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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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19

Gadget Translates 'Woof' into Words

Japanese toymaker debuts dog translator next month

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(Newser) – Ever wonder what your dog is thinking? The “Bowlingual Voice” from Japanese toymaker Takara Tomy claims to be able to tell you just that, the Telegraph reports. The device is made up of a microphone and transmitter on the collar that categorizes the dog’s utterances into one of six emotions—such as sadness, anger or happiness—and plays an appropriate sample of speech from a handset.

The Bowlingual Voice is an update of an earlier gadget that displayed the dog’s emotion on a screen rather than playing a phrase—and sold 300,000 units when it launched 7 years ago. The new version goes on sale next month in Japan for $213.

A promotional photo of the Bowlingual Translator from Takara Tomy.
A promotional photo of the Bowlingual Translator from Takara Tomy.   (Takara Tomy)
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The Bowlingual translator is demonstrated in Japan.   (networkworld)
This video shows a group of people and their dogs playing with the Bowlingual Translator (in Japanese).   (spooniep)

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19 comments
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djferrick
Jul 20, 09 2:40 PM CDT
I sure hope Troy McClure is peddling this.... Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
2-bits
Jul 20, 09 3:13 PM CDT
That's actually how you sound to most Newser readers, great job. I think you being ignored is a far greater issue for you than being censored.
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+15
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LiberalFascist
Jul 20, 09 3:33 PM CDT
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
shonangreginpalau
Jul 20, 09 8:21 PM CDT
That's the only message recently from you that I read all of the text, CK. It was more entertaining and even more intelligent than your normal liberal fascist drivel ;-)
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+2
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Sayyiduna
Jul 20, 09 3:30 PM CDT
Seriously? You must be joking.. you must be..
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+3

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