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[grumpy]

I'm apparently behind the times, as this is already a sold-out hot pet of the year...

But has anyone seen these before?

http://singularityhub.com/2009/12/07/zhu-zhu-pets-toy-sensation-and-signs-of-things-to-come-video/

[fancyfont]

These little hamsters have been promoted on morning talk shows. Very cute! But with four pleos, I think this household is busy enough!

[NarcissaABlack]

I have heard of them, but they aren't exactly thrilling.  They aren't robots but merely pull back cars that can scramble around.  If they do have a computer chip in them its a small one and its for the back sensor which enables it to go or to sense being petted.    It can't be too elaborate because the toys are 10 dollars, the playsets for zhu zhu run more.

Just an added little bonus, according to Good Guide they are potentially very toxic toys containing a chemical antimony that the US says should be no more than 60 ppm to be safe and this little toy is 90 ppm.   It should be noted that antimony is a known carcinogenic.  But so people don't panic, it was only seen on Mr. Squiggles.  The remaining pets weren't tested.  Still I wouldn't spend the money because one the toy doesn't stimulate imagination and two it could potentially be toxic.  It's not worth the money.

[InmemoryofRomeo]

I would hate to think how much the accessories cost lol, it seems they are unable to detect objects in front of them. That would have been a nice feature, face it real hamsters don't exactly go running into walls Definitely a good kids toy if you don't mind shelling out for the accessories as well, I can't imagine they'd be as appealing on their own. It's a creative idea... This might be a bit harsh, but to me they just look like battery operated cars with a cute skin attached and a chip to make sure they make the right noises in the right parts of their 'house'...

EDIT: They are selling on Ebay Aus for $50 and the accessories cost up to $250. However I see a few in auction for 50 cents (since they would be relatively unknown here as yet) I will see if I can nab one to review. It'll make a good cat toy 

[NarcissaABlack]

InmemoryofRomeo,

Before you give it to your cat make sure what's the ppm of antimony for cats.  Its not a worth it toy if it makes them sick.

[InmemoryofRomeo]

Oh yes good point, thank you. I will check straight away.

Edit: Not toxic in small doses, it is used by vets to induce vomiting, ok I will be keeping it well away from the kitties, don't want sick cats

[gucci_boi7782]

Oh dear, I despise those things. They possess no AI. Plus they're non-organic in movement and slightly ugly....

[InmemoryofRomeo]

Inorganic alright, they have wheels instead of legs I've had toy cars like those All they have done is stick a furry body on top

We don't have hamsters here in Aus, but even I know they can move around without following a track, jump etc

[scaledandtailed]

Lol fore pleos? Don’t suppose   you would like to rent one out to me   until I get my  replacement do you? Lol
    Only just sent it today and I’m missing my rex already.
 Haven’t seen those hamster thingys  around.   Though by the   description   they don’t really sound robotic to me tbh.
  I think into labs could probably learn from them in the accessory’s department though.
  I mean if  innvo labs  where to  produce plea accessory’s  such as   cave beds or nests or,  well I can’t think of  anything else  but  it’s something  that’s not really been explored by them I don’t think.
  Lou
 
 
 

[cuddlebeez]

My little cousin has these things. To me they're extremely boring. They just run back and forth... But hey, she's entertained