The Week in Tech: Japan unveils odd iPhone robot dog while Microsoft plan Hotmail overhaul

This week in the world of tech, one of the weirdest uses of an iPhone was unveiled while Microsoft have big plans afoot.

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Crazy Japanese toy allows you to pet your iPhone

Do you find yourself irritated that your iPhone is not a robotic dog? Of course not, but apparently some people in Japan do, which is why the Smart Pet has been created.

Pictured above, the toy was a star attraction at the Tokyo Toy Show and can display changing facial expressions depending on its mood. To cheer it up, you'll need to groom it, feed it and administer medication. Yep, it's basically the new Tamagotchi, albeit an unnerving Tamagotchi with a phone for a face...

If the idea of an iPhone pet thrills you but you're not a fan of dogs, then the Tokyo Toy Show has another trick up its sleeve - Cocolo the Bear, who when hooked up to the handset can speak up to 600 words. At least until you pull the phone from his heart when you need to answer it, obviously.

Poll finds that 1980s gadgets are our favourites

A poll in the UK has found that everyone's favourite gadgets come from the decade of the 1980s, though we reckon that perhaps pollsters were wearing rose-tinted glasses at the time.

The poll, which was ran by Toyology.tv, found that our favourite gadget from the 1980s is the Sony Walkman, while the top gadget of the 1990s was - of course - the Nintendo Gameboy.

Peter Jenkinson, toy and gadget expert and owner of the site, said of the results: "Clearly Brits have a deep nostalgia and enduring love for games and gadgets from the 1980s and 1990s.

"Apple may well be the flavour of the moment, but it remains to be seen in this rapidly evolving technology market whether we will still have a love affair with the brand and their products in 30 years' time."

Leaked screenshots point towards mysterious NewMail

Does anyone still use Hotmail or have we all emigrated to Gmail? Microsoft is at least hoping that you're still using their email service as screenshots of what appears to be a revitalised version of Hotmail have been leaked. The new email title? NewMail.

According to LiveSide, the service will be opt-in for existing Hotmail users and boasts a new look that is quite similar to that of Gmail. Hey, if you beat them, copy them... years later.

However, some tech bloggers have commented that the transformative may not have a huge effect on Hotmail users, with Tech Crunch's Chris Acky stating of the leaked photos: "I doubt anyone will ever even notice this change... The reasons why no one uses Hotmail is evident from your screenshot."

Microsoft ready iPad rival

If you believe the industry whispers, Microsoft is set to introduce the Windows Tablet tomorrow, having announced that "something big" is on the way.

Reports from CNET and The Wrap have each cited insiders at Microsoft who claim that tomorrow's secret event in LA will also reveal who has partnered with Microsoft in order to produce it. With

Apple currently dominating 75 per cent of the tablet market, many are speculating that rival Samsung could be behind the likely Windows 7-based tablet.