Yahoo Finance Mattel's new AI device will read bedtime stories to your kids
With machines already out there that can hug you, comfort you and replace you in social situations, it was just a matter of time before a device that will soothe your little one to sleep with a bedtime story came along.
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, toy company Mattel will be debuting Aristotle, their answer to the Amazon Echo. “She” is a smart baby monitor, Bloomberg reports, and is being called by Mattel the first of its kind.
Much like how Echo will help you buy household goods, search for information online and provide rudimentary security, Aristotle will read bedtime stories, soothe infants to sleep and help parents buy diapers. When your child is older, it can teach toddlers foreign words, play guessing games, and answer any and all questions your little one may throw its way (and yes, there are also parental controls to limit certain functions).
The voice-controlled tower houses the speaker and microphone, and connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It also comes with a camera, in line with your more run-of-the-mill baby monitor functions.
More products are in the works to connect with Aristotle, including apps and an interactive Hot Wheels track (Aristotle provides the sound effects).
If you’re interested in having artificial intelligence take part in the rearing of your child, you can pick up Mattel’s Aristotle beginning this summer, retail price CA$402.
