Article: Digital Doggie makes no bones about virtually becoming man's best friend.

Could a virtual puppy ever replace the real thing?

That's the question raised by "Digital Doggie," a paw-sized version of an electronic toy that has engulfed Japan and appears headed for a United States invasion. (Think of it as Godzilla meets Lassie meets Pet Rock meets Pac-Man.)

Digital Doggie, one of a series of Giga Pets produced by Tiger Electronics, was released yesterday in New York, the same day as Tamagotchi, a similar "virtual reality pet" that sold 4 million units in four months in Japan. Both these key-chain toys need electronic feeding, treats, exercise and bathing, else they "die" - that is, turn into angels and head for cyber heaven.

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