How a Customer’s Email Changed NotiSprite v1.4.0

NotiSprite launched almost two months ago, and I wanted to share this update here as well. It has been meaningful to see real users who genuinely understand what I am trying to create. Real reactions, real feedback, and real appreciation for the artwork and the effort behind it.

NotiSprite was also featured on Product Hunt, which honestly shocked me. I did zero promotion. None of my network even knew I was launching that day. I simply wanted to see if anyone out there cared about this small idea of animated companions on the desktop. It somehow ranked seventh, and that moment felt like a huge breath of relief. It made me feel that maybe this project actually has a place in the world.

Every sprite is drawn frame by frame by real artists. Nothing is automated or generated. The image I shared is from the iOS version, which is in the final testing stage. They show the animations clearly in one place. I hope I can release the iOS version before the end of the year.

On the very first day of the macOS launch, I received an email from a customer in Japan. He asked if I could change the colour of the cat and give it odd eyes. Then he explained why: he missed his cat, Cham. I did not expect NotiSprite to remind someone of their own pet, and his message stayed with me for days. Even though my budget is tight and I need to be careful with every cost, I decided to create Noti Cham for him, named after his pet. We updated the colours, the odd eyes, and even added her favourite snack, a Japanese dried fish. It took two weeks because every frame had to be redrawn, but it felt worth it.

Today, Apple approved version v1.4.0 with Noti Cham included. I emailed the customer to tell him that Cham can now stay on his screen forever. I hope this small gift brings him some comfort this Christmas. It meant a lot to me to be able to do this for him.

Several users have also told me that NotiSprite reminds them of their own pets. These stories genuinely influence how I think about the future of the project.

Sometimes I wonder if I am the best person to run a startup, because I often make decisions based on one or two heartfelt messages rather than spreadsheets or forecasts. Yes, I need to earn money and support my family, and yes, I want a better life like everyone else. But I never want this project to turn into something that only chases revenue. I do not want the heart of the project to disappear into cold numbers.