technabob » cube-works

dodobongo usb dog: don’t know why, but i want one

technabob — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:29:25 +0000

I’ll start out by saying that I had no idea what a Dodobongo was before I wrote this article. But from what I can tell, he’s some sort of goofy-looking animated dog from Japan. Whether or not you know what they heck he is, this USB version of the disproportionate mutt looks like it could be fun sitting on your desk.

Dodobongo, the USB dog was created by Cube-Works, the same guys who brought us the famous USB humping dog, but rest assured, this pup does no humping. According to Dodobongo’s website, he’s actually the slowest moving dog in the world – and from the looks of his massive torso and that pile of food in his bowl, I think that you can probably figure out why. Never mind the fact that he’s 21 years old.

I’d explain to you exactly what Dodobongo does when plugged into your USB port, but I think the diagrams below are pretty much self-explanatory. And they’re not even in Japanese.

And if that’s not clear enough, just watch this video…

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

If you’d like one of these rotund pups on your desk, you’ll have to find your way over to Amazon Japan, and get out the Japanese-to-English translator. Or if you’re ready to import a whole litter of these fat, elderly dogs, you can order them wholesale over on Alibaba. Kibble not included.

cam-baby robot cries when it falls down – waaaaaaa!

technabob — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:00:17 +0000

Remember that time the Honda ASIMO robot took a spill? At least it maintained its composure and dignity after the fall and just laid there. Not so with this new desktop robot.

Japan’s CUBE Works decided it would be much more robot-like for their walking ‘bot to bawl its little eyes out if it ever falls over. Just clap your hands and the little Cam-Baby robot will toddle around a bit and blink its light-up LED eyes. But if it happens to trip or get knocked over, it’ll lie there on its side start crying. And it won’t stop complaining until you stand it back up. Great. That’s all I need now.

The tot-bot comes complete with a pair of robot diapers and a tiny little pacifier. Thankfully, it doesn’t wet or poop itself. At least it’s got that going for it.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

So if you’ve ever wanted to see a robot cry (over and over again), you can get your hands on a Cam-Baby robot over at StrapyaWorld for ¥2,555 (appx. $27 USD).

star wars usb hubs: the force is with your devices

technabob — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:43:10 +0000

These official R2-D2 and Darth Vader USB hubs from Japan’s Cube-Works are a must for any serious Star Wars fan with a computer. Whether you’re pro-Jedi or have a serious Sith streak, they’re the perfect desktop companion for connecting your USB gadgets.

Both R2 and Darth offer four full-speed USB ports on their front. Now my Japanese isn’t all that great, but it sounds like every 3 minutes, R2’s head moves and lights up, and both hubs play some appropriate sound effects from the house that Lucas built.

While I just love the details on the little droid, the minute I read that Vader’s eyeballs glow when connected to a powered USB port, I came over to the Dark Side for good.

For the moment, these hubs are available only in Japan, but it’s only a matter of time before these hubs find their way to the rest of the world via importers.

They should be hitting the streets of Tokyo in July at a price of ¥7,140 (appx. $66 USD) each. Post a comment if you happen to find a retailer!

[via Japan Star Wars and Digital Gadgets Freak]