MAIN Toy Reviews Pleo The Dinosaur

Pleo The Dinosaur

Is he cute!

And with a price tag of $300, that's just what toy company Ugobe (which stands for You, Go and Be) is betting on.

For the last two years Pleo's inventor, Caleb Chung (inventor of cute little Furby) has been fulfilling his fantasy of creating an artificial life form, or at least creating a toy robot that will make owners feel he's real.

How Pleo came to life

Pleo's team of engineers designed the Pleo as a baby Camarasaurus dinosaur.

This techno dino is equipped with sensors (35 in total) throughout his tiny body, allowing Pleo to react instantly to sight, sound and touch. They also make Pleo capable of expressions and reactions. They also make each Pleo unique. As Pleos learn, Ugobe says, they begin to form their own distinct behaviors and personalities developed from their environment.

When will Pleo actual be shipped to the thousands of techno pet owners who have signed up for it?

Dinosaurs aren't built in a day, apparently, especially the ones that are as technically advanced as Pleo. But the wait is almost over.

Will Pleo owners be able plug their sweet little Camarasaurus into the Internet?

That's the rumor, at least - with plans underway for a flash card slot which will allow owners to swap Pleo personalities and share them with others via an online Web site.

Will Pleos rule?

That's the $300 question.

Ugobe has recently announced that Pleo will feature a replaceable "life force" (a built-in rechargeable battery), that will allow the little critter to live, and learn, conceivably forever.

Meanwhile, the toy community is keeping a close eye to see if Pleo can be resurrected to become the king of dinosaurs — that is, king of the high-end toy biz. But that all depends on whether consumers want to buy a Pleo ready just in time for year's holiday shopping season.

Stay tuned...

More about Pleo around the Web:

Inside the Ugobe Pleo

Pleo - It's Alive!

The new Furby? - ParentDish

About the Author: The "Toy Guru" is Odette Cabrera, a mother of two with a background in education and child development, and a very personal interest in toys that are fun, challenging and educational.