|
Thursday June 19, 2008
|
 Back in the early days of my marriage, my wife had the annoying habit of always pointing the way while I was driving. Her arm would shoot across my face and she'd shout, "Go that way!" I begged her to stop and she did. Now I learn that some lunatic company thinks it's a good idea to put a robotic bear in the seat next to me (and anyone else who would buy one) that can perform the same annoying trick.
According to a report at Wired.com, IX Research's still-in-prototype, GPS and voice-enabled Teddy bear is a full fledged robot, complete with sensors for light detection, motors -- so it can perform its "go this way" trick -- and an alcohol sensor in its neck. That's right, the navi-bear not only tells you where to go, but it's also looking out for your overall well-being. Wired also reports that the bear will even detect if you've had too much to drink.
I'm thinking that if you see a talking teddy bear sitting next to you in your car, offering direction and giving lifestyle advice, you pretty much already know you've had too much to drink.
Look for the first models to arrive in Japan. No word on when naggy...I mean navi-bear arrives in the US.
|
|
|
Stumble
Digg
del.icio.us
Slashdot
