Continuing its fast-paced experiments with AI apps, Meta has now launched a new app called Waddle World, which essentially looks like a Tamagotchi clone, but with AI. The might be a test, but it could very well be a precursor to the company’s Tamagotchi-like gadget powered by Muse.

The company has launched Waddle World in the Philippines on both iOS and Android. The app, spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra, lets you pick and grow a virtual pet, feed it, and play with it.

We have reached out to Meta for a comment on wider availability, and will update this piece if we hear back.

Meta’s description of the app indicates that it doesn’t want the app to be a habit builder. The company’s page also says that the app is not a chatbot, and is flagged as suitable for users older than 18.

“Waddle World is a cozy 16-bit world where your pixel pet lives. Hatch a virtual pet, visit whenever you like, and let it get to know you. No pressure, no streaks to protect, no scores to chase — just a warm little escape in the cracks of your day,” the app’s description reads.

“Not a chatbot. Not an assistant. Not a productivity tool. It’s a pet, and a place. Stay two minutes or twenty — it’ll be happy either way.”

The app also doubles as a journal, letting users describe their day through voice or text. The pet listens to the user and writes up the note in its own voice as an entry with a doodle. The app also features mini-games that you can play over a few minutes, and can send you a weekly email based on what it learned about you.

Meta may be wanting to stay away from building companion apps, given companies like Character.AI and OpenAI have faced lawsuits that allege their products caused harm to teenagers.

Until now, the social media giant has released AI-centric apps like Pocket, which lets you vibe-code games, and Vibes, which let you quickly generate videos.

Besides virtual pets, some companies have also tried making hardware AI pets.

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Ivan Mehta

Ivan covers global consumer tech developments at TechCrunch. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web.

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