(Image source: istolethetv )

 

BY LEAH BECERRA

ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE

 

Imagine all the most popular electronic pets from the 90’s, except with the upgraded technology of today.

You would get a cross between the Aibo robot dog and a Tamagotchi virtual pet. Meet the i-SODOG. Engadget has more.

“The mechanical mutt's mind packs some basic artificial intelligence...allowing it to learn and modify its behavior based on the user's commands. If the pup flunks out of digital dog training, however, its owner can always assume control directly with the i-SODOG iOS / Android app.”

This robo-doggy employs more flexibility and more interactivity than past pets of the plastic variety. The Verge translated an interview with one of Takara Tomy’s representatives in Gigazine explaining...

“We made it with the strong intention that we weren’t making a robot toy; no matter what we were making a real robot.”

The i-SODOG made its debut at the Tokyo International Toy Show with a listing price of about $380 USD. Here’s a clip from IDG News taken at the show.

“The app uses the the iPhone’s motion detection and uses bluetooth to send commands to the robot dog...”

It’s difficult to find any bad reviews of this pooch, but Gearburn does have one tiny complaint.

“You can feed it from your smartphone or tablet, and will even play guard dog over whatever you place it on, barking wildly if someone tries to take your private journal. If only it did one better and attacked.”

Parents who don’t want to potty train their child’s next pet can look forward to a US release date sometime in the Spring of 2013.