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Last Updated: Thursday, 17 July, 2003, 10:49 GMT 11:49 UK
Japan invents 'cat chat' device
A cat sits next to the cat-language electronic interpreter Meowlingual
The Meowlingual will be launched in Japan in November
Ever wondered what your cat is trying to tell you? A Japanese company hopes to solve this conundrum with a new toy that seeks to interpret your pet's meows.

Following Takeda Co's successful launch of Bowlingual - which does the same thing for dogs - Meowlingual is due to be rolled out in November.

A palm-sized electronic console is held next to the cat in question, and an interpretation of its cries and purrs is displayed on the screen.

Meowlingual translates the cat's emotion into phrases such as "I can't stand it," according to the Associated Press, although exact wording has not been decided.

The device will be priced at 8,800 yen (about $74), less than the 14,800 yen charged for Bowlingual.

Takara has sold about 300,000 of the dog-translation devices in the last six months and plans to launch a English-language version in the US in August.

Bowlingual claims to be able to interpret about 200 phrases or words - grouped in six different emotional categories: fun, frustration, menace, sorrow, demand and self-expression.


SEE ALSO:
Japan goes barking mad for dog toy
27 Sep 02  |  Business
Gadget with more byte than bark
08 Aug 01  |  Science/Nature
Sony upgrades robot pet
12 Oct 00  |  Asia-Pacific


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