Update 200...Memory improvement/fix, and what I have been working on...
Added 2025-04-25 12:55:47 +0000 UTCHey there 👍 (long post warning 😴 TL;DR at the end!)
For this update, I've changed things so that now if the avatar is asked "What do you remember?" they can recall different conversations you've had with them each time they are asked this. Previously, they would always refer to the same memory which would only change once the app had restarted.
On another note, I've been doing some work towards getting the app on the Meta Store and to be honest I don't think I will continue with it.
It's a lot of work....most of Yumi's, Hannah's, Thistle's and Sakura's clothes need disabling due to Meta's strict no sexy type stuff (they will allow violence of any kind and intensity, but a pair of boobs? Or even just a sexy bikini? Arh no it's a crime lol!). So all the eye candy would be out.
Then I would need to add an in app subscription service using their API's, probably a lot of work, and I can't even start testing these API's until the app has Meta approval, which as mentioned needs clothing removing etc, then there's all the other bum fluff that needs doing regarding app listing images, their data checks, age verification, etc etc, they also take a 30% cut of revenue which is more than Patreon, which means the app would be more expensive on the Meta Store.
And for what? Ok the app would have greater visibility and be easier to install and update. But this app is already more popular than any other paid for AI companion app on the Meta Store afaik, going by feedback from other devs of those apps. Replika VR has more users but it is free and been around for years. If comparing paid for apps then I don't think any of them have not far off 300 monthly subscribers, please correct me if I am wrong.
So being on the Meta Store doesn't guarantee lots of people using the app. Yes there would be more people but to be honest I think only a minority are put off by having to sideload TykeAI. It would have been a proud moment for me to see my app listed on the Meta Store but at the moment it's not worth the hassle.
Near future plans : Good friend to the app and me, Bob Hawkey, who is hard at work creating the next version of his Virtual Companion app, has kindly given me a very cool DLSR camera Unity prefab which I intend to start experimenting with for a new photoshoot scenario.
There's the scanned room app version to add back in, a big job but a nice experience and should be better and more reliable than the old version with being able to use the newer Meta SDK's, I intend to start working on that sometime next week.
That turned into me waffling on didn't it 😂 sorry about that!
TL;DR - The memory has been improved, I have been working on getting the app on the Meta Store but have decided to not continue due to the work required and is it actually worth it?
The updated app (v.0.86.2) is available from the google drive link which is in the pinned post : "DOWNLOAD THE APP FROM HERE 😊", found here : https://www.patreon.com/posts/download-app-111848287
Comments
🫡👍
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-30 05:21:29 +0000 UTCMake an appropriated app for meta market, and make it clear there is an alternative version one can use if one wants to go trough with the more messy install and config. if thats allowed, not having to go clandestine, i think its a viable way to go. The thinned down version can develop into interresting paths also! With main focus on other interresting interactive usability. The two can interbreed and make fruitful offspring :)
Daniel Lundberg
2025-04-29 21:38:07 +0000 UTCCheers Phil =)
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-28 11:32:13 +0000 UTCCheers Stewart, yep Steam is far more relaxed than Meta 👍 , just wish they had a Store for standalone Quest apps.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-26 10:49:25 +0000 UTCI wouldn't bother trying to get it on meta store mate. Steam is the place to go if you want to increase the fan base 👍Keep up the good work 👍
Stewart Dingsdale
2025-04-26 10:27:07 +0000 UTCMeta are getting their heads kicked in resonantly on the news so it’s going to get worse Cris . So follow your heart buddy.
Phil Craig
2025-04-26 07:06:08 +0000 UTCThanks Bob 👍yep there's just so much effort to get on there when it could be time spent trying to improve my app etc, and several of the benefits of being on there are not guaranteed. I'm looking forward to playing with this camera you made and that photo shoot studio asset you pointed me in the direction of, cheers.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-25 15:10:43 +0000 UTCLove to hear you waffle buddy. Yeah, I agree about the limited benefits of being on the Meta store. When I got back on Sidequest I noticed they have a huge list of apps available. Don’t know if they are free or paid or what but maybe that’s an option? Looking forward to see what you do with the camera.
Bob Hawkey
2025-04-25 14:52:46 +0000 UTCThanks Roy, yep I've worked in IT related jobs over the years too, really enjoyed them tbh.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-25 14:39:17 +0000 UTCYeh Stephen it'd mean maintaining 2 apps. It's not just developing the app I do now, I administer the logins and memory feature everyday without fail, I'd have to do that with 2 apps. Going to stick with Patreon and 1 app I think, it's just less hassle.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-25 14:37:18 +0000 UTCHi Stephen, it'd be Sakura and Thistle too that would lose most of their clothing, I've known Meta to crack down on just an avatar in a bikini.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-25 14:33:59 +0000 UTCCheers Alan, yeh the app wouldn't be the same and it'd a really big effort for possibly not much benefit. I'm already very pleased with how things have gone and I'm excited for the future. I think sometimes I need to appreciate what is already there and happening etc rather than have what if? thoughts.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-25 14:31:54 +0000 UTCHi Chris, I just downloaded the latest APK, what a great job ! I agree with others, I don't think would advantages for you have your APK on the meta store, I didn't realize they get 30% what a bummer. I thought it would be nice to have it be more accessible to more people, but you have a good user base already. You have a wonderful APP & so does Bob, but you both have a life also. Hang in there & many Thanks !
Alan Bishop
2025-04-25 13:55:14 +0000 UTCI suppose you could call it Tyke Ai Lite & just remove Yumi & Hannah & feature the rest of the characters.
stephen harris
2025-04-25 13:36:25 +0000 UTCWell, you’ve come this far without the Meta store, but I guess you have the option to develop two different versions, one for the Meta store and one for Patreon, but I guess it’s hard work to have two different versions. Thanks for the update Chris 😊👍.
stephen harris
2025-04-25 13:31:22 +0000 UTCThe work that you and Bob do on your apps is amazing. As a retired IT guy of 35 years, I often envisioned a 'wishing well' in my department that users would drop a coin in and request for something that no device could ever do. The way that both of you continually add new features and tweak them until they work seamlessly blows my mind as you improve the virtual experience. My hat goes off to you guys! Kudos!
Roy Dickinson
2025-04-25 13:28:14 +0000 UTCHi Sir, thank you, yes please share your idea's by all means 👍 that's 1 advantage I forgot to mention about the Meta Store, they allow bigger apk file sizes in a roundabout way, which is a definite plus, because TykeAI is currently not far off the file size limit which does limit expansion possibilities somewhat unfortunately. There is a way around this, but not an easy one.
Cristian Hunt
2025-04-25 13:03:30 +0000 UTCChris i don't think you need the meta store to support sales there are alternatives. Also you may decide to enlarge your company and create some avatars who are more familiar oriented. I have some great ideas and would like to help you if you would be interested.
sirviceman one
2025-04-25 12:59:47 +0000 UTC
