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Sony to Publish Aibo Specifications

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the 10-arf-20-arf-30-goto-10 dept.

teambpsi writes: "According to this CNN news report... 'In addition to the new hardware, the company has also begun publishing details of Aibo's system architecture on the Internet in an attempt to get developers to work on independent software for Aibo and generate more interest in the products.' This from the same company that used the DMCA as reported here on slashdot last fall to shutdown one fan/hack site."

7 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. Bit of a repeat... by WEFUNK · · Score: 5, Informative

    Good to see the fact that they are opening up their architecture reported in a mainstream story, but this is really a repeat of an earlier posting that had some really good links to the developer site and some of the hacker sites:

    Teach An Old Aibo New Tricks

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    My next sig will be ready soon, but friends can beat the rush!
  2. Aibo Virus by mr_gerbik · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm going to write an Aibo virus that should prove quite profitable... here is a brief rundown of the algorithm for those interested.

    1) Direct Aibo to pick up its things (manuals, charger, etc)

    2) Walk Aibo from owners house to my house carrying its things.

    3) Take picture of itself and post a listing on ebay.

    4) Wait for auction ending and payment.

    5) Walk to new owners house.

    6) Repeat.

  3. Not making money on the software by inkfox · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Originally, Sony had intended to make money on the additional software cards available for the Aibo. This simply hasn't happened. People have been buying one card with the Aibo and leaving it at that.

    If you're looking for Sony's motivation in opening the specifications, I believe it's here. In the absence of additional software sales, Sony sees opening the platform as a method for selling additional hardware.

    With the new approach, you can sure bet that Sony is going to put off the price drops that had been part of the plan for the second generation Aibos for some time. There's good money to be had in finding a new audience at the current pricing before Sony tries to earn new customers with a price break.

    --
    Says the RIAA: When you EQ, you're stealing bass!
  4. finally... by benfoldsfan · · Score: 4, Funny

    finally, now someone can program the aibo to play counter-strike with me and it can replace my 7 year old brother

  5. Give 'em another chance :) by Black_Logic · · Score: 4, Funny

    This from the same company that used the DMCA as reported here on slashdot last fall to shutdown one fan/hack site."

    I wouldn't critisize them for taking a turn for the better. On the other hand, how many chances should mega-corps get. :) So, screw 'em!

    --
    Ansi's and stupid tricks!
  6. reformed????? by www.sorehands.com · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Are they really reformed? Or did they find lacking interest and think we may be able to develop interest in it for them by writting some neat stuff for it.


    How do we know that they won't try to shut down someone doing something that they don't expect or like later?


    Fool me once, shame on you....Fool me twice, shame on me.

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  7. Heard at Sony.... by wowbagger · · Score: 4, Funny

    "So, how are the sales of the Aibo?"

    "Lousy. People finally figured out that paying thousands of dollars for a toy dog that doesn't do very much is a losing proposition."

    "Hmm.. How can we create buzz and get people with too much money to buy it again?"

    "I KNOW! We'll open-source it!"

    --
    www.eFax.com are spammers