Are you Barking Mad? First TV Remote for Dogs is Created

Are you Barking Mad? First TV Remote for Dogs is Created

LEEDS, England, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --



A prototype of the first ever dog TV remote with extra-large buttons for clumsy paws
has been created by experts, allowing dogs to control the TV when their owner leaves the
room.



(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385229 )




Pet food brand, Wagg, has been working with Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, PhD Researcher
in Animal Computer Interaction Design at the University of Central Lancashire, to develop
the prototype which will allow canines to control the TV for the first time.



The remote marks the next step in the growing trend of animal computer interaction
(ACI), which has seen many pet-focused apps and interactive toys launch over the past few
years.



Ilyena said: "Recent research found the average dog now watches more than nine hours
of TV a week, showing that technology is already playing a huge part in our pets' lives.



The prototype is used in a similar way to a normal TV remote and has been specially
designed for dogs with hard-wearing waterproof plastic. It includes:




- Paw-friendly buttons with raised surfaces to avoid paw slippage
- Yellow and blue colours. Although dogs generally have a 240 degree vision, they have
fewer colour sensitive cones than humans, which results in them being red-green colour
blind preferred colours for dogs
- Squeak sounds that omit a lower-intense frequency and appeal to dogs
- A hole to attach a rope toy for the dog to interact with and carry the remote


The model remote is currently being trialled, with experts monitoring dog's reactions
to the buttons, sounds and colours. Following the analysis stage, Wagg will approach tech
companies with a view of putting the model into production.



Reeves added: "Recent research carried out by Wagg, looked at the extent to which
television plays a part in the lives of our dogs - with a staggering 91 percent of owners
admitting their pet regularly sits on the sofa and watches TV with them. 



The prototype design has been commissioned by Wagg to mark the launch of Dogglebox, a
one-off spoof specially created for YouTube with a completely canine cast. The video sees
pooches of all shapes and sizes parody the Channel 4 laugh out loud TV show, Gogglebox.



Dogglebox recently launched on Wagg's Facebook page and YouTube. To view Dogglebox and
find out more, visit http://www.facebook.com/waggfood






Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385229


Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385229
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385229
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Wagg Foods

CONTACT: Media contacts: For information, images or interviews, contact the Wagg team at Finn: +44(0)113-887-3873 wagg@finncomms.com


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