re: changes in Pleo RB update
I did a comparison of the oldest version I have (version 51) to the latest one available from degers (version 57). Mostly by looking at the firmware, and some speculation as to why things were changed.
The old version came in my RBs in early January (firmware built last November). When RB goes to sleep, the neck and legs are bent.
If you got your RB in December, I suspect you have that version as well.
The latest version, available from degers, started shipping with PleoRBs in March or earlier (firmware built in January). When RB goes to sleep the neck and legs are straight.
If you got your RB between January and March, you may have something inbetween.
Changes from Version 51 to Version 57: (with some speculation)
Change in powerdown behavior. Moves legs and head straight before powering down.
Tweeks to some of the mood values. Looks like there is new logic to help even out some of the feeding issues.
Changes to sound threshold in some of the games.
Robot reacts to Chilli Pepper and Chunk of Ice in more places (exploring or come-to-me game)
New check for the power button. May be a fix for the sound volume problems ?
Some minor changes in other games.
Compatible with the 'scared in the dark' patch.
BTW: This update also contains the format fix you need if you accidentally tried the old Pleo "PM2" updater on your PleoRB.
So, it looks like a bug fix and general improvement release. Don't expect major functionality changes (except for the sleep position fix).
You may notice other improvements in the games, or maybe not. Sometimes it is nice to know your pet is running the latest-and-greatest even if you don't need the features ;->