Sony Aibo first impressions: old robot dog, new tricks

Sony revived its robodog series late last year, offering a limited first run of next-generation Aibos for keen Japanese fans. Despite a killer $1,800 price-tag, the company apparently sold plenty, and those preordered Aibos are finally on their way to their new owners. Finally, the company has brought the new robotic pet out of Japan, and while I could coo in Aibo's general direction, unfortunately no petting was allowed. Regardless, it was disarmingly cute. The dog dunderstood a handful of English-language directions, including hand-shaking and commands to sit.