Although smart gadgets and cameras now make it easy to keep an eye on your cat or dog, we don’t buy pets to be their overlords; we buy them for companionship and fun. That’s why PlayDate‘s smart ball seems like such a fun invention, as it brings the world of connected technology to pets toys.
You control the connected ball from your smartphone, giving your pet something to chase. On top of that it has a built-in, 5 Megapixel, 160-degree camera and microphone, so you can keep an eye (and ear) on what they’re up to.
It’s supposed to act as a guilt-alleviator for the owner who has to spend a lot of time at work, as it lets them grab a few minutes here and there throughout the day to entertain their best friend, as well as check in on them with a moveable camera. That’ll be quite a view when your dog picks up the ball with his mouth, and you can save pictures and video of the precious moment, too.
Related: This collar is like a FitBit-Medic Alert combo for your fur baby
That camera is stabilized during rotations, letting you roll the ball around without losing track of your little pal. If they’re being especially lazy and won’t chase after it, you can activate the built-in speaker to get their attention. The outside is a replaceable polycarbonate shell, in case Fido gets too enthusiastic, and the inner circuitry is protected by another layer. You can also attach ribbons to make it more enticing to cats. The PlayDate comes in a four-inch size, as well as more cat-friendly three-inch option.
Unfortunately for those of you already reaching for your wallets, the PlayDate smart ball isn’t available to purchase just yet. The creators have taken to Indiegogo to fund its development and the first run of the final product.
If you want to be one of the early buyers of the PlayDate smart ball, you can put down $149, or $100 off the future retail price. The creators hope to start shipping in December of this year, but as usual, there’s no guarantee that it will be smooth sailing with a crowdfunded project.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.