a shockingly awesome dance video. We've got it for you after the break, but a warning first: prepare to fall in love all over again.

[Thanks, Eric]

Continue reading Video: Pleo gets new dance moves, alpha dev kit

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Video: Pleo gets new dance moves, alpha dev kit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancedancingdancing robotDancingRobotdev kitDevKitdinosaurJettaPDKPleoPleo development kitPleoDevelopmentKitrobotvideoFri, 28 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo IP adopted by Pleo's big-hearted manufacturer, Jetta Company Limited]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/pleo-ip-adopted-by-pleos-big-hearted-manufacturer-jetta-compan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/pleo-ip-adopted-by-pleos-big-hearted-manufacturer-jetta-compan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/pleo-ip-adopted-by-pleos-big-hearted-manufacturer-jetta-compan/#comments
It's the feel bad and then feel good again story of the year: bankrupt Ugobe's intellectual property and assets, including the intensely lovable and yet nearly unloved Pleo, are being snapped up by Jetta Company Limited, which currently manufactures the robotic baby dino. The company plans on re-launching Pleo, and says that all its manufacturing processes for Pleo and related accessories are still intact. Better yet, the company is well established and no stranger to robots: it also builds parts for iRobot's consumer products. Could this be love?

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Pleo IP adopted by Pleo's big-hearted manufacturer, Jetta Company Limited originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jettajetta company limitedJettaCompanyLimitedpleopleo ipPleoIpugobeTue, 09 Jun 2009 00:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: surviving Pleo loses remaining autonomy, gets controlled by Wii Nunchuk]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/25/video-surviving-pleo-loses-remaining-autonomy-gets-controlled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/25/video-surviving-pleo-loses-remaining-autonomy-gets-controlled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/25/video-surviving-pleo-loses-remaining-autonomy-gets-controlled/#comments Aw, how timely. Shortly after the Pleo lineage fell victim to economic pressures, an all-too-cute video has surfaced showing a remaining creature being controlled by a Wii Nunchuk. In reality, the underlying abuse here is quite sad -- for those unaware, Pleo was designed to be entirely autonomous, and the first step to regaining control over it is to implement a "Pleo Stunner" in order to shock him into silence. From there, an XBee-based solution is used to tap into his control system and override every single instinct the poor sap ever had. If you're into this type of sadistic torture (or you're just an aspiring dictator), check the read link for all the instructions you need to fulfill your own evil desires. For those just interested in a good chuckle, the vid's after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Video: surviving Pleo loses remaining autonomy, gets controlled by Wii Nunchuk

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Video: surviving Pleo loses remaining autonomy, gets controlled by Wii Nunchuk originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altoidsdiyhackhacksmodmodsnunchucknunchukpleoremote controlRemoteControlrfugobevideowiiwiimotewirelessxbeeSat, 25 Apr 2009 08:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugobe expects Pleo IP to fetch a pretty penny]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/22/ugobe-expects-pleo-ip-to-fetch-a-pretty-penny/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/22/ugobe-expects-pleo-ip-to-fetch-a-pretty-penny/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/22/ugobe-expects-pleo-ip-to-fetch-a-pretty-penny/#comments
Scientists may never fully understand why Pleo went extinct, but we've got a big hint for future generations -- it's probably because Ugobe was shipping products to customers who couldn't pay for them. That's at least the story according to Ugobe CEO Caleb Chung, who says that his robosaur was selling well to customers in Europe and Asia, but that the worldwide credit crunch meant that Pleos were just sitting in crates waiting for payment to arrive. It's unfortunate, but there's a silver lining -- the Pleo IP is expected to be a hot commodity during the bankruptcy liquidation, and not just with toymakers. Chung says he sees potential interest from lots of unexpected bidders "because robotics are the next PCs." We'll see about that -- hopefully Pleo is about to evolve.

[Via SlashGear]

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Ugobe expects Pleo IP to fetch a pretty penny originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcaleb chungCalebChungpleougobeWed, 22 Apr 2009 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugobe files for bankruptcy, Pleo facing extinction]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/ugobe-files-for-bankruptcy-pleo-to-go-extinct/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/ugobe-files-for-bankruptcy-pleo-to-go-extinct/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/ugobe-files-for-bankruptcy-pleo-to-go-extinct/#comments
Looks like Pleo couldn't dodge that meteor -- everyone's favorite lovable robot dinosaur company Ugobe has laid off all its employees and filed for bankruptcy. That confirms a month of speculation that things were on the brink -- Ugobe's website has been up and down for a while, and a major supplier filed suit a couple weeks ago for nonpayment. There's a chance that some other toymaker will swoop in and pick up the pieces during the liquidation, but we wouldn't hold our breath -- Pleo owners, feel free to commiserate in the comments.

Painful bonus: Link your pics of the Pleo going extinct on our comment form here and we'll make a gallery. C'mon. You know you want to do it.

Gallery: Images of Pleo's extinction



[Thanks, Andrew]

Continue reading Ugobe files for bankruptcy, Pleo facing extinction

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Ugobe files for bankruptcy, Pleo facing extinction originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcylegalpleougobeMon, 20 Apr 2009 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo-maker Ugobe not totally dead, not totally okay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/pleo-maker-ugobe-not-totally-dead-not-totally-okay/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/pleo-maker-ugobe-not-totally-dead-not-totally-okay/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/pleo-maker-ugobe-not-totally-dead-not-totally-okay/#comments It certainly seemed like Ugobe was dead-forever a few days ago when we noted that the company's website was seemingly gone and no one was answering the phones, but it's apparently not all bad: the site's back up, and CEO Caleb Chung told the Idaho Business Review today that the company will respond in an "organized way" with a press release coming in the "next few weeks." Uh, okay, but that isn't going to distract anyone from the half-million lawsuit just filed that alleges Pleo and Co. are in breach of contract for failure to pay supplier Arrow Electronics. We'll see how it plays out -- something tells us Pleo's gonna have a hard time dodging this meteor.

[Via RobotsRule]

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Pleo-maker Ugobe not totally dead, not totally okay originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caleb chungCalebChungpleougobeFri, 03 Apr 2009 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Has Pleo-maker Ugobe folded?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/has-pleo-maker-ugobe-folded/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/has-pleo-maker-ugobe-folded/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/has-pleo-maker-ugobe-folded/#comments
We don't have any official word on this as of yet, but as our main man Ryan Block noted in a tweet earlier (and Wired speculated on back in February), it looks like Pleo-maker Ugobe may -- in fact -- be extinct. As of this writing, the company's site was offline, and calls to the dino-bot factory have gone unanswered (though their voicemail system seems to be humming along just fine). While we haven't heard a peep one way or another from the folks in charge, Wired reported in its article that the company was struggling months ago to stay afloat in our sinking economy. Could it be that people just don't have a spare $350 to drop on a robotic toys these days? Say it ain't so. Whatever the case, you can be sure that just like actual dinosaurs, the legacy Pleo will leave behind is rich, storied, and often violent. How about you there in / on the Interverse... heard any news about Ugobe lately?

Update: A few of you wrote in to let us know that the Ugobe site is back up. Maybe Pleo ain't extinct yet?

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Has Pleo-maker Ugobe folded? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extinctfoldedfoldsout of businessOutOfBusinesspleospeculationugobeunderMon, 30 Mar 2009 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo roundup: spy cam / XBee hacks, dino visits the day spa]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/08/pleo-roundup-spy-cam-xbee-hacks-dino-visits-the-day-spa/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/08/pleo-roundup-spy-cam-xbee-hacks-dino-visits-the-day-spa/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/08/pleo-roundup-spy-cam-xbee-hacks-dino-visits-the-day-spa/#comments
Oh Pleo, it's been far too long since we've seen you out and about! Thankfully, we've stumbled upon a handful of Pleo news all at once, so we hope you're ready to catch up with your favorite dinosaur. First up is a pair of useful hacks from GRIP: a spy cam hack -- which transmits images from the pet to a PC sans wires -- and an XBee hack, which allows users to monitor Pleo's sensors and control its servos in real time. For those looking for less work and more laughs, you'll definitely want to venture on past the break. Wondering what's there? Pleo visits the day spa -- need we say more?

Read - Pleo hacks
Read - Pleo's day spa adventures

Continue reading Pleo roundup: spy cam / XBee hacks, dino visits the day spa

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Pleo roundup: spy cam / XBee hacks, dino visits the day spa originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behaviorcomedyday spaDaySpadinosuarfunnyhackmodpleoprankspaugobevideoFri, 08 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo's site turns one, little bugger's price temporarily drops over $100]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/pleos-site-turns-one-little-buggers-price-temporarily-drops-o/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/pleos-site-turns-one-little-buggers-price-temporarily-drops-o/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/pleos-site-turns-one-little-buggers-price-temporarily-drops-o/#commentsAlthough Pleo's only been out for about six months, UGOBE opened up shop at PleoWorld about a year ago, and to celebrate they're selling the robo-dino-pets at over $100 off the regular $350 price tag. The promo goes on until July 11th, and apparently all you need to do is pop in a promo code (PLEOWORLDISONE) and you'll get yours for a cool $235, which is an especially great deal if your intention is only to slaughter it.

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Pleo's site turns one, little bugger's price temporarily drops over $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pleopromotionugobeMon, 30 Jun 2008 02:32:00 EST<![CDATA[UGOBE "shocked and appalled" by destruction of Pleo at Maker Faire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/ugobe-shocked-and-appalled-by-destruction-of-pleo-at-maker-fai/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/ugobe-shocked-and-appalled-by-destruction-of-pleo-at-maker-fai/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/ugobe-shocked-and-appalled-by-destruction-of-pleo-at-maker-fai/#comments
Uh oh, it looks like we've got a full-fledged robot controversy on our hands. At the heart of it, as you might have guessed, is the recent obliteration of a harmless Pleo by a so-called ComBot known as Vicious Verdict at Maker Faire 2008. According to a UGOBE rep posting on the PleoWorld forum, the company is having none of it, saying that the "stunt" was done without its authorization or approval, and that there was "quite a ruckus" about it in UGOBE's office after they learned of the incident. The rep went on to add that many people, including the UGOBE reps at their Maker Faire booth were "shocked and appalled" by the act, and that they "make emotional bonds with Pleo too." The rep did seemingly confirm that the Pleo in question was in fact provided by the company, however, saying that, "it is perhaps a small consolation to know that the Pleo destroyed was a factory prototype." A cuddly, cuddly factory prototype.

[Via Tech Digest]

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UGOBE "shocked and appalled" by destruction of Pleo at Maker Faire originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combotpleougobeFri, 09 May 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo communes with nature, woos Dolphins]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/pleo-communes-with-nature-woos-dolphins/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/pleo-communes-with-nature-woos-dolphins/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/pleo-communes-with-nature-woos-dolphins/#comments
After an absolutely heart-wrenching video of Pleo being annihilated by a sadistic ComBot emerged yesterday, we're thrilled to add a little balance to the whole thing with a totally heartwarming clip today. Down at Sea World, Pleo was politely introduced to a number of animals in the park, though its interactions with the dolphins were particularly special. In the vid posted after the jump, you can go ahead and fast-forward to around the two minute mark -- there you'll find the true definition of a stud. Or maybe the pod just thinks miniature dinosaurs look extraordinarily tasty.

[Thanks, Robert]

Continue reading Pleo communes with nature, woos Dolphins

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Pleo communes with nature, woos Dolphins originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animaldolphinfunnypleougobevideoFri, 09 May 2008 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo gets thoroughly obliterated by demented ComBot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/pleo-gets-thoroughly-obliterated-by-demented-combot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/pleo-gets-thoroughly-obliterated-by-demented-combot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/pleo-gets-thoroughly-obliterated-by-demented-combot/#comments
It's not that we've never seen the insides of Pleo, it's that we've never seen it splayed so inhumanely. During Maker Faire 2008, a middleweight ComBot known as Vicious Verdict was placed in the ring with UGOBE's cuddly dinosaur, and suffice it to say, Pleo didn't stand a chance. The entire death lasts about three minutes, but there's a solid minute of taunting that goes on before the ComBot starts the decimation process. Straight up, this is one of the more haunting things we've ever seen happen to a poor, helpless, animated robot. Vid's after the break for your sickos who dare.

[Via Tech Digest]

Continue reading Pleo gets thoroughly obliterated by demented ComBot

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Pleo gets thoroughly obliterated by demented ComBot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CombotdestroyedpleosplayedugobevideoThu, 08 May 2008 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo finally learns to sit with Life OS 1.1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/pleo-finally-learns-to-sit-with-life-os-1-1/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/pleo-finally-learns-to-sit-with-life-os-1-1/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/pleo-finally-learns-to-sit-with-life-os-1-1/#comments
Although Pleo just got upgraded to v1.0.2 earlier this month, UGOBE is taking the Life OS to 1.1 and adding a laundry list of features to boot. Initially available for install only through an SD card (download via USB should hit within a few weeks), the update enables your favorite dino pet to sit, sing a variety of melodies, call for attention, get sick (coughing / sneezing) and change attitudes based on how much attention it gets. As these things always go, there's also the promise of a few unannounced inclusions ("strange habits," as it were), and it should be noted that previous downloads -- Holiday, Love-struck, MySkit, Yapt, etc. -- will need to eventually be re-downloaded in new versions to be compatible with the Life OS 1.1 update. Give the read link some attention to check out the changes, and fire up the download while you're over there.

[Thanks, Caaahl]

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Pleo finally learns to sit with Life OS 1.1 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadfirmwarelife osLifeOspleosoftwareugobeupdateupgradeMon, 31 Mar 2008 21:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo gets older, wiser with Life OS 1.0.2]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/pleo-gets-older-wiser-with-life-os-1-0-2/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/pleo-gets-older-wiser-with-life-os-1-0-2/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/pleo-gets-older-wiser-with-life-os-1-0-2/#comments
If Pleo's holiday behavior mode left you thirsty for more, chances are the first bona fide update to its Life OS won't disappoint. Version 1.0.2 enables your dino to explore its surroundings more, engage in fits of singing when encountering groups, and hear erratic noises when sleeping softly. Of note, UGOBE promises the update won't change your Pleo's existing personality, so apparently, there's nothing to lose (but more spare time). Go on, hit up the read link and start that download -- right after you tell Pleo to expect a treat, of course.

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Pleo gets older, wiser with Life OS 1.0.2 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadfirmwarelife osLifeOspleosoftwareugobeupdateupgradeWed, 05 Mar 2008 00:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo dissected -- oh, the humanity!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/pleo-dissected-oh-the-humanity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/pleo-dissected-oh-the-humanity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/pleo-dissected-oh-the-humanity/#comments
We guess it was only matter a time until it happened. Still, we can't help but feel a bit sad and creeped-out at seeing Pleo splayed in a Santilli-esque display of sideshow curio. Inside, the evil doctors over at ifixit reveal a single-piece, rubbery skin covering 14 motors, more than 100 gears, 15 circuit boards, 1 color camera, 2x microphones, 1 IR transmitter, 1 accelerometer, and 8 touch capacitance sensors. Plenty of high-res shots just beyond the read link. Man, aren't there laws against this kind of thing?

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Pleo dissected -- oh, the humanity! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissectionpleosplayteardownMon, 14 Jan 2008 01:08:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Pleo?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/11/how-would-you-change-pleo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/11/how-would-you-change-pleo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/11/how-would-you-change-pleo/#comments
Ah, Pleo. The world's freshest, friendliest and most unpredictable robot dinosaur. At first glance, it's hard to imagine changing anything about this bundle of cuteness, but for the loyal souls that waited through agonizing months of delays and kept the faith when everyone else was crying vaporware, we're sure they've got a few pointers for improvement. Granted, those who fell head over heels for this creature as soon as the first press shot surfaced may simply be thrilled to finally have one roaming around the backyard, but for demanding fossil collector, those sentiments aren't enough to satisfy.

Now that the holiday rush is over and normalcy is slowly returning, we're giving those mettlesome early adopters a shot at tweaking this blast from the past. How could UGOBE have made this prehistoric monster a bit more enjoyable? Maybe toss in some WD-40 for those über-noisy gears? What about throwing in a digestive system to take care of those crumbs the kids drop at supper? Or maybe just blessing it with an IQ slightly higher than a loggerhead turtle? Truth be told, even we think there's plenty to love about Pleo, but as you've seen, we've been stumped by its actions on more than one occasion. Thankfully, Pleo's maker is already on the ball with regard to updates, but who's to say you can't toss in some input for upgrades yet to materialize? Go on, be honest with yourself -- just make sure your dino is sound asleep before crushing its feelings, okay?

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How would you change Pleo? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycpleoFri, 11 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo goes under the knife in astonishingly long video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/pleo-goes-under-the-knife-in-astonishingly-long-video/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/pleo-goes-under-the-knife-in-astonishingly-long-video/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/pleo-goes-under-the-knife-in-astonishingly-long-video/#commentsYeah, we gave you a plethora of hatching photos to ooh and ahh over when we received our first Pleo, but considering our inexplicable fear of needles and prehistoric blood, we never considered taking things any further. Apparently, the folks over at Pleo Dreams completely disregarded our recommendation to not de-skin the dinosaur, and proceeded to remove every square centimeter of Pleo's covering on video. Believe it or not, things get pretty interesting once the garb comes off, but you'll have to endure a near-24 minute clip in order to say you saw the entire procedure from start to finish. You ready? It's waiting after the break.

Continue reading Pleo goes under the knife in astonishingly long video

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Pleo goes under the knife in astonishingly long video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cracked openCrackedOpendinodissectedpleoskinskinnedsplayedsurgeryvideoMon, 31 Dec 2007 02:31:00 EST<![CDATA[German receives prototype Pleo, hacked up box]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/29/german-receives-prototype-pleo-hacked-up-box/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/29/german-receives-prototype-pleo-hacked-up-box/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/29/german-receives-prototype-pleo-hacked-up-box/#comments
After waiting for what seems like ages, we can imagine just how excited one would be to finally receive that beautiful brown shipping container with their very own Pleo tucked within. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on perspective) for one particular German, an unspecified retailer sent out what appears to be a prototype dino, complete with a pieced together box that once held a fax machine. Interestingly, it seems the lucky recipient is rather perturbed by the incident, but being the optimistic crew that we are, we'd actually hang on to this thing for bragging rights or discover its true value courtesy of eBay. Hit the read link for a few more shots.

[Thanks, Jared C.]

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German receives prototype Pleo, hacked up box originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>errormishappleoproblemprototypetoytoysSat, 29 Dec 2007 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo's holiday behavior mode now available for download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/pleos-holiday-behavior-mode-now-available-for-download/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/pleos-holiday-behavior-mode-now-available-for-download/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/pleos-holiday-behavior-mode-now-available-for-download/#commentsAh, if only all behavior modification of pets, children, and certain unruly celebutantes (you know who you are) were as easy as Pleo's new downloadable "Holiday Pleo" behavior mode. It's about a meg and will run straight off an SD card, so get your dino-ho-ho on -- that is, if you're lucky enough to even have one of these things.

[Thanks, Jared C]

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Pleo's holiday behavior mode now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadpleougobeFri, 21 Dec 2007 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo unboxing, er, hatching -- photos and video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/03/pleo-unboxing-er-hatching-photos-and-video/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/03/pleo-unboxing-er-hatching-photos-and-video/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/03/pleo-unboxing-er-hatching-photos-and-video/#comments
Hard to believe it's been almost two years since Ugobe's Pleo was first announced, but today one of our very own showed up at our doorstep, sweet as a newborn (new-hatched?) Camarasaurus. Pleo's certainly undergone a lot of physical changes since we saw it in the early days, now sporting a more adorable shape (as well as cameras and sensors studded all over its precious little head). A few first impressions and fresh details
  • Pleo's skin is rubbery-sticky (a little like the soles on a brand new pair of Cons). We can totally see this thing feeling like a dinosaur.
  • The motors on this thing are loud. Like, kind of distractingly loud. Yet somehow it remains ineffably adorable. You just want to take care of the little bugger.
  • You hatch it early on by flipping its power switch and petting it until it awakens from its deep, late-Jurassic-era slumber.
  • Jury's still out on the Tim Allen-esque grunting noises.
  • Ugobe PR let us know that the first version of Life OS (the software that powers Pleo) isn't really set up to "evolve" as it was supposed to, but there will be new versions of Live OS in 2008, which will enable behavioral optimizations and that "evolution" thing.
  • There will be an SDK! Take that, Aibo. Poor, poor Aibo, dead as a dino--never mind.
  • Despite having a massive, heavy NiMH battery pack, it's only 2200mAh;
We're still letting Pleo get situated and acquainted (read: charge) but we've got a hands-on gallery below, and video and plenty more Pleo details after the break. So, who's down for a quick refresher on chaos theory?

Gallery: Pleo unboxing, er, hatching -- photos and video

Continue reading Pleo unboxing, er, hatching -- photos and video

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Pleo unboxing, er, hatching -- photos and video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadget videoEngadgetVideofeatureshands-onpleougobeMon, 03 Dec 2007 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA["The Pleo Song" takes our breath away]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/the-pleo-song-takes-our-breath-away/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/the-pleo-song-takes-our-breath-away/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/the-pleo-song-takes-our-breath-away/#commentsIt's no secret: songs about gadgets are a scourge upon the earth. And that's why they're awesome. The latest of these little ditties that'll have you humming in the shower tomorrow morning -- and raving like a lunatic the day after -- is "The Pleo Song," courtesy of RobotsRule. The song was written to celebrate Ugobe's announcement of 30 day shipping notices for Pleo, which we suppose is as good an excuse as any to write a gratingly bad song about a robotic dinosaur. "Remember the heart of a child knows that love goes with Pleo." If you still think you can stomach it after that little teaser, the YouTube version is after the break.

Continue reading "The Pleo Song" takes our breath away

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"The Pleo Song" takes our breath away originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pleosongthe pleo songThePleoSongThu, 15 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[UGOBE's Pleo enters production, software updates already promised]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/06/ugobes-pleo-enters-production-software-updates-already-promise/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/06/ugobes-pleo-enters-production-software-updates-already-promise/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/06/ugobes-pleo-enters-production-software-updates-already-promise/#comments
With just weeks to go until Americans everywhere lose their minds in the holiday shopping rush, UGOBE is announcing that its long (long) awaited Pleo is finally hitting the production line. Furthermore, the company insists that those who pre-ordered the dinobot directly from UGOBE will receive a 30-day shipment notification "before Thanksgiving," and those who placed their order with "any US retailer" will have their new toy before December 25th. In case that's not enough to win back your heart, you can also look forward to a revamped website next month that will allow owners to download a "surprise mode" for their creature. Speaking of downloads, those wondering if this thing really will be able to "learn and develop a unique personality based on how it is raised" can anticipate "free software updates" aimed at enabling that feature (and possibly others) sometime next year. Hang tight kiddos, Pleos are being hatched as we speak.

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UGOBE's Pleo enters production, software updates already promised originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dinoboton saleOnSalepleosaleugobeTue, 06 Nov 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mary had a little...Pleo?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/mary-had-a-little-pleo/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/mary-had-a-little-pleo/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/25/mary-had-a-little-pleo/#comments
From now on, when we can't sleep at night, we'll be counting Pleos.

[Via Robots Rule]

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Mary had a little...Pleo? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin maker faire 2007AustinMakerFaire2007maker faireMakerFairepleougobe,robots ruleUgobe,robotsRuleThu, 25 Oct 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugobe announces Pleo delay, cut in production by 50%]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/ugobe-announces-pleo-delay-cut-in-production-by-50/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/ugobe-announces-pleo-delay-cut-in-production-by-50/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/ugobe-announces-pleo-delay-cut-in-production-by-50/#comments
Bad news for the cuddly adorable dino-robot hopeful in the audience, Ugobe is announcing yet another Pleo delay today, this time due to a battery issue. Not only will Pleo hatch another month late (from October into late November), Ugobe is also estimating some 50% drop in the initially planned population of Pleos, thanks to the current design's internal battery temperature safety cutoff, which has the undesirable side effect of preventing a full charge. Ugobe is moving the battery charging off-board in order to ensure owners expecting an hour of Pleo play time won't wind up with 30 or 45 minutes, but this comes at the expense of time and killing off half the initial Pleo population. Fortunately, those who pre-ordered Pleos should be in the clear getting their dinobot, but the holiday scarcity issue is a little scary for the rest of us who didn't account for the possibility of yet another jacked-up eBay Christmas.

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Ugobe announces Pleo delay, cut in production by 50% originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterydelaypleougobeTue, 11 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Pleo the dinobot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/hands-on-with-pleo-the-dinobot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/hands-on-with-pleo-the-dinobot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/hands-on-with-pleo-the-dinobot/#comments
Watch out Mark Tilden, we have witnessed the future, and your family of robotic creatures is about to get totally shown up -- for a pretty steep price, of course. By now you're probably well aware of the heir to the robotoy throne that we're referring to, Ugobe's $350 Pleo dinobot (or life form, as they like to call it) dropping November 1st. Well we finally got a little face time with this sensor-laden blast from the past, and we're happy to report that the frustrating delays our Jurassic pal has suffered seem to be well worth it, as the model we saw behaved and performed almost flawlessly. Interestingly enough, although the components are quite tough (as evidenced when our demonstrator violently snapped its back and legs with no ill effects), Pleo's tactile rubber skin and puppy-like cuteness tend to make people treat it much gentler than necessary. Still, considering that these will ship with a completely hackable OS, we're sure that there will be no shortage of baby dino snuff films up on YouTube in no time. For more, um, appropriate viewing matter, check out the gallery below, and then hit the jump to watch three of these little guys do their best impression of a Budweiser commercial...

Gallery: Hands-on with Pleo the dinobot

Continue reading Hands-on with Pleo the dinobot

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Hands-on with Pleo the dinobot originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dinobothands onHandsOnpleorobotsugobeTue, 07 Aug 2007 20:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugobe defines its own Three Laws, dooms us all to future of robot oppression]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/04/ugobe-defines-its-own-three-laws-dooms-us-all-to-future-of-robo/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/04/ugobe-defines-its-own-three-laws-dooms-us-all-to-future-of-robo/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/04/ugobe-defines-its-own-three-laws-dooms-us-all-to-future-of-robo/#comments
You know, as anxious as we all are about our prospective (nay, inevitable) collective future as meatbags oppressed by some human-created supreme artificial intelligence, at least Isaac Asimov's (and to a lesser extent, Isaac Hayesimov's) Three Laws helped us sleep at night. So thanks a lot, Ugobe, for throwing those comforting laws right out the window and defining your own Three Laws of Ugobe Life Forms (as follows).
  • A (robot) life form must feel and convey emotions
  • A (robot) life form must be aware of itself and its environment
  • A (robot) life form must learn, develop, evolve over time
Great, wonderful, you basically just gave robots a blueprint for the foundation of the enslavement of the human race. While you're at it, why don't you guys just build up a trojan horse to get things going? We're thinking some cutesy, totally harmless looking character-bot every kid in the world absolutely must have, because if we wanted to overthrow civilization, that's totally the -- oh, wait.

[Via Robots Rule]

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Ugobe defines its own Three Laws, dooms us all to future of robot oppression originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pleougobeSat, 04 Aug 2007 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[UGOBE's Pleo stock all dried up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/ugobes-pleo-stock-all-dried-up/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/ugobes-pleo-stock-all-dried-up/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/ugobes-pleo-stock-all-dried-up/#comments
After the months on end of waiting anxiously for UGOBE to actually announce that the Pleo was more than a very lovable piece of vaporware, you'll now be forced to seek other vendors or wait even longer before receiving one of your own. Nary a month after pre-orders went live here in the US, UGOBE is now stating that it is all sold out of its own cash cow dino. Regrettably, we've no idea how long it'll be before the next batch hatches, but if yours is currently on backorder, give us a heads-up when the line starts rolling again, wouldya?

[Thanks, Robert]

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UGOBE's Pleo stock all dried up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pleosalesold outSoldOuttoyugobeFri, 27 Jul 2007 02:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo ready for US pre-order: $349 for your eventual destruction]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/21/pleo-ready-for-us-pre-order-349-for-your-eventual-destruction/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/21/pleo-ready-for-us-pre-order-349-for-your-eventual-destruction/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/21/pleo-ready-for-us-pre-order-349-for-your-eventual-destruction/#comments
Check it US Pleo hopefuls, UGOBE is now taking pre-orders for the hotly anticipated dinobot. The price? Well, it's not $250, or even $300 as we were originally told. Rather, the cuddly killer is now pegged at $349. Pre-orders can be executed directly from the UGOBE website or via the usual array of on-line retail partners. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait a few months before your Pleo can "inspire mystery and awe as a companion" -- it doesn't ship until October. Plenty of time to ponder the threat of inviting a robot and dinosaur into your home. Now head on over to Pleoworld for plenty of hot, groaning, dino-on-dino action.

[Thanks, Vladimiro]

Read -- Press Release [warning: PDF]
Read -- Pleoworld [warning: moaning robots, crank down the volume]

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Pleo ready for US pre-order: $349 for your eventual destruction originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdinosaurpleopleowordrobotugobeThu, 21 Jun 2007 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugobe's Pleo packaging unveiled, battery now replaceable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/23/ugobes-pleo-packaging-unveiled-battery-now-replaceable/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/23/ugobes-pleo-packaging-unveiled-battery-now-replaceable/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/23/ugobes-pleo-packaging-unveiled-battery-now-replaceable/#comments
Unfortunately, we don't have any surefire news that Ugobe's long-awaited Pleo is actually any closer to shipping, but considering that a design has apparently been decided upon for the packaging, we'll take that as a hint. Ugobe's founder Caleb Chung was quoted as saying that the "photos on the box are nearly life size and are designed to convey the wonderful range of expression and organic movement of which Pleo is capable," and continued on in order to mention that the final version of the dino would sport a battery that's both rechargeable and replaceable. Lastly, he threw in yet another phrase of confidence that the device was "getting really close" to actually launching, but considering the false alarms we've seen in the past, we're not banking on anything until this bad boy invades a few homes.

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Ugobe's Pleo packaging unveiled, battery now replaceable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2007 06:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

Continue reading UGOBE delays the Pleo again, adds new sounds and sensor

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UGOBE delays the Pleo again, adds new sounds and sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dinosaurpleorobottoyugobeThu, 01 Feb 2007 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugobe readies Pleo for pre-order, kicks out feature spot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/30/ugobe-readies-pleo-for-pre-order-kicks-out-feature-spot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/30/ugobe-readies-pleo-for-pre-order-kicks-out-feature-spot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/30/ugobe-readies-pleo-for-pre-order-kicks-out-feature-spot/#comments

Sure, you've probably seen way more Wowwee robot action in the past few weeks than you ever thought your retinas could stand, but since you persevered, why not give this not-exactly-related family member a few ticks of your time too? Ugobe's Pleo has been a long time coming, and while we've seen a small clip of the dino in action before, now the two-week old Camarasaurus has its very own advertising spot. The video showcases the wee creature's ability to "sense," feel emotions, walk, interact with its environment, and "learn" over time. Furthermore, it looks like the company's previous estimates of a March launch date could be on target after all, as the website now states that pre-order information will be available in four short days. So if you're even pondering picking up an intelligent pet from the Jurassic period that doesn't even need those uber-expensive booster shots, click on through for the marketing hoopla.

[Thanks, Eric C.]

Continue reading Ugobe readies Pleo for pre-order, kicks out feature spot

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Ugobe readies Pleo for pre-order, kicks out feature spot originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousCamarasaurusdinodinosauremotionemotionsexpressionpleosensorstoyugobeTue, 30 Jan 2007 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Pleo gets a launch date: March 2007]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/pleo-gets-a-launch-date-march-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/pleo-gets-a-launch-date-march-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/pleo-gets-a-launch-date-march-2007/#comments We all kinda thought (and hoped, and wished) that the Pleo would be out for the 2006 buying season, but it looks like the ultimate dino-bot's about to handily overshoot the mark by a few months. According to PleoBot, Ugobe's Khristine Valdez said that pre-orders for the baby beast could be taken December 24th, with expected deliveries and retail presence in early March 2007. Kind of weak to hand over a printout on Christmas morning to your kid that reads IOU1bot, but hey, you can't rush extinction-reversing prefection.

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Pleo gets a launch date: March 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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