Buddha Machine, AIBO and 3D Asimo
A gadget that I want: FM3 ‘s Buddha Machine, a solid state ambient album “a small soundbox made in China which comes with an integrated speaker, a volume control, mini jack-out and a switch to choose between nine different loops which are stored on a small chip and can be directly played by this mini soundsystem.”
[link 1 ] [link 2 ] [link 3 ] [link 4 ]
Another desirable gadget (but is kinda out of my price range and looks like it will get ultra-rare) is the AIBO robot dog by Sony, which they have announced will cease production in March ’06, along with their QRIO humanoid robot (as seen in the Beck “Hell Yes” video )… I’ve had a chance to play with the AIBO (and view some of its prototypes/predecessors) and it’s great fun, a real robo-pet… it recognises its owner, simulates emotions (gets grumpy if ignored etc), can patrol your house and email photos to its owner… a glimpse of the future and a show of imagination beyond Sony’s production of audio and video players/recorders…
So it looks like Honda’s Asimo will now be the main focus in consumer robotics… Honda have recently posted video of a new Asimo running at 6kmph… I’ve seen one, standing at the 3ft the bot strikes a definate human like presence… but when it’s moving it really comes alive… also Honda has placed 3d models of Asimo, the P2 robot and several of it’s vehicles for free download at it’s fan site, cool…