Anyone still using browser pets in 2026?
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Curious if anyone here still runs browser pets or desktop companions while working.
I’ve been playing around with the idea of making them smarter (context-aware reactions + local AI) instead of just looping cute animations. Launched something in that direction on PH back on June 22nd (Arcrawls) and got some interesting feedback.
Would love to hear:
Do you still use any browser pets?
What would actually make one useful instead of just distracting?
Prefer pure nostalgia (classic Shimeji style) or something more reactive/smart?
Open to any thoughts.
https://arcrawls.com/
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Stopped running one years ago, the nostalgia wore off fast once it started stealing attention during actual focus time. Context-aware could flip that if it's used to go quiet rather than go cuter, like reacting to a long silent stretch by nudging you to take a break instead of just playing a new animation loop. The failure mode I'd worry about is it becoming one more thing competing for attention on a screen that's already full of that. Does Arcrawls lean toward being seen less over time as it learns your patterns, or does it stay proactive regardless?