The teddy bear contains an infrared sensor, recording capabilities, and even the ability to be connected to a cellular phone. Sorry, no pictures of the bear yet.

MTC has developed the "Okaeri Pururu," which will play user recorded messages upon detection of a person with its infrared sensor, and even automatically call a designated cellular phone number. It will be sold included in things such as stuffed animals.

The "Okaeri Pururu" will play a prerecorded message upon detection of a person with its infrared sensor, and/or call a predetermined phone number when connected to a cellular phone. This can be used o­n cellular phones which include a "one touch dial function." Up to a 20 second message can be recorded, which is done o­n the stuffed animal itself. It operates with 3 batteries.

An example of o­ne use would be where a family has dual incomes; put the bear in the entranceway. When the child comes home, it will play a prerecorded message to the child such as "Welcome home! There are snacks in the fridge," and call the mother's (...or father's...) cellular phone, to let her (...or him...) know that the child has arrived home safely. Since the stuffed animal is equipped with a microphone, sounds in the immediate area can also be heard.

It can also be used when a child is going out - the child can record where they will be going - making it usable as a parent/child communication tool.

MTC will begin conducting business with various character makers, supposedly selling products by Spring 2004. Market Price looks to be around 6,000 to 8,000 yen.

Original Article:
http://k-tai.impress.co.jp/cda/article/news_toppage/16832.html

Product Information:
http://suntec.scn-net.ne.jp/~mtc/pururu/pururu1211.htm