GPS Dogs

Japanese firm Secom introduced GPS tracking for dogs and other animals yesterday. A mobile GPS terminal (1.7 ounces) is strapped onto the animal or put on its neck; Secom says it might be too big for cats and small dogs. It will retail in Japan for 5000 Yen (US$ 43) with 800 Yen monthly (US$7), with calls to the Secom center 200 Yen (less then US$2). Owners can locate their dogs within 164 feet by either calling or using a website, but Gothamist knows how fast dogs can run and 164 feet doesn't seem like much.

Secom offers GPS services for elderly, children, and vehicles in Japan, as their GPS market is more developed than the US's.

My Spoon by Secom Secom also has a product called My Spoon, which is a rather cool meal-assistance robot for the disabled. Gothamist likes how the food shown is all Japanese, even though this has applications for all cuisines.

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By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment, News on June 17, 2003 2:36 AM

Comments [rss]

Jen

Aw, thanks, Howard. I certainly appreciate and share your concern. The only thing I'm sacrificing right now is my sleep, sanity and social life, so it's okay for now.

Howard

Not that I would ever want to equate kids with dogs (I'm neither a dog-owner nor a parent so I'm on thin ice) but there's a product due out in 2004 that will let parents monitor the location and driving habits of their teenagers.

P.S. Love Gothamist. Note to Jen - have those slugs who are also supposed to be posting to the site start pulling their weight or else you'll burn out. :-)

eli

Spaghetti and fried chicken are pretty typical bentou food; they are different when prepared for a bentou than their western counterparts... The chicken is chopped Yakitori-style (ie, without regard for which part of the bird the meat comes from) and the spaghetti has no sauce. They're eaten cold: they are greasy and slimy. It's the Japanese equivalent of Beanie Weenies for kids.

Yikes, good thing I already ate, otherwise I wouldn't be hungry any more...