3rd generation of Sony's Entertainment robot evolves with more skills, functions and connectivity * New AIBO ERS-7 is your companion with the right connections

PARIS September 4 (PROTEXT/PRNewswire) - Sony's lovablecompanion, AIBO, is entering a new phase in its evolution withthe birth of the ERS-7. A quantum leap in technology has takenAIBO's companionship abilities to new heights. Becoming moreentertaining than ever, AIBO also boasts enhanced communicationskills and new levels of functionality. For the first time, theonboard memory enables the new AIBO to retain the personalitythat it will develop over its lifecycle. A cool new design hasrefined its cute looks and a richer LED display on its face,known as 'Illume-Face', lets the new AIBO express a wider varietyof emotions. It is also the most connected AIBO yet, presentingbuilt-in Wireless LAN connectivity and a larger 32MB MemoryStick. Thanks to this, the owner can interact with the AIBO at adistance using a PC or a mobile device.

"AIBO is evolving from a source of fascination andentertainment into a more functional, endearing companion," saysNicolas Babin, Director of Sony Entertainment Robot Europe. "TheERS-7 is a fantastic step forward for the AIBO concept, aiming tofacilitate interaction between humans and robots. It opens up aworld of possibilities for AIBO enthusiasts and it is a notablestep in the development of artificial intelligence as well asdomestic robots."

The clever AIBO ERS-7 will present a very new dimension ofcompanionship to its owner. The connectivity possibilities withmobile devices and PCs mean that AIBO will be able to performever more helpful actions in the day-to-day life of its owner.

Owing to the significant progress of the hardware, Sony hasdeveloped a new software named 'AIBO Mind' that integrates all ofAIBO's applications onto one 32MB Memory Stick. This softwareMemory Stick is supplied in English version with the main unit asan all in one package. Today this all-inclusive software enablesAIBO to behave autonomously as well as benefit from PC-basedapplications.

In the autonomous mode, fun pet-like behaviour accompaniesAIBO's ability to recognise its owner's face and voice as well aslocate its energy station to charge itself. For the first time,this software also features 'Visual Pattern Recognition' enablingAIBO to distinguish shapes and patterns. For example, the patternon the Energy Station pole helps AIBO to localise and positionitself quickly. In addition, the all-new AIBO Cards feature avariety of patterns offering an alternative way of communicatingvisually with AIBO. These cards allow AIBO to be given severalinstructions including 'Alarm clock set-up' or 'Take a picture'.

One of the key applications of the 'AIBO Mind' softwareutilising the Wireless LAN technology, allows AIBO to remotelyconnect to an Internet enabled PC or mobile device. For example,the owner can send an email instruction to AIBO asking it to takean unsuspecting picture of the owner's children and send it backto the mobile telephone. This extraordinary feature demonstratesthe potential for AIBO to have a more useful role in everydaylife. The owner can also benefit from the onboard Wireless LAN bytransferring the pictures taken independently by AIBO to be iewedon a PC.

Over time new contents and applications will be madeavailable to personalise an AIBO and will need to be added to thesingle 'AIBO Mind' Memory Stick.

AIBO's on-board memory has been doubled and its new 64-bitRISC processor has a clock speed that is 150% faster than itspredecessors. Several 'touch' sensors on AIBO's body are nowelectro-static sensors meaning that a gentle stroke on AIBO'shead or back will trigger a response without needing to push orclick. The ERS-7's eyesight is three times better than previousmodels. Finally, AIBO's clever new behaviour has been rewardedwith a new toy, the 'AIBOne'. In the form of a pink bone, AIBOcan, for the first time ever, pick it up in its mouth.

Eager AIBO enthusiasts need only wait until Sony Dream Worldin Paris on 6th and 7th September 2003 to get a first glimpse ofthe new AIBO. From the beginning of November, AIBO will beavailable throughout Europe, either through selected retailoutlets or online at www.eu.aibo.com.About Sony:

Sony manufactures audio, video, communications andinformation technology products for the global consumer andprofessional markets. With its music, pictures, game and onlinebusinesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to become a leadingpersonal broadband entertainment company in the 21st century. InEurope, Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 13.88billion (yen 1,666 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31,2003, based on an average market exchange rate for the sameperiod of yen 120 to the EUR.

For more information on Sony in Europe, please visithttp://www.sony-europe.com

For information and images from Sony Dream World please visitwww.sony-europe.com/sonydreamworld

In addition, for any queries about Sony in your respectivecountry, please contact your local Sony PR office

For more information, please contact: Sylvia Shin, CorporateCommunications Europe, Sony Europe GmbH, tel: +49 30 2575 5156,fax: +49 30 2575 5174, email: Sylvia.Shin@eu.sony.com

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