Pluff: Fluffy Game Controller and Virtual Pet

I’m not sure if this really counts as augmented reality or even a virtual pet – but it’s too interesting to ignore!

Pluff is a new fluffy game controller prototype that was on display at the E3 exhibition. Pluff responds to your treatment of him (her? it?) and the character in the on-screen game responds accordingly. Stroke him and he’s happy, cover his eyes and he plays hide and seek. If you pick him up and shake him then, unsurprisingly, he cries.

Pluff was developed by Diana Hughes for her MFA thesis at the University of Southern California’s Interactive Media Division. According to Hughes’ Pluff website:

Pluff is an experiment in using e‐textile technology to develop tactile interface devices for video games. The prototype consists of a stuffed animal embedded with sensors and wireless communication that functions as a game controller, and a corresponding game that is played in Flash. Pluff seeks to increase the sophistication of e‐textile applications and methods. At the same time, the combination of onscreen content and physical interface create an emotionally engaging experience for the user.

Hughes hints at exciting developments in the pipeline, so maybe Pluff will go mainstream.