What a terrible existence that would be. To be comforted by a pulsating bean bag. I think it diminishes us to suggest that this is a viable route for comfort. As it climbs into his lap, you wonder if it is going to give him some sort of grubjob. But thanks for this, though.
http://www.weirduniverse.net/blog/comments/2508/ I mean, you're right in pointing out the implicit creepiness of this thing but part of that I think has to do with the fucking weirdo German's that made this video. On the other hand though, I think that the virtual haptic experience is something we humans will increasingly normalize. Just think of the back massaging chair, or the, gulp, vibrating bed. In an era where people have computer generated wives and acquire emotional attachment to their iPhones, maybe - for some people out their - this weird blob of unrequited love is just the thing to keep them from the deep end.
In an era where people have computer generated wives and acquire emotional attachment to their iPhones, maybe - for some people out their - this weird blob of unrequited love is just the thing to keep them from the deep end. That might be so. But I'd like to think that technology will tend to satisfy our needs in ways that bring us together more easily, rather than console us in isolation. But, I don't know... You are right that these are going to be complicated issues when we have sentient non-biological beings that we are interacting with in meaningful ways. I think this beanbag thing succeeds in evoking feelings related to these issues. But, hell if I am going to have one of these things slinking around my house. It doesn't need to pulsate. Can you imagine if R2D2 pulsated? He would be totally ruined.
Now, make his apartment a fun place with a normal family, have a kid that begs for a dog and a mom and dad that say no but bring home the happy-brean bag, add some cheesy up-beat commercial music and Bam!.... You've got a solid marketing campaign. You'll sell millions I call it, the emotipet :)
On the note of Cosby and irreverence, you should check out The House of Cosby's on Channel 101. Freaking hilarious.