Pet Bugs
Pet Bugs Overview
This fun application lets you carry around your very own bug collection wherever you go. You choose your companions from a variety of different bug types (Ladybird, Stag beetle, Goliath beetle). You also get to choose from a multitude of environments/backdrops in which to place them. Give your bugs pet names, tickle their backs, feed them grubs, and decorate their surroundings to keep them happy. A simple but effective editor allows you to place, rotate and scale items to form your own unique composition.
Be careful not to pet your bugs too much or you might accidently squash them!
The application has occasional sound effects and lets you to play your own music in the background whilst entertaining your 6 legged friends.
Very realistic bug movement, detailed bugs and environments.
WARNING: sufferers of Entomophobia (Insectophobia) need not apply.
And remember don't splat them too often that would just be cruel!
Summary:
10 Bug types to choose from, over 20 background environments, & over 10 items to choose from with which to decorate their environment.
Give them names, feed them, pet them, decorate their environment, just be sure not to splat them (too often)!
This is a highly customizable app; have everything the way you like it.
Now Create your own bug graphics and import them into the Pet Bugs environment, pet and feed your own creations. You can also select a photo from your own photo albums as the background image.
Requirements:
Compatible with iPhone 3G, the original iPhone, and iPod touch. If you have a first generation iPhone or iPod touch then you will require the iPhone 2.1 OS update.
Languages:
English
Latest Version Number
Version 1.1.1
Pet Bugs import your own bugs
How To Create Your Very Own Bug Graphics for Pet Bugs on iPhone:
Step 1:
Choose one of these templates as a starting point for your creation. Your picture should be 128 by 128 pixels in size and have a uniform background color.
Right click on an image and choose save to a directory on your PC/Mac.
or 
Step 2:
In any graphics editing software edit the graphics in any way you like. Here's a colorful example:
Step 3:
Save the image preferably as a .png file or a high resolution .jpg if .png is not an option.
Step 4:
Put all your bug images in a common directory. Then use iTunes to sync the images to your iPhone or iPod touch as though they are photographs. You can choose to sync a directory or if you are on a Mac you may wish to add the images to iPhoto first then import the bug images from an events folder.
Step 5:
Run Pet Bugs Version 1.1.1 or later. Choose the bugs option from the menu, then select the photo icon in the bottom left of the screen. This opens the photo selection window. Select a bug image from your photo library.
You should now see your custom bug appear in the last bug slot, (last one on the second row). Here's how our spotty pink bug looks at this stage.
Step 6:
Select this bug as the active one and hey presto it will appear as your selection in the application. As shown below... you can still free scale your bug as you would with any of the default bug images.
Your custom bug image is not retained when the application is closed. The next time you start the app the original default bugs will return. So you currently have to select your custom image again whenever you restart the app.
Pet Bugs Documentation
Choose a bug
From the main menu, select the 'Bugs' button. This presents you with a selection of bugs to choose from.
When you touch one of the bugs in the top half of the screen you will see the bugs in your box change to match. The number of active bugs and the scale of the bugs can also be adjusted from this bug selection screen.
Choose a background
Select the 'Background' button from the main menu. Flip through the available background images by swiping the screen left & right.
Once you're happy with an image touch the exit button on the bottom right
Editing Environment
You can add objects to decorate the environment (leaves, stones, etc). Select edit from the main menu to start the environment editor.
The Pencil icon opens a list window from which you can select the item you want to place.
The Scissors icon lets you delete objects that you have already placed.
The Hand icon lets you move, rotate and scale items you have already placed. This is accomplished using the standard multi-touch & pinch touches.
Just hit the exit button when you are finished editing.
Note that there is a maximum limit of 8 items that can be placed in the environment.
Attract a bug
Tap on the screen repeatedly and the bugs will feel the vibration and either move towards that location, or panic and run around confused!
Pet a bug
Gently rub the screen back and forth on top of a bug and he will react. He might give you an indication of who he is. Beware though, too much petting and you might crush your little creatures.
Name a bug
Pet a bug long enough and its name will appear in a thought bubble. Touch the text within this bubble to bring up a keyboard that will allow you to change the name. Repeat this process for other bugs.
Feed Bugs
Shake or flick your device to drop a tasty maggot! Hungry bugs will run to feed. Bugs that have had their fill will ignore the treat. A very hungry bug will appear agitated (it will vibrate its body).
Crush a bug
If you pet a bug for too long then they might go splat! Dead bugs only come back after you restart the application (as punishment for being so cruel).
Sleeping
Bugs will occasionaly go for a short nap. You can wake them by tapping the screen.
Instructions
To view these instructions from within the application, just select 'Help' from the main menu. The 'Help Online' button at the bottom left of the screen will take you to this website.
Note that it is possible to listen to your own music while this application is running. Just start your music playing before entering the PetBugs application and the music will continue playing!
No insects were harmed in the making of this product!
Pet Bugs Support
Help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
For feature requests, support query, testimonials, general comments please use our Contact Form.
For bugs relating to this product (no pun intended) , please take time to fill in the Bug Report Form.
Please note there may also be useful information in the Blog section of this site.
