Robo Cats Invade Japan

Sure, new AMD and Intel processors are just dandy, but I'm much more excited about Omron Corp.'s new robotic cat. According to a story this week on EETimes.com , the limited-edition robot feline with fur will be priced at upwards of $1,500. The thing is about the same size as a living, breathing cat, but it doesn't walk, doesn't tear up the furniture, and doesn't make a mess in the litter box. According to the story, "Necoro" grows emotionally, depending on how you treat it and (obviously) caressing it or hitting it will yield different behaviors. Necoro has six emotional expressions, 48 cat sounds linked with emotion, and writhes about using 15 joints. Omron says that the reason that it'll only be released in Japan is that tech support staffs are not yet in place anywhere else. Benchmarks are not yet available and rumors that Intel intends to sue because the cat infringes on its patents have not been verified.