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US — The Verge

Meta quietly launched an ‘AI pet journal’ app

AI1 min read

Meta has quietly launched Waddle World, a small pet app where users chat with virtual creatures. It also released Style Sketch, an AI fashion app, in a few Asian countries.

Meta launches a pet journal app

Meta has launched a "tamagotchi-style" pet game called Waddle World. In the app, you hatch a virtual pet. You talk to it, and it chats back and draws doodles about your conversations. Meta's app store description says it is "a daily journal disguised as a pet." Meta also quietly launched an AI fashion app called Style Sketch.

Key facts

  • Waddle World is listed as free on the Apple and Google Play app stores.
  • Waddle World is only listed for adults in the Philippines, according to store listings noticed by social media consultant Matt Navarra.
  • Style Sketch is reportedly only available in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. The Verge could not confirm these location limits.
  • Users talk to their pets instead of typing, and can also play simple games like stacking groceries or word games.

What is a tamagotchi?

A tamagotchi is a small handheld toy from the 1990s. You had to care for a virtual pet by feeding it and playing with it. Waddle World uses the same idea of a pet you look after, but it adds AI so the pet can talk with you. The app's store page says there are no streaks to protect and no scores to chase.

Why it matters

Meta is testing AI products that feel friendly and personal, not just useful. A pet that listens and draws pictures shows how AI companies want people to chat with AI in everyday life. It is not yet clear if these apps will reach the US or other countries.

What to watch

  • Whether Meta brings Waddle World or Style Sketch to the US or other countries.
  • How Meta answers questions about the apps. The Verge has asked Meta for more details.
  • How Meta's new mascot and Charm gadgets for its Muse AI agent fit into its plans.

Glossary

Waddle World
A 16-bit pet app from Meta where users chat with a virtual creature.
Style Sketch
An AI fashion app from Meta, reportedly available only in a few Asian countries.
Meta
The company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and makes the Muse AI agent.
Muse AI agent
Meta's AI assistant product, which the article says is getting a mascot and Charm gadgets.

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