Developer Christian Selig has unveiled an exciting new iteration of the popular Pixel Pals app, bringing a host of fresh features that capitalize on the latest iOS advancements, including Live Activities, the Dynamic Island, and interactive widgets introduced with iOS 17.
This delightful app, originally inspired by a feature within Selig's former Reddit client Apollo, places adorable virtual pets right on your iPhone's Dynamic Island.
How Pixel Pals 2.0 Started
With Reddit's API policies, Selig had to bid farewell to Apollo earlier this year. As a result, it was rendered unsustainable as a business venture. However, he didn't let this setback deter his creative spirit.
Instead, he focused on enhancing Pixel Pals, now at version 2.0. According to MacRumors, the latest release not only delivers a full-fledged virtual pet experience but also introduces an array of extras, including interactive widgets that transform your Home Screen into a playground.
In the new Pixel Pals update, to get PixelQuest working as a full iOS 17 home screen game, I had to code in actual procedural chunk loading for the map because loading the full massive map was crashing 💀 Plus there's full boundary detection haha pic.twitter.com/yMyQ9qZZC9
— Christian Selig (@ChristianSelig) September 21, 2023
You can indulge in captivating minigames like PixelQuest, 2048, and Eternal Scroll, right at your fingertips.
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Interactive Widgets on Pixel Pals
These widgets serve as delightful time-fillers - perfect for those moments when you're looking to escape the monotony of social media scrolling. They may not serve a profound purpose, but that's precisely what makes them so enjoyable. Selig embraced the capabilities of iOS 17's interactive widgets, pushing the boundaries of what they can do.
As a user, you have the freedom to explore these widgets and interact with them as you please. In the initial version of the app, users could nurture and engage with their virtual pets, all presented in charming pixel art.
While the app provided a dog and cat as complementary companions, unlocking additional pets and features requires a Pixel Pals Premium subscription ($1.99 per month or $14.99 annually).
Socializing with Pixel Pals
With the Pixel Pals 2.0 update, virtual pets take on a social dimension. According to TechCrunch, you can add friends to your roster, allowing you to witness their Pixel Pals right on your iPhone or iPad's Home Screen and even engage in friendly battles.
Your Pixel Pals can accompany you on your Lock Screen through Live Activities, or take the form of widgets when your phone is in the new iOS 17 StandBy mode.
Finally submitted Pals 2.0 for review! 🎉 As the smallest hint of the fun to come, here is one of the many little iOS 17 interactive widgets I added
— Christian Selig (@ChristianSelig) September 21, 2023
I call it Widget Spinner, and it's very addictive 😛 pic.twitter.com/JU5X3rNI4G
As you foster deeper connections with your virtual pals, they have the ability to transform into "Morphs" - evolving into new forms.
Beyond daily care, you can embark on adventures like camping, hiking, or cultivating food on a farm with your beloved companions.
Pixel Pals 2.0 offers not only game widgets but also a standard photo widget and a transparent widget, ensuring a diverse range of experiences and customization options.
You can download the app for free, but in-app purchases are also available for iPhone and iPad users.
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