Developer Christian Selig has launched an up to date model of his playful Pixel Buddies app that takes intelligent benefit of latest iOS options like Reside Actions, the Dynamic Island, and interactive widgets on iOS 17. The app, which initially spun out of a function in his former Reddit shopper Apollo, places cute little digital pets that run round in your iPhone’s Dynamic Island — the black bar on the high of your iPhone’s display.
Selig, sadly, was compelled to close down Apollo earlier this yr after modifications in Reddit’s API insurance policies made it unsustainable as a enterprise. However within the time since, he’s been engaged on a brand new launch of Pixel Buddies, model 2.0, which presents not solely a full digital pets expertise however plenty of extras, together with interactive widgets that allow you to play minigames in your Residence Display, together with the absolutely interactive PixelQuest, 2048, and Everlasting Scroll.
Different widgets provide a fidget spinner you possibly can twirl a mechanical keyboard and extra.
Picture Credit: Pixel Buddies
These widgets are basically little time wasters — one thing to faucet on whenever you’re bored as a substitute of mindlessly scrolling Instagram or Fb, for instance. They’re pointless and don’t serve a lot of a function however that’s additionally what makes them enjoyable. It’s clear the developer was having fun with exploring the capabilities of what iOS 17 interactive widgets can now do and wished to see how far he may push their limits. As the tip person, you are able to do the identical by interacting with the widgets.
Within the unique model of the Pixel Buddies app, you may feed and play along with your digital pets, that are generated in a nostalgic pixel artwork fashion, and even rename them. A canine and cat had been included with the app without cost, however to unlock different pets and new options, you’ll should pay for a Pixel Buddies Premium subscription ($1.99/mo or $14.99/yr).
With the Pixel Buddies 2.0 replace, the digital pets are additionally turning right into a social community of types, as customers will have the ability to add pals to see their Pixel Buddies on their iPhone or iPad’s Residence Display and even have interaction in battles. Plus, the Pixel Buddies can run round in your Lock Display by means of Reside Actions — the energetic widgets that seem when your cellphone is locked — or seem as widgets when the cellphone is on its facet within the new iOS 17 StandBy mode.
As you have interaction along with your friends and enhance their love for you, they’ll have the ability to remodel into “Morphs,” or new kinds. There’s extra to do along with your pets, too, like taking them tenting or climbing or rising their meals on a farm.
Along with the sport widgets, the app consists of a regular photograph widget and clear widget, too.
The app continues to be a free obtain with the in-app purchases to improve to the total expertise on iPhone and iPad.