TakaraTomy -- Engadget

Yuruppy virtual pet ready to make you feel guilty for not taking good enough care of it

by Laura June, posted Mar 6th 2009 at 9:07AM

Takara Tomy's taking the virtual pet territory most famously inhabited by Bandai's Tamgotchis to the next level with Yuruppy. Yuruppy's just like any other fake pet -- you need to slave away to keep it alive for seemingly little reward other than the knowledge that it will "live" to "see" another day. This one's got a touchscreen however, so that you can actually pet your needy little buddy, on top of training and feeding. Fun! Sure, it seems insane to pile fake responsibilities on top of all the actual ones we humans have to deal with... insanely awesome. Regardless, the Yuruppy also comes in kitten and chicken varieties (yeah, we don't know), and it'll be $21 when it's available in Asia, and a deluxe version with a larger screen will run $38.

[Via CNET]

Takara Tomy's remote control robo-Q robot is tiny, incredibly cute

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 26th 2009 at 8:47AM

Takara Tomy never fails to impress, and with its latest robot, it's done an excellent job at eliciting "awws." You see, the February-bound robo-Q bipedal robot is about the size of a human thumb, yet its heart and mind are big enough to understand commands via remote control. There's even obstacle recognition software built-in to keep it from toppling over gigantic foreign objects (you know, like toothpicks and push pins), which is awesome enough in and of itself to warrant the ¥3,675 ($42) price tag.

[Via TokyoMango]

Gallery: Takara Tomy's remote control robo-Q robot is tiny, incredibly cute

Takara Tomy Xiao printer-camera excretes prints

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 27th 2008 at 3:38PM

We never knew that cameras could be constipated, nor that excrement could be framed, but apparently Takara Tomy knows better than us.

Takara Tomy's wall-climbing AeroSpider RC car ships this month

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 1st 2008 at 6:25PM

We came for the car, we stayed for the promoter. Takara Tomy's previously announced AeroSpider RC car, which mystically scales walls and cruises upside-down, is finally shipping this month in Japan. Cool though that may be, the real news here is the overgrown 4-year old used to show off just how amazing this minuscule vehicle truly is. Head on past the break to see what we mean -- trust us, we wouldn't lead you on like this for nothing.

[Thanks, Clyde]

Continue reading Takara Tomy's wall-climbing AeroSpider RC car ships this month

Jinsei Game of Life pedometer makes you exercise to play

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 21st 2008 at 9:23AM

Directly rewarding efforts with results, now that's the way to get someone moving. As we've seen time and time again, providing a clear, undiluted motivator is a perfect way to make fitness a top priority in life, and that's exactly what Takara Tomy is hoping to achieve with its pocket-friendly Jinsei Game of Life pedometer. Essentially, this device is a portable version of the famed Game of Life board game, but users are purportedly not allowed to take a turn unless they take 300 steps first. Additionally, two players can take on one another via the "communication mode," but there's a good chance the most chiseled among you will take home the gold regardless of luck. Out this month in Japan for ¥3,675 ($34).

[Via CScout Japan]

Takara Tomy's RPG Piggy Bank: level up by saving up

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 21st 2008 at 7:05AM

Now here's a novel concept. Takara Tomy's BankQuest is half piggy bank, half old school RPG. Essentially, gamers / penny pinchers can purchase items to help them fend off pixelated ogres and the like by saving more money. The more coinage that gets deposited, the better the journey becomes. So, do you get some kind of prize when you cash it all out to buy your mum something nice, or what?

Pictures galore from ROBO-ONE 13 competition in Japan

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 27th 2008 at 9:11AM

The always jam-packed ROBO-ONE competition in Japan was more heated than ever this year, with bi-ped robots tackling others and ripping them limb from limb. Okay, so maybe that's somewhat of a stretch, but you can rest assured some serious throw downs, um, went down. Interestingly enough, we heard that an i-SOBOT competition was also included (infighting, anyone?), and that the Maru family's King Kizer took home the gold. That's all well, fine and good, but we know what you're after -- take a (long) look at the hundreds of photos waiting in the read link below.

[Via MAKE]

Baby Climo air purifier is adorable, possibly deadly

by Nilay Patel, posted Jan 29th 2008 at 7:41PM

If you're not totally swayed by the evidence that certain air purifiers cause harmful levels of ozone emissions, why not put your money where your mouth is and stick one by your infant? These Baby Climo units from Takara Tomy filter out bacteria, mold, and odors, all while using just a tiny amount of power -- and looking like tiny little ozone-spewing aliens. Japan-only, but it looks like importers have 'em for the brave at $229.

[Via Popgadget]

Hands-on with battling i-SOBOTs

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 8th 2008 at 5:51PM

While browsing the monstrosity that is CES 2008, we happened upon a pair of i-SOBOTs attempting to utterly demolish each other. Was there really any other choice but to stop and snap a gallery's worth of pics to prove it?

Gallery: Hands-on with battling i-SOBOTs

Takara Tomy's Rhythmbits do a little dance

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 1st 2007 at 9:03PM

Takara Tomy's Walkiebits sure caused quite a stir when they first landed a few years back, and now the firm is cranking out another variation that's sure to be a holiday favorite. The slew of new Rhythmbits arrive in a variety of vivid colors, measure in at just 1.85-inches in length, sport interchangeable shells and bust a plethora of moves when they hear music. These little bundles of fun are set to take Japan by storm later this week for ¥1,575 ($14) apiece.

[Via NewLaunches]

Introductory video shows off i-SOBOT's features

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 25th 2007 at 8:02AM

We know, you're actively looking for ways to stay calm and patiently await the arrival of your US-bound i-SOBOT, so we're thrilled to pass along an introductory video to tide you over. The clip goes through and lists everything that comes bundled in with the bot itself, and the animated creature also shows off a few moves, phrases and modes. Granted, we hold a special place in our heart for any miniature mech designed to handle full-fledged somersaults and shamelessly rock out with an air guitar, but we're pretty sure you'll enjoy the vid, too. Go on, it's waiting after the break.

Continue reading Introductory video shows off i-SOBOT's features

Japan's Segnity: the talking TV

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Sep 20th 2007 at 12:32PM

If you've ever dreamed of a cute little television which would speak to you (and we're pretty sure you have), you're in luck. Thanks to E-Revolutiona and Takara Tomy, that dream is now a reality. The two companies have gotten together and produced a 2.7-inch, QVGA TV called the Segnity which runs on AAA batteries or USB power, features a 1seg tuner (a a mobile terrestrial digital audio / video / data broadcasting service in Japan), and... talks to you. Apparently, the little display (which comes in black or white) will asking you things like, "Are you leaving already?" when you attempt to switch it off. No word on whether it whispers subliminal messages to you while you sleep, or threatens to kill you if you return it -- but we can certainly hope. Available at the end of September for about ¥10,000 (or $86). Check the video after the break to see the annoying device in action. [Warning: read link not translated]

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading Japan's Segnity: the talking TV

Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT available for pre-order in US

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 17th 2007 at 9:28PM

We knew it wouldn't be long, but we weren't counting on being able to pre-order Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT in America today. Of course, we aren't kvetching or anything, but Amazon is now accepting orders for the creature here in the US of A, and the asking price is at the low end of what we were bracing for. So go on, secure your place in line for $299.99 -- it ought to ship real soon.

[Via I4U News, thanks Luigi]

Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT headed stateside?

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 17th 2007 at 6:31AM

We're not exactly sure how much we trust i-SOBOT's MySpace page, but if you're a believer, this creature will be headed to America real soon. Interestingly, it purports that the primary reason for making the leap to the US is to "study our culture," which is likely a suave way of suggesting that its totally scoping out our defenses as the clan back home develops a sufficient takeover strategy. Nevertheless, word on the street has this bad boy landing stateside before Christmas for $300 - $350, so there's still a few months left to prepare for the seemingly inevitable invasion.

[Via Gearlog]

Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 21st 2007 at 12:14PM

Yeah, we've got a soft spot for all things Transformers, and while Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player isn't the most advanced DAP on the block, the fun factor is undeniable. Thankfully, the folks over at PrimeDiary were able to wrangle one of these bad boys up for themselves and snap a few photographs. Needless to say, we're envious, but go on and click through for a couple more shots of the MP3 player fanboys just have to have.

Continue reading Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed