Skip to main content

Petcube allows you to play with your pets while at work

Rocky playing with Petcube
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Detailed on a project page, the Petcube is a small device for the home that allows pet owners to routinely check in on their cat or dog during the day. When connected to a home’s Wi-Fi network, the Petcube allows the user to view a live, 720p video feed using a smartphone or tablet. In addition, the user has the ability to move the wide-angle camera angle up to 162 degrees, listen in on the pets using an internal microphone and speak to the pets using the built-in speaker. Conceptually, this could allow a pet owner at work to silence a barking dog at home with a quick command.

petcubeBeyond that technology, the Petcube also includes a low-intensity laser pointer that’s attached to the camera mount. As the camera is moved into different positions, the laser will follow.

Recommended Videos

Using the touchscreen controls on an iOS mobile device, the user can send the laser racing around the room and encourage their pet to get a bit of exercise chasing the laser dot all over the place. Regarding safety, the team that’s building the Petcube is consulting with veterinarians to ensure the strength of the laser won’t be able to harm the eyes of your pet. 

Interestingly, the Petcube development team is building an internal social network that allows other Petcube owners to play with other pets on the network. Assuming the Petcube device has been set to public access, any pet owner can make their pet’s video feed public to encourage strangers to play with their pet. However, this could become a security issue if the location of the home can somehow be determined from the video feed. However, users will be limited on the amount of time the video feed is open to the public. The development team estimates this window of time will be about 15 to 30 minutes.

Petcube-iOS-interface
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Beyond encouraging other Petcube users to play with pets, the team is building an achievement badge system as well as a messaging system between Petcube owners. There will be a way to share a private video feed with family and friends in order to encourage more people to interact with your pet. In addition, the iOS app will send the user notifications based on certain scenarios within the home. If a pet is barking incessantly, the app could send the user a quick notification after picking up the noise levels on the microphone. This could be ideal for anyone that lives in an apartment with thin walls and frustrated neighbors.

 The device is fairly small at just four inches wide, four inches long and four inches deep. The standard version will have grey aluminum around the sides and a shiny black front. Skins will be available for purchase in order to customize the Petcube for different decors. At this time, the development team is finalizing the prototype and plans to launch full-scale production by Fall 2013. There’s no price attached to the Petcube at this time, but anyone interested in the device can sign up for an email notification when the Petcube is available for preorder.  

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more