At MAKO we are pet lovers; and we understand the frustration and the worry that pet owners can feel when they are not at home to play with them and watch over them. Technology has made it possible for pet owners to be virtually present for their companions and to strengthen their connection. Our clients created The PetBot, a device that enables dogs to call their owners by simply barking or standing in front of the camera. Their pet toy invention was a game changer to the technologically under-served pet industry when it was first released. Today, a brand new experience for pet owners has arrived through a new device. A US start-up created PlayDate, a remote-control ball with a built-in live-streaming camera that lets pet owners interact and play with their pets. The product design will enable users to play with their cats or dogs from anywhere and at any time.
A Pet Toy that offers Connectivity and Durability
The smart ball connects to the home’s existing Wi-Fi and can be controlled remotely from an iOS or Android smartphone and any other device using the companion app.
PlayDate is equipped with a 160-degree HD camera making it possible for users to see their companion while playing with them. This unique toy lets users move around and follow their pets through the navigation controller. This app-controlled product design has a built-in microphone and speaker to allow the user to communicate with their pets and play as if they were in the house with them. The outer shell is made from shatterproof polycarbonate to ensure that the ball is resistant enough to withstand pets’ chewing it and scratching it. The developers gave users the option to replace the outer shell once it is too damaged. This modern toy comes in two sizes to please small dogs and cats as well as larger dogs.
PlayDate has launched on the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform and has already seduced enough pet lovers to reach their financial goals. The Beta version will be available in September 2016 and the ball should hit the market three months later. We love that technology can enhance and strengthen the relationship between owners and their pets. We are looking forward to seeing this invention on the market.
About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!
1-888-806-6256
info@makodesign.com