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[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 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[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[Engadget Podcast 143 - 04.24.2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/engadget-podcast-143-04-24-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/engadget-podcast-143-04-24-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/engadget-podcast-143-04-24-2009/#comments
In case you aren't hip to the Twittersphere, Josh, Nilay, Paul and Engadget's own Twitter bot put out their feelers for listener questions this week, and got a lot of great material for discussion. Inquisitive minds wanted to know which wild conjectures these fine men believe about the Zune HD, how particularly evil Time Warner Cable is, and other matters related to Chinese phone manufacturers and The End Times. If you failed to seize upon this opportunity to ask, or found your own question heartlessly ignored, make sure to take advantage of the various avenues of contact listed below and ask away!

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Song: Ghostbusters

00:02:36 - Is this the Zune HD?
00:23:08 - Time Warner Cable lays out broadband capping plans, says $150 for "unlimited" use
00:28:25 - Time Warner Cable to axe DOCSIS 3.0 trials without tiered billing?
00:33:53 - Time Warner and Embarq can't compete with city-owned ISP, trying to outlaw it
00:47:37 - Ugobe files for bankruptcy, Pleo facing extinction
00:53:28 - Keepin' it real fake
01:09:03 - T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009 video hands-on


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Engadget Podcast 143 - 04.24.2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadget podcastEngadgetPodcastfeaturefeaturedfeatureskeepinitrealfakekirfpodcastpodcastssidekickt-mobiletime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletmobiletmobile sidekickTmobileSidekicktwcugobezune hdZuneHdFri, 24 Apr 2009 13:04:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 143Josh Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller01:18:16podcasts<![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'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[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[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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launchpicpicspicturepicturespleoshippingshipssnapshotsneak peekSneakPeekugobeWed, 23 May 2007 06:36:00 EST<![CDATA[UGOBE delays the Pleo again, adds new sounds and sensor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/ugobe-delays-the-pleo-again-adds-new-sounds-and-sensor/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/ugobe-delays-the-pleo-again-adds-new-sounds-and-sensor/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/ugobe-delays-the-pleo-again-adds-new-sounds-and-sensor/#comments
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