[LOOI Review] A “Robot Face” for Your Smartphone? In-depth explanation of the much-talked-about LOOI｜Latest information, user reviews, and points of improvement

Product Overview (What is LOOI: Features and Basic Structure)

LOOI is presented as a desktop robot that handles a smartphone as its “face,” and is designed to be used in combination with a dedicated application. It is designed to be used in combination with a dedicated app. It displays facial expressions on the smartphone screen, and its pedestal moves gently to show little reactions on the desk. While its movements as a robot are modest, it is characterized by the combination of facial expressions and movements on the screen.

The pedestal is said to be equipped with motors and sensors, and is guided by specifications that allow it to respond to voice input, visual information from the camera, and gesture operations. It is also designed to support wireless charging of up to 10W, and is expected to be used to charge a smartphone while it is on the stand. This area seems to be a composite design, combining functionality as a robot and convenience as a charging stand.

With a size of 110 x 98 x 110 mm, it is treated as a small type that can fit in a small space on a desk. The battery in the main unit is 6000mAh, and the actual usage time is explained on the premise that it varies depending on the usage pattern. It is designed in a style that operates when necessary while standing by, rather than running continuously.

LOOI itself does not have built-in AI, but rather a combination of “external AI + robot performance” using a smartphone. It can be said that LOOI itself does not have built-in AI, but is a style of creating an experience through a combination of “external AI + robot performance” using smartphones.

Given these characteristics, LOOI seems to be a gadget designed to enjoy its visual and behavioral reactions and presence, based on the idea of “turning a smartphone into a robot. Rather than a gadget for convenience, LOOI is positioned as a “playful device” to slightly change the atmosphere of your desk.

Summary of key points (LOOI features in a short time)

What is LOOI?

Positioning of a desktop AI robot that uses a smartphone as its “face
Configuration also functions as a wireless charger with up to 10W
A system that responds to voice, camera, and gestures
Compact size (110 x 98 x 110 mm) for easy placement
Used in conjunction with external AI services such as ChatGPT

Points that are likely to be perceived as good

Many say the small movements on the desk are charming.
Several reviews indicate that children and families are easily interested.
The idea of “turning a smartphone into a robot” itself is fresh and easily attracts the curiosity of gadget lovers.

Points of concern

Noted variations in the stability of voice recognition and gesture responses.
Opinion that wireless charging through the phone case is weak.
Several people have commented that the frequency of use drops off after a few weeks.

Suitable users

People who like gadgets and robots and enjoy unique experiences
Families looking for interactive devices that they can operate with their children
People who want to add “movement” and “playfulness” to their desk area.

A quick conclusion (what kind of user does LOOI fit?)

LOOI is often treated as an “interactive gadget” that adds fun to the desk, rather than as a robot whose main purpose is convenience or practicality. When a smartphone is placed on the LOOI, the robot’s expression and the movement of its pedestal give it a slight presence, making it a strong first impression and tending to lead to communication with family members and children.

On the other hand, you expect advanced functionality as a robot,

Depth of dialogue function
Operational Stability
Practical functionality

In addition, there is a possibility that you may feel that you are lacking in some areas such as the following. Therefore, when considering the purchase of a product, it is best to think about “what to expect” in advance to avoid any gaps.

Frequently asked questions (points you want to know before buying LOOI)

What is the price range?

Many examples sell for around $159-$189 and vary depending on the time of purchase.

What can I do?

AI voice interaction through a smartphone
Reaction using a camera, such as face and object recognition
Response to gesture actions
Simple information presentation, such as a reminder display, clock display, etc.
A combination of facial expression display and pedestal movement
Wireless charging up to 10W

What smartphones are supported?

iPhone with iOS 17 or higher (MagSafe compatibility recommended)
Some devices with Android 12 or higher

What are the disadvantages?

The opinion that speech recognition is easily affected by ambient noise
Pointed out that wireless charging over the case is weak.
Several cases have been reported where people stop touching it after a few weeks.

Will the software be updated?

Updates to the application appear to be ongoing, and user submissions indicate that several updates are coming.

Specifications Summary

(data) item	Contents
Size	110 × 98 × 110 mm
weight	Approx. 385g
battery	6000mAh
number of hours worked	Approx. 5 hours (in use)
standby	Approx. 30 days
Wireless charging	Max. 10W
Supported OS	iOS 17 or higher / Android 12 or higher
Manufacturer	TangibleFuture

LOOI Review

Good review

“Its ability to turn a smartphone into a cool toy for your desk or office is pretty cool …”
– TechBuzzIreland

“LOOI is fun to have on my desk, it’s like my phone got a body.”
– ImpulseGamer

Neutral to somewhat dissatisfied Review

“Quick review: it’s kind of boring. it doesn’t talk much. it just sits and watches you while wearing down your It just sits and watches you while wearing down your phone.”
– Reddit user Little_Acadia4239

“The wireless charging … is pretty weak, so it has a hard time charging your phone if you have a case on it.”
– Keyirobot

“It doesn’t really learn anything. ‘come here’ doesn’t work… All that said, my toddler loves it.”
– Facebook post

Summary of LOOI Review Trends

category	trend
Good rating	Many say it’s cute, easy to enjoy with family, and satisfying as a gadget.
neutrality	Several comments were made about how fresh and exciting it is at first, but after a few weeks, it is used less frequently.
Bad rating	Instability in recognition accuracy, weak charging performance, and monotony of operation have been pointed out in some cases
insight	Due to the structure of “using a smartphone as a robot,” I have the impression that both restrictions caused by smartphone dependence and the gadget-like appeal of the robot are likely to appear.

Overall evaluation (based on the attractiveness and challenges of LOOI)

LOOI is a type of product that has a strong initial fun and impact due to its unique approach of turning a smartphone into a robot. It has the presence of a little buddy on the desk, and gives the impression of being especially exciting for gadget lovers and families with children.

On the other hand, when considering long-term operation, issues such as variations in recognition accuracy, stability of wireless recharging, and continuous “freshness” of functionality tend to be cited. While these tendencies make it a good fit for users who value fun, they may be insufficient for users who seek practicality and advanced AI experiences.

All in all, this device seems to be suitable for users who are attracted by its position as a “robot that makes your desk a little more pleasant.

Comparison with “Mia,” a talking cat-shaped robot

point of view	LOOI	Mia (cat-shaped robot)
appearance	Movable design that turns the phone into a “face	Fixed cat-shaped design for a friendly appearance
feature	Display on the phone screen + light movements to create facial expressions	Character experience with dialects, personality expressions, and more than 100 different facial expressions
Price	154-$219 ($30,000-$40,000)	From 9,800 yen (tax included)
use	Gadget-oriented and novelty-oriented	Experience for healing, family communication, and other ongoing use
operation	Movable style with track movement	Lightweight and space-saving for fixed installation
longevity	Some say “the stimulation wears off” after a few weeks.	Message playback and personalization elements for continued use

👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide

【公式】ミーア | 全国47の方言を話すおしゃべり猫型ロボット

Summary (Who is LOOI suitable for?)

LOOI is an attractive robot that uses a smartphone for its movements and facial expressions, and is easily supported by users who seek “fun” and “cuteness” in their products. LOOI is more suited for users who want to change the atmosphere of their desks and have a bit of fun, rather than for those who value convenience.