New App Identifies Dog Breed From a Photo

There’s a fun new Microsoft app called Fetch! that uses artificial intelligence techniques to classify images of real-world dogs into breeds. Available for iPhones and on the web, users upload a photo of a dog or take a picture with their camera and the app confirms the dog’s breed.

For example, if you upload a photo of a Labrador retriever, the app should say it's a Lab.

Created with a sense of humour, it includes a mode that lets you find out what breeds you and your friends are.

Fetch! was released by Microsoft Garage, an “outlet for experimental projects” and like other Microsoft artificial intelligence apps, it should become more accurate as users upload more photos and data.

A small experiment with a variety of photos came up with these mixed results:

Pretty close - poodle/golden retriever.

Sorry - Lab/boxer mix. A profile shot may not be the best for this app.

Fetch! was fooled with this goat. Maybe you can see a bit of cocker spaniel in the shape of the face?

 

The app did not get fooled twice. It recognized the cat right away.

While Fetch! may never replace a DNA test, it's a fun app for dog lovers.

CVMA Antimicrobial smartvet app now available

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has released a new treatment decision application, Antimicrobial SmartVet. 

Developed by a veterinary expert panel, the SmartVet app is an antimicrobial treatment decision tool for companion animal practitioners. This app will guide you through the process of selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for specific bacterial diseases of cats and dogs. 

The bilingual app is available through the Apple or Google Play stores. CVMA members can access a desktop version of SmartVet online at: http://apps.canadianveterinarians.net

CVMA supports and encourages all veterinarians to use antimicrobials prudently. Read CVMA’s Position Statement on Antimicrobial Use in Animals. 

The development of CVMA's SmartVet app was made possible with funding support from the Canadian Animal Health Institute. 

CVMA mobile app streamlines Convention info

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) released a smart phone app to help attendees navigate their way through the CVMA Convention 10-13 July 2013. 

The app includes session descriptions, speaker bios and photos, a list of attendees, the ability to create your own interactive personalized agenda, real-time session evaluations and alerts and updates. This free app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and Windows. 

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Pet "Tele-Presence" Devices Promote Healthier Pet Lifestyles

Technology is taking the companion animal stage in the 21st Century as mobile apps to find veterinary practices, behavior train and even translate animal sounds emerge. The latest app release relevant to the industry is Pintofeed, an intelligent pet feeder, designed to allow pet owners to feed their animals as well as monitor their intake from anywhere in the world. 

With the Pintofeed, feedings can be scheduled remotely vis SMS and Internet connected devices. The system 'learns' pet's eating habits and adjusts accordingly to enable the healthiest feeding regime possible. Pintofeed co-founder and president, Carlos Herrera, contends that this system will lead to both healthier pets and more well-informed owners. 

"An estimated 54 per cent of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese directly due to overeating," said Herrera. "One of the main reasons this disturbing trends continues is because the bulk of today's pet owners cannot consistently monitor their pets eating habits. Pintofeed, with its intelligent programming and remote access capabilities, is a solution that not only improves feeding habits but also fits into pet owner's lifestyles." 

Like existing automated feeders, Pintofeed can be set to dispense food at set times and intervals but also connects via a smartphone app, which offers feeding as well as monitoring options.