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[Go-Go Dog Pals lets you exercise Rover without tapping your precious calorie reserve]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/go-go-dog-pals/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/go-go-dog-pals/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/go-go-dog-pals/#comments Image

Sure you love your dog, but having him watch you sit on the sofa doesn't constitute playtime. Standing up and even running around outside together will surely get the job done, but why get up for exercise when you're perfectly comfortable on the couch? That's the idea behind Go-Go Dog Pals, coined "the funnest most fun way to exercise your dog." Unless you have a few acres to play with beyond the front door, you'll still need to to bring Rover out to the yard before unleashing the wireless gopher look-alike, but there finally appears to be a solution for controlling your dog just as you do your TV -- with a remote. The Go-Go has plenty of pep under the hood, thanks to its dual-motor, four-wheel drive and top speed of 35 kilometers (22 miles) per hour, and it could be yours for the not-so-modest sum of $300. There is a $25 discount on order, if you can pull the trigger by July 1st -- just enter "CHASE" at checkout. Paws-on video is just past the break.

Continue reading Go-Go Dog Pals lets you exercise Rover without tapping your precious calorie reserve

Go-Go Dog Pals lets you exercise Rover without tapping your precious calorie reserve originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 04:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dogdog palsdog toydog toysDogPalsdogsDogToyDogToysgo-go dogpalsGo-goDogpalsgogo dog palsGogoDogPalsremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledtoytoysvideoWed, 16 May 2012 04:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Genetically modified mongrel takes drugs, glows in the dark]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/genetically-modified-mongrel-takes-drugs-glows-in-the-dark/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/genetically-modified-mongrel-takes-drugs-glows-in-the-dark/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/genetically-modified-mongrel-takes-drugs-glows-in-the-dark/#comments Labradoodles, Cockapoos and Puggles better make way, there's a new designer breed lighting up the pound -- blacklight-style. Using the same somatic cell transfer technique that birthed the first puppy clone, Korean researchers at Seoul National University created Tegon, a glow-in-the-dark female beagle. The four years in the making, 3.2 billion won ($3 million) genetically modified pup fluoresces when exposed to UV light after ingesting a doxycycline antibiotic. No doubt this Frankenweenie should have Uptown girls and Party kids scrambling for a bank loan, but a high-end canine accessory end is not what the team had in mind. Citing the 268 diseases mutt and man share, lead scientist Lee Byeong-chun believes future lab-made pooches could include "genes that trigger fatal human diseases," paving the way for life-saving treatments. If any of this is ringing your PETA alarm, we don't blame you. We'd much rather see this lambent hooch take the starring role in Tim Burton's next, great reboot.

[Image credit via Reuters]

Genetically modified mongrel takes drugs, glows in the dark originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beagledogdogsfluorescentgenetically modifiedgenetically modified dogGeneticallyModifiedGeneticallyModifiedDogglow in the darkglow in the dark dogGlowInTheDarkGlowInTheDarkDogresearchSeoul National UniversitySeoulNationalUniversityTegonThu, 28 Jul 2011 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Wozniak calls us all dogs, in a nice way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/steve-wozniak-calls-us-all-dogs-in-a-nice-way/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/steve-wozniak-calls-us-all-dogs-in-a-nice-way/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/steve-wozniak-calls-us-all-dogs-in-a-nice-way/#comments You can stop worrying about the robot apocalypse now. Steve Wozniak has weighed in on the matter, and it turns out we've pretty much lost. The Apple co-founder / dancing star discussed the subject with an Australian business crowd, mapping out a future in which artificial intelligence equals our own, and mankind's own input is meaningless. In other words, "We're going to become the pets, the dogs of the house." Woz added that his take on the whole war thing was, in part, a joke -- it's the part that wasn't that we're worried about. Though if our own dogs' existences are any indication, things could be a lot worse.

[Thanks, Shaun]

Steve Wozniak calls us all dogs, in a nice way originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceaustraliadogdogsrobotrobotapocalypserobotssteve wozniakSteveWozniakwozMon, 06 Jun 2011 07:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin's Astro 320 GPS handheld offers nine-mile coverage, keeps your hunting dogs in line]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/garmins-astro-320-gps-handheld-offers-nine-mile-coverage-keeps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/garmins-astro-320-gps-handheld-offers-nine-mile-coverage-keeps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/garmins-astro-320-gps-handheld-offers-nine-mile-coverage-keeps/#comments Before you and your pooches head out to hunt innocent ducks this year, you might wanna check out Garmin's new Astro 320 dog tracker -- a handheld GPS device designed to help hunters keep even closer tabs on their four-legged sentries. The latest addition to the Astro family can simultaneously track up to ten hunting dogs per receiver, with a revamped antenna and three-axis electronic compass covering up to nine miles of flat terrain. Boasting a 20-hour battery life, the 1.7GB handheld can also tell hunters whether their canines are running or pointing, while its mapping capabilities provide their precise coordinates relative to powerlines, buildings, and individual trees. All this information is displayed on a 2.6-inch display, where users will be able to access 100k or 24k topographic and satellite maps. A keypad lock function, meanwhile, will make sure you don't accidentally press any buttons while you're in the thick of a hound-led hunt. The handheld will be available in July for $500, with the full system (including a DC 40 tracking collar) priced at $650. You can flip through the gallery below for images of some antenna-toting doggies, or head past the break for a more testosterone-laced pic and the full PR.

Gallery: Garmin Astro 320

Continue reading Garmin's Astro 320 GPS handheld offers nine-mile coverage, keeps your hunting dogs in line

Garmin's Astro 320 GPS handheld offers nine-mile coverage, keeps your hunting dogs in line originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7GB100k2.6-inch24Kanimalantennaastro 320Astro320collardc 40dc 40 collar trackerDC40Dc40CollarTrackerdog trackerdogsDogTrackerelectronic compassElectronicCompassgarmingarmin astrogarmin astro 320GarminAstroGarminAstro320hunthunterhuntingkeypadkeypad lockKeypadLockmappingmapssafetysatellite imagerySatelliteImagerythree-axistopographic mapTopographicMaptrackerThu, 02 Jun 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel Puppy Tweets review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/mattel-puppy-tweets-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/mattel-puppy-tweets-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/mattel-puppy-tweets-review/#comments

Though Twitter has become a greater professional tool than we'd imagine anyone ever intended it's still hard to take the service too seriously. We like silly twitterers, whether they be offering pretend writing advice, charting the reclusive tendencies of Hollywood's leading men, or just threatening to force choke any troll who gets in their way. Wouldn't it be fun if your pooch could get in on those antics? No, as it turns out, it isn't that fun at all.

Gallery: Mattel Puppy Tweets

Continue reading Mattel Puppy Tweets review

Mattel Puppy Tweets review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dogdogsfeaturefeaturedfeaturesmattelpuppypuppy tweetsPuppyTweetsreviewtwittervideowirelessWed, 08 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin upgrades its doggone Astro tracking system with DC 40 collar GPS tracker]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/garmin-upgrades-its-doggone-astro-tracking-system-with-dc-40-col/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/garmin-upgrades-its-doggone-astro-tracking-system-with-dc-40-col/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/garmin-upgrades-its-doggone-astro-tracking-system-with-dc-40-col/#commentsGarmin upgrades its doggone Astro tracking system with DC 40 collar GPS tracker Chances are the closest you've come to hunting with a pooch is swearing at that giggle-happy mutt who shames your every miss in Duck Hunt. In the real world, dogs are sent out to flush game and track down new things to shoot at, often way out of sight. Garmin's Astro receiver, combined with the DC 30 collar tracker (pictured above), made it easy to keep the all seeing eye on your very own mutt even when miles away, and now the DC 40 makes it even easier. The DC 40 sports a redesign that should make it a more reliable companion, including a new charging connector that won't get clogged with mud. Also new is the ability to create a PIN so that other Astro users can't spy (and possibly even steal) your pooches. The Astro receiver can track up to 10 hounds at once at seven miles of range, and will even let hunters mark where their companions scurried up some prey for future reconnaissance. The price? Garmin isn't saying just yet, but the current DC 30 and Astro receiver package goes for $599, and we'd expect this to cost about the same, though the DC 40 collar unit itself is also said to be available separately if you just want to make sure your hound has the latest couture.

Update: Garmin was kind enough to send us a picture of the new DC 40, above.

Continue reading Garmin upgrades its doggone Astro tracking system with DC 40 collar GPS tracker

Garmin upgrades its doggone Astro tracking system with DC 40 collar GPS tracker originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astrocollardc 40Dc40dogdog collarDogCollardogsgarmingarmin astrogarmin dc 40GarminAstroGarminDc40gpshuntinghunting dogsHuntingDogsFri, 11 Jun 2010 09:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: wind power, shoe power, and the world's largest laser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-power-shoe-power-and-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-power-shoe-power-and-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-power-shoe-power-and-the-world/#commentsThe Week in Green is a new item from our friends at Inhabitat, recapping the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us.
This week Inhabitat showcased several smart new technologies that harness clean green energy from unexpected (and undeniably awesome) sources. Volcanoes may be the bane of air travel as of late, but Indonesia has hatched a plan to harness their geothermal might to produce 4,000 megawatts of power. Meanwhile The Netherlands is turning the tide on hydroelectric power by upgrading their dikes with energy generating underwater turbines.

In other news, harnessing energy from stars may seem like an out-of-this-world proposition, but that's precisely what scientists are attempting to achieve as they fire up the world's largest laser in an attempt to grasp the holy grail of energy: nuclear fusion. And speaking of out-of-this-world developments, this week Japan announced plans to launch its solar "Ikaros" spacecraft, which will sail through the stars using rays of light.

While keeping stride with these developments we also looked at several innovative technologies that stand to shape the future of consumer tech. Looking to put some punch in your step? Then try these energy generating piezoelectric shoes on for size. We also brought an eye-opening new night vision technology to light that is so thin, lightweight, and cheap that it can integrated directly into eyeglasses, car windows, and cell phone cameras. Even our canine friends are getting high-tech upgrades -- check out this geo-tagging rescue dog jacket that can be used by people in peril to transmit emergency messages.

Finally, this weekend marks the start of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, which we're celebrating by showcasing the top six futuristic pavilions that harness high-tech green building strategies. But if you only check out one, make it the amazing interactive Dream Cube, which is made from recycled CD cases and features a stunning LED-laden facade that changes color with a wave of the hand.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: wind power, shoe power, and the world's largest laser originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dog jacketDogJacketdogsdream cubeDreamCubegeothermalgeothermal energygeothermal powerGeothermalEnergyGeothermalPowerikarosinhabitatlasernight visionNightVisionpiezoelectricpiezoelectric shoesPiezoelectricShoessolar powerSolarPowerweek in greenWeekInGreenwigwind powerWindPowerSun, 02 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puppy Tweets will turn your Pooper into a world-class twitterer (Updated: with hands-on pictures!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/puppy-tweets-will-turn-your-pooper-into-a-world-class-twitterer/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/puppy-tweets-will-turn-your-pooper-into-a-world-class-twitterer/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/puppy-tweets-will-turn-your-pooper-into-a-world-class-twitterer/#comments If you thought the downfall of Twitter began when Oprah said it was the best thing ever, well, you're probably right, but this latest toy from Mattel won't help to improve the situation. It's called Puppy Tweets, a little clasp that hangs from your pooch's collar and detects what it's up to -- presumably making wild guesses based on accelerometer and microphone readings. It was announced last month and is being shown off at the NY Toy Fair, where Mattel is pledging it can detect 500 different activities and turn them into 140-character witticisms, like: "It's not the catching of the tail, it's the chase," and "Guess what I'm licking right now." Yep, a real product, and $30 will get you yours in either pink or blue.

Update: We had to check this thing out for ourselves at the Toy Fair today. Unfortunately, there wasn't a real pup on hand to demo, but we did confirm that this lightweight plastic collar can, as previously mentioned, tweet everything from licks to resulting carpet stains. Included in the box is a matching USB dongle which contains software that works with the collar to enable the Wi-Fi updates. It won't hit shelves until June, but check the gallery below.

Gallery: Mattel Puppy Tweets

Puppy Tweets will turn your Pooper into a world-class twitterer (Updated: with hands-on pictures!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dogdogshands-onmattelnew york toy fairNewYorkToyFairpetspuppy tweetpuppy tweetsPuppyTweetPuppyTweetstoytoy fairtoy fair 2010ToyFairToyFair2010Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Puppy Tweets lets your puppy... tweet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/puppy-tweets-lets-your-puppy-tweet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/puppy-tweets-lets-your-puppy-tweet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/puppy-tweets-lets-your-puppy-tweet/#commentsApple might think it's going to change the world tomorrow with some sort of crazy tablet, but we're here to tell you that the world has already changed. American humans will soon be able to buy a product called "Puppy Tweets," a product actually designed, tested, and released by the Mattel corporation. First, you need a dog with a Twitter account. (Who doesn't have one of those?) Then, you need to use $30 of your actual money to buy Puppy Tweets, a plastic sound-and-motion sensor that clips onto your dog's collar and sends out several pre-written tweets that have extreme amounts of dignity, like "YAHOOOOOOO! Somedays you just gotta get your bark on." Then you have to weep gently for the future of our society.

Puppy Tweets lets your puppy... tweet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomedogdogsmattelpuppy tweetsPuppyTweetssocial networkingSocialNetworkingtwitterTue, 26 Jan 2010 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Dog buys 5,000 Microsoft points, says he just wanted to check out the Abbey Road DLC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/dog-buys-5-000-microsoft-points-says-he-just-wanted-to-check-ou/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/dog-buys-5-000-microsoft-points-says-he-just-wanted-to-check-ou/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/dog-buys-5-000-microsoft-points-says-he-just-wanted-to-check-ou/#comments Say what you will about dogs being man's best friend -- they sure can get into a lot of trouble. While our dogs have been limited to eating shoes and shedding on our furniture, Greg Strope of Richmond, Virginia has reason to believe his furry friend has gone the extra mile. While he lay in bed sleeping, his dog Oscar, he believes, purchased 5,000 Microsoft points. The only possible culprit, Oscar left some telltale signs (drool and scratches) on the Xbox controller, leading Greg to blame the $63 purchase on him. We have to admit the dog's actions rather impress us, though it also makes us nervous about all those times we left our laptop open and unattended around our own tiny beast. Video featuring damning photographic evidence is after the break.

Continue reading Dog buys 5,000 Microsoft points, says he just wanted to check out the Abbey Road DLC

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Dog buys 5,000 Microsoft points, says he just wanted to check out the Abbey Road DLC originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animaldogdogsgamingmicrosoft pointsMicrosoftPointsvideogamesxboxxbox pointsXboxPointsSun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Remote Pet Feeder feeds your pet, encourages your animal voyeurism habit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/remote-pet-feeder-feeds-your-pet-encourages-your-animal-voyeuri/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/remote-pet-feeder-feeds-your-pet-encourages-your-animal-voyeuri/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/remote-pet-feeder-feeds-your-pet-encourages-your-animal-voyeuri/#comments The last time we saw a computerized internet-controlled pet feeder, it had been lovingly, creatively cobbled together by a child. Well, it seems the idea's really got legs, as they now seem to be available on a mass-scale, in a nearly identical (albeit slightly more polished) form. Yes, just like the one designed by a boy somewhere in the 8-years-old-range, the Remote Pet Feeder comes with a webcam, a slightly modded bulk kibble feeder / bowl combo, and a 24-hour programmable timer. It's available now for about $290.

[Via Coolest Gadgets]

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Remote Pet Feeder feeds your pet, encourages your animal voyeurism habit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalanimalsdogdogsfeederhomepetpet feederpetfeederpetsremote pet feederRemotePetFeederTue, 09 Jun 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin DC 30 GPS dog collar turns hunting into a videogame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/garmin-dc-30-gps-dog-collar-turns-hunting-into-a-videogame/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/garmin-dc-30-gps-dog-collar-turns-hunting-into-a-videogame/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/garmin-dc-30-gps-dog-collar-turns-hunting-into-a-videogame/#commentsGarmin DC 30
Here's one for the hunters. Strap the Garmin DC 30 collar onto your hunting dog, fire up your Astro 220 receiver, and you'll not only know where your dog is, but you'll also know if he is running, pointing, or treeing, even in dense cover. Range is good for up to seven miles, and the tracking even covers the dog's direction so you can figure out where that delicious nubbin of turkey is hiding. The receiver can track up to 10 dogs at once, and the collar is good for 17-36 hours on one charge. The DC 30 is sold separately for $199.99 or for $649.99 as part of an Astro 220 combo, and should be available third-quarter 2008.

UPDATE: Garmin was nice enough to send us proper shots of the actual DC 30. Thanks!

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Garmin DC 30 GPS dog collar turns hunting into a videogame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astro 220Astro220dc 30Dc30dogsgarminhuntingThu, 26 Jun 2008 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/#comments
Just when you think you've given your dog everything it could ever want (gold plated water dish, rhinestone collar, a copy of Tegan and Sara's "The Con" on vinyl) the Japanese go and one up you. A Tokyo-based content provider named Dwango announced today that it would start selling specialized ringtones which can be heard only by dogs. The service, called Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon (ringtones only dogs can hear) will make free downloads available to current DoCoMo i-mode subscribers. No word on whether the company will provide Bluetooth headsets and holsters suited to our canine friends, but we understand plans are in the works for a line of bacon-themed wallpapers. [Warning: read link is a PDF, and it's in Japanese]

[Via CrunchGear]

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Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caninesCulturedogsdwangojapanmobilentt docomonttdocomoringtonestokyoFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/#comments
Just when you think you've given your dog everything it could ever want (gold plated water dish, rhinestone collar, a copy of Tegan and Sara's "The Con" on vinyl) the Japanese go and one up you. A Tokyo-based content provider named Dwango announced today that it would start selling specialized ringtones which can be heard only by dogs. The service, called Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon (ringtones only dogs can hear) will make free downloads available to current DoCoMo i-mode subscribers. No word on whether the company will provide Bluetooth headsets and holsters suited to our canine friends, but we understand plans are in the works for a line of bacon-themed wallpapers. [Warning: read link is a PDF, and it's in Japanese]

[Via CrunchGear]

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Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caninesdocomodogsdwangojapanringtonestokyoFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Is AIBO returning from the dead?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/is-aibo-returning-from-the-dead/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/is-aibo-returning-from-the-dead/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/is-aibo-returning-from-the-dead/#comments
You heard that right, folks. Supposedly, AIBO is back... with a vengeance. According to rumors, the feisty-but-killed robo-dog from Sony is making a comeback with a new paintjob and whole slew of fresh features. First and foremost, the re-upped model will be tailored to interface wirelessly with your PSP and PS3, will have a built in headcam which utilizes a motion sensor and facial recognition, and can stream its POV video over WiFi to your system. In addition, you'll apparently get to remotely trigger the bot with your handheld and control its movements, plus you can set it to "guard" your house (though we're pretty sure most enterprising burglars will just turn the little dude on its side if provoked). Of course, right now this is speculation -- Stuff Magazine's piece on the subject (above) gives the rumored bot a 53-percent chance of becoming a reality -- but there certainly seems to be some meat behind these murmurs. C'mon Sony -- the pup deserves a second chance.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Is AIBO returning from the dead? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiboaibo psAiboPscaninedogdogsps3pspqrioremote accessRemoteAccessrobot dogRobotDogsonySun, 09 Dec 2007 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Austrian researchers train dogs to use computers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/01/austrian-researchers-train-dogs-to-use-computers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/01/austrian-researchers-train-dogs-to-use-computers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/01/austrian-researchers-train-dogs-to-use-computers/#commentsYeah, teaching a canine how to operate a computer may sound pretty complex, but considering that one such animal was actually trained to sniff out and snag cellphones for its dubious owner, we guess it's not too difficult to conceive after all. In a recent study published in Animal Cognition, researchers from the University of Vienna in Austria taught four dogs to use computer automated touch-screens in order to carry out classification tests, theoretically eliminating any "potential human influence." In experiments that sought to see if dogs could indeed visually categorize pictures and transfer learning to new scenarios, the four subjects "were shown landscape and dog photographs and expected to make a selection on a computer touchscreen." Eventually, the authors concluded that using computers in animal testing could open up new windows of opportunity in testing cognitive abilities, but c'mon, you know those pups were just clicking around to see if their testing station would in fact play Doom.

[Via TheInquirer, image courtesy of Itchmo]

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Austrian researchers train dogs to use computers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalanimalsaustriacaninedogdogsresearchstudySat, 01 Dec 2007 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY'er makes a pet access control system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/diyer-makes-a-pet-access-control-system/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/diyer-makes-a-pet-access-control-system/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/diyer-makes-a-pet-access-control-system/#comments
If you're looking for a way to get your pups eating what you want, when you want, you might want to check into one DIY'ers clever solution for an RFID feeding scheme. The trouble all began when a gentleman named Mike Larsen needed to feed one of his dogs a special diet even though food had to be out constantly for his canines -- thus making that goal quite difficult to achieve. After discovering no commercial products to suit his needs (likely due to an apparent patent-hoarder), he decided to put his own solution together, using some RFID key fobs, a small proximity card access kit, a Radio Shack AC adapter, some loud buzzers... and a little bit of elbow grease. The system works by essentially "scaring" the special-diet-dog away from the food by the use of a loud buzzing sound, which isn't subtle, but certainly effective. Check the video after the break to see the system in action.

[Via Make]

Continue reading DIY'er makes a pet access control system

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DIY'er makes a pet access control system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joining an already crowded field of products designed to prey on pet owners' love for their animals, a new GPS-equipped dog collar from Sweden's Petlink Development and M-Tech promises to give you Rover's exact coordinates by simpling texting the service over Telia's network. The self-titled Petlink device works much like the GPS PRO we saw a few years back, allowing Swedes and eventually Danes to pay around twelve bucks a month for the privilege of nailing down a lost pet's location on the off chance that they successfully escape from captivity their happy homes. Unfortunately Petlink -- like most other models in this category -- is a little too bulky for use on animals of the feline persuasion, so if you're a cat owner, this may be just the impetus you need to trade up to a nice Lab or pit bull.

[Via Techdirt]

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Petlink dog collar features GPS for peace of mind originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collarsdogsgpsm-techpetlinkpetlink developmentPetlinkDevelopmentpetssimsmsThu, 10 May 2007 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Pet stress patch clues you in on Fido's emotional health]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/30/pet-stress-patch-clues-you-in-on-fidos-emotional-health/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/30/pet-stress-patch-clues-you-in-on-fidos-emotional-health/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/30/pet-stress-patch-clues-you-in-on-fidos-emotional-health/#commentsLet's face it, being a pet in the modern era is pretty tough -- our furry friends live under constant surveillance and face crippling self-esteem issues brought on by a society hell-bent on upgrading them, and even replacing them outright with videogames and robots. Adding to the list of products designed to relieve Fluffy from these terrible burdens, Japanese outfit Medical Life Care Giken claims to have invented a patch to measure the stress level of cats and dogs. Based on studies linking sweat production to stress, the pin-sized patch goes on your pet's paw and changes color based on how much sweat it detects, allowing you to schedule doggie-therapy sessions accordingly. While we're not certain why it took a multi-year partnership with researchers at Toyama University to develop a sweat-powered animal mood ring, we only hope that Giken is hard at work on the fish and turtle versions of this patch -- it's been looking mighty tense in that tank.

[Via MedLaunches]

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Pet stress patch clues you in on Fido's emotional health originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Throughout time, man's best friend has proven to possess an extraordinary capacity to provide helpful services. An unfortunate few become chauffeurs for lazy individuals, however many others provide invaluable aid to the disabled and wheelchair-bound. Assistance dogs have been known to perform tasks such as doing laundry and grocery shopping, but now they can totally rock the ATM as well. It all started with Endal, a ten-year-old Labrador Retriever assistance dog who took the liberty to nab his frustrated wheelchair-bound owner's card, money and receipt with his mouth -- a first for contributive canines. A charity that trains assistance dogs, Canine Partners, was quite inspired and has added an ATM regimen that teaches the helpful hounds to insert and remove cards, retrieve cash and receipts, and hand them to the owner who is responsible for entering their PIN number. Nothing in life is free, and a lot of stuff in life requires cash, therefore we can definitely conclude that this novel advancement is paws-down progressive.

[Via Spluch]

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Assistance dogs relieve "ruff" times at the ATM originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Mar 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistance dogsAssistanceDogsatmdisableddogsSat, 03 Mar 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Bio-Sense concocts bark-sensing alarm system: meet Doguard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/bio-sense-concocts-bark-sensing-alarm-system-meet-doguard/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/bio-sense-concocts-bark-sensing-alarm-system-meet-doguard/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/bio-sense-concocts-bark-sensing-alarm-system-meet-doguard/#commentsWe doubt inmates get the luxury of catching the latest episodes of Prison Break while under lock and key, but we also doubt they'd need a pre-fabbed drama to instill such thoughts in their brain. Bio-Sense Technologies has reportedly harnessed the power of software that "interprets barking" in order to alert humans sooner to when danger is approaching or something has gone awry. In tests performed by the firm, they found that in 350 various dogs, they all possessed a distinctive "alarm bark" that differed from any other yelp, and this distinction allows for an alarm system to be triggered whenever a canine unleashes said sound. Marketed primarily towards prisons and supply yards where intruders may often wander, the "Doguard" security system has been fairly successful since being installed in a high-security Israeli jail, and just a few false alarms have been set off thus far. Further improvements could actually monitor the dog's heart rate to further substantiate a true threat, and while the system can work when Rover's rolling solo, having multiple pups on guard tends to increase effectiveness. While we're not sure if these howling systems will ever make it into American joints, we hope none of you have to personally find out, anyway.

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Bio-Sense concocts bark-sensing alarm system: meet Doguard originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jan 2007 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Via Gizmag]

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Chatterbowl: the talking dish for spoiled pets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonachatterbowldogsjay taylorJayTaylorThu, 14 Dec 2006 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[RoamEO GPS system tracks your pet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/07/roameo-gps-system-tracks-your-pet/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/07/roameo-gps-system-tracks-your-pet/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/07/roameo-gps-system-tracks-your-pet/#commentsApparently, keeping your pet indoors or ponying up for a fenced in a yard just isn't in style anymore, as the RoamEO GPS tracking system for pets joins the crowd of other locating devices, texting adornments, and inflatable collars that folks seem to prefer over the more traditional methods. This particular setup is geared to work on all roaming pets, but certainly has its limitations. While the GPS-enabled collar sends the exact location, movements, and velocity to your handheld tracking unit, your pet still turns MIA if it wanders more than a mile away. If you're fairly certain Fido isn't apt to stray all that far, you can setup a GPS fence that will send audible alerts if that perimeter is breached. This seems to be a decent system for multi-pet owners who have a tough time keeping things on a leash, as you can maintain a keen eye on three creatures simultaneously -- but it'll cost you $459 for the first one, and $149 for each additional collar.

[Via The Raw Feed]

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RoamEO GPS system tracks your pet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsdog trackerdogsDogTrackerGPSRoamEOThu, 07 Sep 2006 06:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean dog translation service gets premium upgrade]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/11/korean-dog-translation-service-gets-premium-upgrade/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/11/korean-dog-translation-service-gets-premium-upgrade/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/11/korean-dog-translation-service-gets-premium-upgrade/#commentsYou probably thought it was pretty silly when you heard that Korea's second largest wireless carrier, KTF, began offering a service last year that can supposedly discern your dog's emotions from a few barks into the phone. Well the "doggy translation" service has proven so popular, that not only did the top Korean carrier roll out its own implementation, but SK Telecom is now offering a premium version of the service that seems to give users access to a sort of pet lovers' mobile community where they can query veterinarians, make a homepage for their little bundle of fur, or purchase pet-related items online at a discount. The core service will remain the same, continuing to offer two-way translation (yes, your voice can be converted into barks as well) for about 55 breeds of dogs, although cat lovers must continue to gauge their pet's mood by the intensity of his/her hissing and scratching.

[Picture credit: Telecoms Korea]

Korean dog translation service gets premium upgrade originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 May 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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