Sony Europe today announced the introduction of 3 additional titles of "AIBO-ware" application software to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the launch of "AIBO" entertainment robot on April 11, 1999. The 3 new "AIBO-ware" will provide a variety of exciting ways for owners to enjoy interacting with "AIBO". In addition, three special 2nd Anniversary Colour Model "AIBO"s will be offered for a limited period (3 colour variations: Everest White, Sapphire Violet, Mazeran Green). New Wireless LAN Compatible Application Software Increases (ERS- 210) Interactivity By connecting the 2nd Generation "AIBO" (ERS-210) to a PC via a wireless LAN card, two new software applications make it possible to enjoy new exciting forms of interaction with "AIBO".
Title Rec. Price Order Taking Point of Sale (1)AIBO Messenger Product No. ERF-210AW04 euro 150 From Sony Entertainment
(+ VAT) May 11, 2001 Robot Europe (2)AIBO Navigator Product No. ERF-210AW05 euro 150 From Sony Entertainment
(+ VAT) May 11, 2001 Robot Europe NOTE: In order to enjoy application & , above it is necessary to have a IEEE802.11b wireless LAN card (sold separately) installed in the PC and a special "AIBO" wireless LAN card (ERA-201D1) (sold separately, recommended price: euro 200 + VAT) installed in AIBO. Compatible PC OS - Windows 98SE/2000/ME. (1) AIBO Messenger When connected to a PC via a wireless LAN card, "AIBO" can inform owners that email has arrived, read the contents of a message and give text based information such as news and weather data from a home page in response to a special key word. Also it is possible to manipulate mail software by using the voice recognition function and sensors. MAPI compatible mail software is necessary (Outlook Express5.5). (2) AIBO Navigator This software enables owners to manipulate "AIBO" from a remote location. "AIBO" can be instructed to move forward, backwards, left or right while the camera located in its head sends pictures back to the computer screen. It is also possible to make "AIBO" dance, do a variety of different movements, kick a ball, send voice data and take a still photograph using the picture capture function. Application Software for the (ERS-111) Special application software enables the first generation "AIBO" (ERS-111) to play 'Scissors, Paper, Stone' and other games.
Title Rec. Price Order Taking Point of Sale
Party Mascot euro 90 From Sony Entertainment Product No. ERA-102M (+ VAT) May 11, 2001 Robot Europe Note: Same functions as (Party Mascot (for ERS-210)) now available for the (ERS-111) models. Sony aims to expand the ways of interacting with "AIBO" by developing new "AIBO-ware" application software in order to be able to offer an exciting new type of home entertainment. 2nd Anniversary Colour Model AIBO For a limited period the 2nd Generation "AIBO" (ERS-210) will be available in a special paint finish that reflects different colour tints in bright light. Normally such limited edition products would carry a premium price. While stocks last, these are being offered at the same price as standard colour models at euro 1500* (+VAT).
Model Name Order Period Rec. Price
Entertainment Robot "AIBO"
(ERS-210)
2nd Anniversary Colour Model From May 11, 2001 euro 1500* Everest White, Sapphire Violet, Mazeran While stocks last
Green (+ VAT) (Customers should choose their preferred
colour) The gold, silver and black "AIBO" (ERS-210) will continue to be sold without any limitation on the order period or number of units available. Additional application language software available Following the success of the English language versions, Sony Entertainment Robot Europe is pleased to announce two new languages supported in AIBO-ware "AIBO Life" and "Hello AIBO!". German and French speakers now have an option to interact with "AIBO" in their preferred language. This means now "AIBO" can support three European languages; English, French and German. - "AIBO Life" German Edition ERF-210AW01 euro 90 (+ VAT) - "AIBO Life" French Edition ERF-210AW01 euro 90 (+ VAT) - "Hello AIBO!" German Edition ERF-210AW02 euro 80 (+ VAT) - "Hello AIBO!" French Edition ERF-210AW02 euro 80 (+ VAT) Viewing Opportunities Special anniversary colour models will be seen for the first time at the series of events in London. The largest event will be held at the Broadgate Arena near Liverpool Street station on the 17th of May, from 11:00 to 19:00 (GMT). Sales Information Orders can be made by telephone only. Application software can be ordered from May 11 (Friday) 2001 and product delivery is planned from the beginning of June corresponding to the order in which applications are received. Delivery of 2nd anniversary "AIBO" is scheduled to start from June. AIBO Customer Link Europe English line: +44-20-7365 2938 German line: +49-69-9508 6310 French line: +33-1- 5569 5118 Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 (CET) "AIBO" and the "AIBO Logo" are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Other product names used in this release are the registered trademarks of their respective company. Catalogue Requests & Customer Inquiries Information can be obtained by telephone & email. TEL English line: +44-20-7365 2938 German line: +49-69-9508 6310 French line: +33-1- 5569 5118 Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 (CET) E Mail aibo@sonystyle-europe.com Reference "AIBO" Background
Date Event Sales Results
Announcement of first consumer May 1999 use entertainment robot
(ERS-110) "AIBO"
Sale of (ERS-110) Total sale of 5,000 units June 1999 (Limit to number of units sold in Japan & USA
available)
Sale of Special Edition Total sale of 10,000 units Nov. 1999 (ERS-111) sold in Japan, USA & Europe
(Limit to number of units
available)
Additional sale of (ERS-111) Total sale of 30,000 units Feb. 2000 (Limit to time period orders sold in Japan, USA & Europe
accepted)
Announcement of 2nd Generation Oct. 2000 (ERS-210) "AIBO" entertainment
robot
As of April 2001: Nov. 2000 Start of sale of (ERS-210) Total sales of 50,000 units
sold in Japan, USA & Europe
plus other areas.
(Includes 2,000 Colour
Variation units)
Sale of Special Colour Variation Feb. 2001 (ERS-210)
(Limit to time period orders
accepted) (As of April 2001 "AIBO" total sales approx. 95,000 units) Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to become a leading personal broadband network company in the 21st century. In Europe, Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of close to EUR 14.42 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of close to EUR 8.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Sony Europe's homepage can be found at http://www.sony-europe.com For further information regarding Sony Europe, please contact: Georges Gerard - Corporate Communications Europe - Sony Europe GmbH tel: +49 30 2575 5155 fax: +49 30 2575 5174 email: georges.gerard@eu.sony.com - www.sony-europe.com/presscenter In addition, for any queries about Sony in your respective country, please contact your local Sony PR office For further information regarding Sony Europe, please contact: Georges Gerard - Corporate Communications Europe - Sony Europe GmbH tel: +49 30 2575 5155 fax: +49 30 2575 5174 email: georges.gerard@eu.sony.com - www.sony-europe.com/presscenter In addition, for any queries about Sony in your respective country, please contact your local Sony PR office