Shocking pretty much nobody, Ugobe, maker of the much-ballyhooed and oft-delayed Pleo dinosaur robot, announced today that the little guy wouldn't make his targeted October release date, due to issues with the battery. Rated to last an hour of autonomous activity, Pleo's built-in battery got too hot too quickly to accept a full recharge in user tests, CEO Bob Christopher said in an interview with us. Rather than start at square one, Ugobe went to Plan B: Make the battery removable so it can cool outside of Pleo's body while recharging.

The adjustment to the design means Pleo, designed by Furby co-creator Caleb Chung, won't be stomping around the U.S. until the holidays. Christopher said Ugobe is "aiming" for Thanksgiving, but will be ready for Christmas "for sure." Well, Sony Rolly, it's up to you to keep us entertained until then… — Peter Pachal