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Gadget Translates 'Woof' into Words

Japanese toymaker debuts dog translator next month

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 20, 2009 2:33 PM CDT

(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.

[Images (1)]

[Videos (2)]

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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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

keybored

Jul 21, 2009 10:47 AM CDT

Animals have more intelligence, self-control and decency than C_K will ever have. Perhaps he/she is a troll, but regardless.... I think the best advice (as offered by another poster) is to leave him/her alone and not respond, as hard as it is.

mmax

Jul 21, 2009 5:38 AM CDT

WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF! SQUIRREL! WOOF! Corona King! WOOF!

IndependentThinker

Jul 21, 2009 4:46 AM CDT

@Snarfeh: Arnt most of them coming out of the closets?

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Telegraph (UK) (Source Grid »)

Technology • Science • World

weird news • Japan • canine behavior • invention • dog • gadget • canines

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Gadget Translates 'Woof' into Words