Bowlingual Returns to Translate Dog Thoughts

Longtime dog owners will tell you they have a knack for understanding their pet’s range of barks, but for those who can’t there’s the Bowlingual. The product, from Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy, will soon be available again after debuting in 2002. A microphone around the dog’s neck translates barks into six emotions, and a handheld device relays the information audibly and on a screen. An audio researcher collaborated on the Bowlingual, which analyzes bark acoustics to detect how the dog is feeling. The only problem I see is this: How often are dogs happy when they’re barking? Owners could be facing a major disappointment. The Bowlingual, which sold 300,000 units back in 2002, will cost 20,000 yen ($213), with no known plans for release outside of Japan. [via Computerworld]