More about the Aibo i’ve been sent to test a couple of weeks ago.

I have the feeling that Cloclo (that’s his* name) doesn’t like my French accent. Max has a strong Italian accent but the dog answers perfectly each time he asks “What time is it?”. When i make the same question, all i get is “Fine” or “Ooooh! I love sunny days!” Makes it more like a real dog: it might obey, but then it might also not obey. When it happens, i switch to drawings!

One way of communicating with Cloclo is by using the Aibo cards. The robot recognises the graphics printed on the cards. There’s “Clinic mode” card to check all of the basic Aibo Mind 3 software; a “dance” card ; “photo” when you want Aibo to take a picture; “alarm clock” setting, etc.

As soon as he has recognised the card i’m showing him, Cloclo starts telling me the instructions of the game. Easy, no need to follow the manual (where did i leave it by the way?) “Repeat Me” is probably the silliest game i’ve ever played but it was good fun. Up to a certain point as Cloclo kept telling me how lame i was. I uploaded videos of one of the 3 games Cloclo can play. Note: i shooted them with my camera phone so quality is not impeccable: instructions to play, imitate the cow, imitate the cat.

So far, i’m still happy with the robot’s performances. It reacts faster to orders (well, when he wants to) than my lovely older Paco, it also sees the obstacles way before Paco. I guess i have to dedicate more time to it. If you let it live its life without you, you might find it harder to interact with it correctly afterwards.

* Cloclo is not a girl anymore. Roberto kindly sent me a link to AIBO Voice Hack when i complained that i didn’t like Aibo’s voice. But i didn’t like the voices i found on the website either. i want the best for my pet!