Sony updates its Robo-dog

Japan's Sony unveiled a new version of its canine robot Aibo on Thursday, that -- unlike your average puppy -- can talk and keep a diary. But it still needs love and attention.

The toy pet, which vaguely resembles a beagle with floppy ears, can neither walk nor talk when first switched on.

Apart from walking, it eventually converses with some 1,000 phrases suited to the "character" it develops as the owner cheers it up and strokes it.

It keeps a diary using pictures taken with its built-in camera when it is in the right mood. The owner can peek at the diary, reading what comment Aibo made.

"Aibo owners have sometimes asked us what Aibo is feeling in certain situations, as it was not clear. They will be pleased to have this speaking function," said Kiyoko Kondo at Sony's Entertainment Robot Co.

"You would become more emotionally involved," she said.

The robo-dog may steal owners away from the Tamagotchi virtual pet, which swept the world in the mid-1990s.

Sony starts taking orders on Thursday, with a pricetag in Japan of ?194,250 (US$1,720) including a five-percent sales tax.

Depending on the character it develops, a playful Aibo will try to come out when enclosed by cardboard, while a pampered Aibo will call its owner for help.

The new model is also more like its flesh-and-blood equivalent, scratching its ears with a hindleg, yawning and cooing in response to gentle stroking.

But it also comes with several lives. Owners can skip the maturing process and make Aibo an adult instantly or switch the adult back to a pup to enjoy the growing-up stage.

Aibo charges its battery by itself when it is "hungry."

Sony has sold 150,000 Aibos since the original edition was launched in 1999 as the world's first entertainment robot.