A Google teddy bear could be on its way
Minds behind the search engine may have come up with a hi-tech cuddly toy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The minds behind the world’s most powerful search engine may have come up with a hi-tech cuddly toy.
A Google patent application describes “an anthropomorphic device, perhaps in the form factor of a doll or toy, [which] may be configured to control one or more media devices”.
Proposed by Google engineers Richard DeVaul and Daniel Aminzade, the US patent outlines a teddy bear-shaped device which will sit in users’ homes, interact with them and get to know their tastes. The doll will switch on the TV when asked, tell the weather forecast and get to know people’s preferences.
In theory, Google’s teddy bear could control computers, lights, fridges and CD player through verbal commands – potentially doing away with remote controls.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments