SONY MARKS AIBO'S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY WITH AIBO EYES SOFTWARE AND CYBER-BLUE COLOR

New Software Allows Users to Receive Digital Images From AIBO Remotely

SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 19, 2003 - Entertainment Robot America (ERA), a division of Sony Electronics Inc. (SEL), announced today it is releasing a new software application, entitled AIBO EYES [ERF-220AP08E], in honor of its famous robot's fourth anniversary. The new software will now allow AIBO to send digital images from its owner's home or --any other remote location-- to a user's office PC or mobile communication device.

Also, in conjunction with AIBO's fourth anniversary, Sony will be releasing a sleek, new cobalt-blue colored AIBO Entertainment Robot [ERS-210A/LI] dubbed AIBO Cyber-Blue. Both AIBO EYES (suggested retail price $119.99) and AIBO Cyber-Blue (suggested retail price $1,299) can be purchased by visiting the Sony Style Stores (New York and San Francisco), Sony Gallery (Chicago), select retail outlets nationwide or by visiting www.us.aibo.com beginning May 20.

With AIBO EYES software, the four-legged robot can now be controlled remotely via e-mail commands. Users can send an e-mail message to the robot and receive a JPEG image with their computer or other mobile communication device, capturing a picture of what AIBO sees allowing them, for example, to view their home or children while away.

In addition, AIBO EYES software will allow family and friends to communicate through audio messages. For instance, AIBO owners can now send a message command from a remote device, such as a PC or mobile communication device, to AIBO and have the robot deliver a pre-recorded message aloud such as congratulations! Further, AIBO EYES will also enable owners to remotely e-mail message commands to AIBO and have the robot perform selected songs, such as When the Saints Come Marching In and Ode to Joy.

"AIBO EYES enhances AIBO's ability to be the ultimate robotic companion, keeping people informed and connected by enabling owners to use the robot to receive digital images," said Victor Matsuda, ERA's vice president. "Over the last four years, we've pushed the boundaries of what robots can do and with AIBO EYES, the market is witnessing the future of things to come: A robot that is not only a companion but also offers practical applications."

AIBO EYES expands the robot's role as a personal agent, adding to features that ERA introduced with the AIBO Messenger software that enabled AIBO to read aloud text-based information from Web sites along with its owner's incoming e-mail aloud.

###

EDITOR'S NOTE - AIBO EYES is compatible with AIBO Entertainment Robots [ERS-210/210A] and [ERS-220/220A]. AIBO EYES software requires an IEEE802.11b wireless access point or wireless router connected to a broadband service in order to receive digital images and send message commands. Further, owner's mobile communication devices must be able to receive a JPEG in order to receive digital images from the robot.