Remember the movie “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”? Remember how the robot teddy bear (named “Teddy” in a brilliant burst of creative insight) acted almost as though it were alive? I’m sure that new tech company ToyBots had that in mind when they created “Woozee”, their interactive plush toy.
Their idea — and it’s an idea whose time has come — is that Woozee will interact with the Internet, receiving commands and programming updates via a web interface or by the iPhone. This will allow parents to send their kid messages, songs, audiobooks, etc., as well as enabling children to play with each other through their Woozees much the way they already do through social sites like Club Penguin.
This all sounds great, until you catch video of Woozee doing his thing. I can’t decide what’s more horrifying, the poorly-made and mismatched fantasy ears attached to the grim, scowling face? The gratingly synthesized voice, a conglomeration of Gizmo, Jar Jar Binks, and Elmo? The repulsive personality changes, from the “Hey baby, wanna come to my gig?” rock star template to the “ayayayayayyy arrrriba!” vocals?
Of course, a great deal of the blame for my revulsion must be placed at the feet of the perky presenter, whose entire script fell flat when trying to evoke any sense of cuteness or humor from this homunculus … not to mention the CEO who stood behind her the entire time, unable to stand still for a second, shifting weight and acting like he couldn’t wait to relieve himself.
To be somewhat fair, if that’s still possible, they were quick to point out that this was a prototype, and the focus was more on the technology behind Woozee, not the “bear” himself. Still, I devoutly hope that this thing will go through many many many iterations before being loosed upon an unsuspecting audience. I need time to build up my anti-Woozee flamethrower defensive perimeter.
Comments
No comments.