Hasbro and Tiger Electronics have introduced a new interactive music pet – I-DOG.  Unlike Medicom’s iKub, which simply holds your iPod, the I-DOG is an interactive toy that works with most portable music devices.

Easy to use, simply sit I-DOG Interactive Music Companion in front of a speaker or plug it into the headphone jack of any hand-held music system and I-DOG will move and groove to the rhythm of the song.  To really get the party started, owners can plug their hand-held music systems directly into I-DOG and music will broadcast through a built-in speaker.  In addition, I-DOG Interactive Music Companion also comes complete with a dual jack so that its owner can plug their headphones in and dance along to the music with I-DOG.  Either way the owner chooses to listen to their favorite tune, as soon as I-DOG hears music, its face will light up or its ears and head will wiggle and sway in sync with the tune.

I-DOG Interactive Music Companion displays four distinct personalities that are dependent on the type of music it hears:  rock and punk make I-DOG rebellious, classical and country relax I-DOG, pop and R&B make I-DOG happy and dance music excites I-DOG.  In addition to head and ear movement, I-DOG expresses its different personalities through a unique array of colorful LEDs located on its face. 

I-DOG Interactive Music Companion can also be moody and will express its moods independently of the music that it hears.  Through sensors located on I-DOG’s tail, head and nose, owners can provide their portable puppy with positive affirmation or negative reinforcement. A gentle pat on the top of I-DOG’s head puts I-DOG in a cheerful, upbeat mood and a light tap on the tail will let I-DOG know that it’s been disobedient.  Use the sensor located on I-DOG’s nose to wake it up from sleep or to turn I-DOG off to let it get some rest.

Pocket-sized with adjustable legs I-DOG Interactive Music Companion is completely portable and can create a dance party wherever the music takes it, whether it be on a computer desk, kitchen counter or the palm of its owner’s hands!  I-DOG just loves to rock out, so even when the music is over it will continue to move and groove along to the last song it heard. Predicted to become any music aficionado’s best friend, I-DOG is compatible with most portable music devices including Discman, iPod and Rio MP3 players.

I-DOG (ages 8 years and up) Interactive Music Companion is scheduled to be available fall 2005 for an approximate retail price of $29.99.  Two AA batteries are required but not included.