The Nabaztag Smart Rabbit from Violet is a 'smart object' connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The high-tech bunny is linked to the Nabaztag Web site and lights up and/or wiggles its ears to convey various data drawn from the Net. It can also be programmed to read RSS feeds, emails and text messages out loud. It can also play owners' MP3s. Here, a Nabaztag lets its owner know that an email is waiting.
Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com
A Nabaztag can be configured to be 'married' to another rabbit. Then, when the owner of one Nabaztag rotates its ears, the ears on the other move in the same way.
Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com
All is not lost. A Nabaztag's ears are designed to come off easily and be just as easily put back on.
Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com
Dozens of Nabaztags were gathered at Wired magazine's third annual Nextfest in New York in September.
Credit: Flickr user Dan Dickinson
Olivier Mevel, one of Violet's founders, said Nabaztag means 'rabbit' in Armenian. The rabbit shape was chosen to provide people with a sense of whimsy and connection to the smart object.
Credit: Violet
As with iPods, people are asked to name their Nabaztag device when registering. Many have taken the idea of personification quite far, dressing up their rabbits. Photos of the rabbits and their habitats are shared on a community Web site called the Nabazta(blo)g. One person from Texas went so far as to send in a video of himself skydiving with his Nabaztag.
Credit: Violet
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