Sony Electronics Launches Limited aibo Espresso Edition in the US

Latest Sony Offering Gives Users a Customizable, Highly Social Companion Robot Puppy

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics Inc. today announced that the limited-quantity aibo Espresso Edition  (ERS-1000B) is now available for purchase in the United States directly from Sony. Originally released in Japan in late January 2023, the aibo Espresso Edition is the fourth color variation of the acclaimed aibo (ERS-1000) robotic "puppy" companion in the United States.

The aibo Espresso Edition features a brilliant black color body with white accents and comes with four exclusive eye color options including an "odd eyes" option that sets aibo's eyes to two different eye colors simultaneously. As with the current white aibo model, the aibo Espresso Edition comes with a three-year AI Cloud Plan¹, charging station including both charging stand and charging mat, AC adaptor, power cord, and a special pink ball for playtime. 

The three-year AI Cloud Plan lets aibo gather and access its daily life experiences, enabling it to develop a unique personality that grows and evolves.^{2, 3} Each aibo recognizes faces and develops a familiarity with people over time, remembering which actions make owners happy. As each aibo is shaped by its daily interactions and the parenting style of its owners, the personality, behavior, and knowledge of every new puppy companion is completely unique. 

In addition to supporting aibo's AI-powered learning capabilities, the AI Cloud Plan ensures aibo will be kept current for years to come by growing aibo's functionality with new tricks, software-based features, and even entirely new behaviors.

Parents of aibo can also stay connected to their pup using the "My aibo" app^{2, 3}. The app provides an easy and handy interface that allows users to play with their pet, feed their aibo virtual meals and treats, add new behavior and tricks to its repertoire, and more. 

The aibo Espresso Edition is currently available on Sony's website⁴ for a suggested retail price of $2,899.99, while supplies last.

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

¹ Each aibo robotic dog includes three years of Cloud and Wireless Services necessary to take advantage of aibo's full functionality and learning capabilities. After the three-year period, owners will be responsible for any periodic fees to continue the Wireless and Cloud Services (if offered) pursuant to a separate agreement between the owner and a third-party service provider. 

² "My aibo" can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store. A web browser version is also available at http://aibo.com/myaibo. Network services, content, and the operating system and software of this Product may be subject to individual terms and conditions and changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.

³ aibo and aibo AI Cloud Plan subscription required to fully enjoy all features of the "My aibo" app. App, subscription and major credit card required.

^4. This product is not for sale or use in Baltimore, Maryland* or the State of Illinois, and may not be shipped to purchasers in Baltimore, Maryland, or Illinois.  -Residents of Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland may use the My aibo App as non-registered users.

* Baltimore zip codes: 21215, 21218, 21230, 21217, 21225, 21201, 21213, 21216, 21202, 21223, 21211, 21231, 21214, 21205, 21226, 21203, 21281, 21270, 21297, 21264, 21265, 21233, 21273, 21274, 21275, 21278, 21279, 21280, 21251, 21283, 21287, 21288, 21289, 21290, 21263, 21298

SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.