Meta quietly launches Waddle World, a virtual pet app that works like a journal

Meta has quietly launched Waddle World, an app where you hatch a virtual pet and talk to it about your day. The store listings call it a "daily journal disguised as a pet." It is free, but only listed for adults in the Philippines.

What it does

Waddle World is a "tamagotchi-style" pet game in a 16-bit, retro pixel look. Your pet chats with you and draws doodles to illustrate your conversations. The listing tells users to talk with their pets, not type. There are also "cozy games," such as stacking groceries and word games.

The Play Store description promises "no pressure, no streaks to protect, no scores to chase." It describes the app as a little friend that listens.

Who it is for

The app is listed as free and available only to adults in the Philippines. Social media consultant Matt Navarra spotted it. The Verge could not verify the location limits itself.

Another Meta app

Meta also launched Style Sketch, an AI fashion app. Navarra says it is available only in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. That location claim is also unverified.

What is not known yet

• Whether Waddle World or Style Sketch will come to the US or other countries.
• How Meta plans to handle what users say to their pets.
• Any official comment. The Verge has asked Meta for details on both apps.

The app is part of a wider push. Meta is also promoting a cute mascot and small Charm gadgets for its Muse AI agent.

Why it matters

An app that invites you to talk about your day is a personal thing to share. Readers outside the Philippines cannot try it now. It still shows Meta testing friendly AI companions, which raises fair questions about privacy.