Meta launches Waddle World AI virtual pet app in Philippines

Meta launched a new app called Waddle World in the Philippines on iOS and Android, described as a Tamagotchi clone with AI capabilities. The app allows users to hatch, feed, and play with a virtual pet in a 16-bit world. It also functions as a journal, where users describe their day via voice or text, and the pet writes up the note in its own voice with a doodle. The app includes mini-games and sends a weekly email based on what it learns about the user. Meta's description explicitly states the app is not a chatbot, assistant, or productivity tool, and is flagged for users older than 18. The launch may be a precursor to a hardware gadget powered by Muse. Meta has previously released AI-centric apps like Pocket and Vibes. The company is navigating a landscape where competitors like Character.ai and OpenAI have faced lawsuits alleging their products caused harm to teenagers.