Robotic dogs have been available in the market since 1999 when Sony introduced the first consumer model of AIBO. A lot of tech lovers want to have their own AIBOs, but the robot dog’s very expensive price tag prevents them from owning one. If you’re one of those people who like to have a robot dog but don’t have thousands of dollars to spare, then WowWee’s new robot dog toy, Dog-E, could be the perfect option for you!
What is Dog-E?
Launched at Consumer Electronics Show on January 4th, 2023, Dog-E is a smart, app-connected robot dog with life-like movements, audio sensors to hear sounds, touch sensors on its head, nose and sides of its body, and a POV (persistence of vision) tail that displays icons and messages to communicate.
Dog-E is unique to every owner as a result of over a million possible combinations of colorful lights, sounds, and personality traits. The moment you turn on Dog-E, your all-white pup comes to life through the minting process, which reveals its unique colors and characteristics. The minting process starts once you pet its head, touch its nose, or play with it, among other several interactions.
Dog-E can “talk with its tail” by displaying emotes, icons, and messages. It will also let you know when it’s hungry, wants love, and when it wants to play — each in unique ways, based on the personality you have ‘MINTiD’.
What can the Dog-E companion app do?
The Dog-E companion app allows multiple members of a family to mint and save their own individual profiles in a single Dog-E. Each family member can have a Dog-E profile with its own unique look and personality, which they can effortlessly switch between each person using the app. With so many personalities available, some Dog-Es will be calm and relaxed, while others might be energetic and playful; some might always be hungry, while others will be cute and shy.
Through the app, you can also train your Dog-E to learn your name and program movements based on how you want to play and interact with it. The app also lets you teach your robot dog your favorite tricks such as giving kisses, singing and responding to claps.
Where to buy Dog-E
Dog-E is available now for pre-order at https://dog-e.com. Pre-order customers will receive a bonus accessory pack of 4 collars in a variety of colors exclusively for your Dog-E. It will then be available at other virtual and physical retail stores in the United States and Canada in the fall of 2023 for $79.99 USD and $99.99 CAD, respectively.
For comparison, the latest model of Sony’s AIBO, the ERS-1000, had a price tag of around $3000 when it was launched in 2018. It is currently selling on eBay for $4500.