You realize how smart dogs are when you try to get a robot to do it.

FORBES: Robots Are Learning To Take Care Of Pets

Using so-called reality instant messaging, a software "robot" monitors what you and your friends are doing--watching the same TV shows on different sets, say, or downloading the same song from Eminem--and links all of you via cell phone.

FORBES: Going Virtual

"It's about getting feedback from players before it's even finished and getting players really excited about it throughout the process, " said Jim Rossignol, co-founder of indie game studio Big Robot, which used Kickstarter to get funds to finish a game called Sir, You Are Being Hunted.

BBC: Kickstarter: Games by the people, for the people