Dogz are cartoonish canines that hang out on your computer screen virtual pets animated by a dollop of artificial intelligence. Useless but intriguing, they're a baby step toward PC-based life.
I liked the idea of possessing my own artificial life form. Dogz software developer PF.Magic promised that my new pet would mature, learn tricks, and grow to love me (wishful thinking).
Here's how it works: After downloading the Adoption Kit from the PF.Magic Web site, you can fool around with five different types of pups then choose one to keep. They're all appealingly goofy, with rounded bodies and big, goggly eyes. Although the five are not well differentiated, they are based on different breeds: terrier, Chihuahua, setter, Scottie, and bulldog. I went for the the slow and cuddly model, the bulldog.
The dogz can lounge inside a box on your screen, wander across an application, or act as a screensaver. You provide them with food, water, treats, and toys. Then watch 'em sprout over several weeks from pup to full-grown canine, depending on how well you care for them. Left to themselves, they nose around, eat, and play with any toys they've been given from the Dogz toolbox. You can throw the ball for them, pick them up, pet them, or play tug-of-war with a shoe.
The dogz have a basic neural net, so they can learn actively and passively. You teach them tricks by giving them biscuits and discourage bad behavior by squirting them with the spray-bottle tool.
How smart are they? I haven't taught mine to bring back the ball yet, but then again, after 12 years, I haven't taught my real dog to do that, either.
It's alarming how easily I bought into an emotional relationship with the dogz. I may think I'm training them, but these little artificial life forms are actually training me. It probably won't be long before I begin to feel guilty about turning off my computer.
Dogz, Your Computer Petz for PC or Mac: US$19.95. PF.Magic Inc.: (800) 482 3678, +1 (415) 495 0400, on the Web at www.pfmagic.com/dogz.
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