The Vital Pet (ViP): Creating the Ultimate Vital Bracelet

[@Karn_EX]

Always impressed by how creative the Digimon fan community can be. Always happy to be reached out to but even happier to be genuinely impressed by a project! Really looking forward to seeing this flourish!

[@Okarine-n4h]

Digimon and modding just seems.. right. Like it's the most digital monster kinda thing you could do, lmao

[@VincentVeak]

My mannnnnn

[@Xanaxdu]

This is super groundbreaking and I can not believe that we now have a more accessible version of this for people who want to experience this but can't. Can't wait to see the future updates!

[@Stacio88]

Shared it with my brother. I'm definitely jumping on this as soon as the Kickstarter begins. You've been killing it bro!

[@TheDrakeArmaga]

This is absolutely amazing! The work you, and others at Digitama Hatchery, do for the community is honestly revolutionary. From w0rld to this, Bandai should really hire you guys lol

[@KoshTimeStepper]

A belt hook would be ideal for this. You can move around without worrying about bashing it into things like you might while wearing the VB as a watch.

[@VincentVeak]

Oh yea, been meaning to look into that!

[@KoshTimeStepper]

It's an option and yeah I'm behind these ideas 100% Especially the custom options. Definitely would like a black matte with GiTD accents. Heh it would help finding it in a dark room!

[@the_echoYT]

This is a really cool project. The Upgrade Memory especially, letting us mod as easily as adding a new Dim. I'd love to be able to have the QoL updates this has/will have without converting my VB into a ViP

[@jakehero95]

My question is, is it possible to just put the digivice v firmware onto the vital bracelet and if so where could i find out more lol

[@Whitepawprint]

@@jakehero95 it's a very late reply to your question, and I'm no expert, but I've done a lot of googling about this for the last few days. From what I've heard, you unfortunately can't just straight up lift the vital v data and put it on the original vital bracelet :( I don't know the details, but people have said the ROM itself is different between the models, so I guess it's more complex than a copy and paste job. But it looks like this kickstarter basically rebuilds those features into the original

[@burandin]

With your way of catering to improving the OG Vital watch, I am very interested in this project. I would support you when you go live! Keep it up Veak!

[@jjrambles683]

The vpet community is amazing, and the work you've done is mindblowing, really like the design of the shell and the dim storage option. My Samsung Galaxy s10 also has a similar problem with moving digimon to and from the app, but I don't know what's specifically causing it. Changing the primary requirements of the vital bracelet to 50 steps rather than a watch is interesting, but I don't know if it goes far enough? One of the things I like in the other vpets is that you needed to feed them and train them in a sort of mini game every couple of hours. I use my other vpets basically like fidget toys where I can press buttons on every couple of hours when I get bored, and that's one of the things I find lacking in the vital bracelet. If the major change is a vital bracelet you can carry in your pocket and don't have to wear that isn't a change that I personally find appealing enough to mod a vital bracelet in this way. It still, for me personally, seems like it would be lacking in terms of interaction compared to other vpets and I'm a bit concerned that it would feel too easy, but I know that a lot of people in the community would like a vpet like this. Anyway, really interested in the work you're doing and I'll def stay tuned

[@VincentVeak]

Yea we were in a weird spot with that one, because the VB as it stands makes it trivially easy to gain VP anyways, and low VP is not as big of a deal as trophies and battles, so we tried to keep it true to what it felt like when the VB was being worn. That said, we chose to do this to stay in line with the base gameplay for the most part. That could change in the future though based on used feedback!

[@hunnyaanbuns]

I just missed this backing of the projrct, and read the final update on Kickstarter. Thanks for committing to the backers with your team. It's appreciated Vincent!

[@CrestofPotential]

I've been so excited for this since the first video on it!! I'm totally gonna back the Kickstarter when it goes live, can't wait

[@justinsanford8936]

I would love to get that main body with marble, something about that seems premium like the Dukemon Pendulum. Can't wait to support this Kickstarter

[@BryanTheDM]

Hardware mods are awesome. I am a huge fan of the software upgrades and quality of life adjustments. If I could just upgrade my VB instead of feeling like I need to buy the new Digivice-V, that would be AMAZING. The "Upgrade DiM" is something I would love to see out in the wild. I'd never stop "playing" with my VB!

[@LightsFirstSon]

When you give color options, will you show the filament color? The reason I ask is because colors vary between filament brands.

[@VincentVeak]

Yea, my plan is to have a sample swatch of every filament color we pick at the end of the campaign before finalizing everyone's decisions, but at the very least we'll show you the stock photos provided by the manufacturers when you choose your product. Depending on how things go, I may get those in earlier and send a follow up survey. I didn't do it now because things are very subject to change, but rest assured I got you :)

[@WohDere]

Mos definitely getting one. The vast possibilities to expand what the original didn’t have is having me sold right now

[@FlamedramonX]

for me personally the best v bracelet would be one that had more fitness watch like features, so that you can actually use it as a fitness watch with a digimon pet inside it; sleep monitor, alarm clock, message reading, longer battery, precise heart monitor, chronometer. This would be the perfect v bracelet watch for me.

[@Frostbiteme]

This is so sick! Can't wait to see everything y'all do!

[@khiclark31]

I like this idea. I'm kinda rough with watches, I tend to hit my watch on corners or walls when I'm wearing it

[@TeffiniWynn]

I'm very into this, but I'm worried about Bandai throwing out a C&D or otherwise doing something app-side to limit connectivity with the custom firmware.

[@VincentVeak]

Well with connectivity, it's actually still the same FW version, so I doubt they could detect it, but we've done everything we can to avoid C&D's to the best of our ability. Only time will tell tho lol

[@NightmareNemo]

Love that this is being made! I'm not big on wearing watches either, so this sounds great to me. Also I've always hated the heart rate sensor, since I'm dark skinned and it's difficult to pick it up. I hope that this V Pet will be compatible with all the new Dim cards coming out. Thanks for all you do! Looking forward to the Kickstarter.

[@Losthelonewolf]

I am hyped for this! Definitely gonna grab at least one if not two

[@gruul88]

Have you seen the V-pet mod made by Hyuk Choi? It is a similar vein of change as yours but I am excited about the potential for a firmware upgrade. What would the potential for matching the New Digivice V firmware be?

[@TPGTCG]

Hands down the coolest VB thing ever!

[@KnowPhere]

Woooow I want one of these! I was considering getting a vital bracelet last year but decided to go with an Apple Watch instead. Yet every now and then I still think about getting one cause I miss Digimon. This would be perfect as I can have best of both worlds! Wish I knew about the Kickstarter, def would’ve backed up the preloaded tier as I’m not good enough to mod myself haha great work and I’ll be keeping an eye out for this🤙

[@pkmnrangermirkat]

I didn’t consider this before. But the Vital Pet is gonna be helpful for folks who are not able to be mobile for whatever reason or health reasons, etc.

[@magnaskycat]

I can’t wait! Even though I am already happy with my vital watch but still!

[@VincentVeak]

EDIT: Pre-launch page is up and the project will go live at 5 PM EST! www.kickstarter.com/projects/veakxp/vital-pet-the-handheld-vital-bracelet-mod-kit

[@joshdelcarpio4821]

If your page finishes the review early, will your launch be moved forward?

[@VincentVeak]

@@joshdelcarpio4821 actually yes, 5 PM EST tonight :)

[@joshdelcarpio4821]

@@VincentVeak pledged! Kind of a random thought, but have you al considered making the corners of the vital pet rounded? More like on the bricks. Not sure if that messes with anything.

[@spaycee9082]

I just found out I backed it can’t wait hopefully all goes well can’t wait to mail mine in to you so I can have it done by the legend himself thanks for all the hard work ! Edit: the upgrade feature alone is huge

[@SkytheGoggleHead]

Fantastic design! It's incredible to see how far you've come! I personally enjoy the original Vital Bracelet design for myself but I was wondering if you will release just the Upgrade Memory Firmware in the future. I've been wanting a custom firmware like that for a while.

[@VincentVeak]

We're planning to at some point next year, but I'm not exactly sure when or how we'll do it since we haven't given it much thought since we're kind of swamped with the Kickstarter haha. More info will be available in the future :)

[@SkytheGoggleHead]

@@VincentVeak Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the quick reply! I'm sure it's pretty hectic with all the work and supporters lol. I'll definitely keep posted for the firmware updates and cool designs!

[@dawsumjawsum6331]

Awesome! Would you consider adding a feature to allow the Vital Pet to battle the old vpets/DMX/20th/pendulum?

[@VincentVeak]

Actually, I think someone already did that! I saw a post on Discord that I can't find anymore, but someone is working on it and that's probably better off left to them lol

[@graffittibeat21]

Cant wait to get this. It would really help raising the digimon while at work.

[@VincentVeak]

Yea I've only been using it for a few days but having to not have to worry about HR while it's in my pocket has made raising Digimon at work to be way more entertaining for sure!

[@graffittibeat21]

On top having problems with the HR due to my skintone. Also having to take it on and off to put on welding gloves.

[@renegadingrowlet2327]

Just backed you! 100,000% believe in you and this! My first kickstart backup. 😅

[@VincentVeak]

Thanks a ton man! We've put a lot of work into this and I hope you'll love yours when you get it :)

[@renegadingrowlet2327]

@@VincentVeak no, thank you and your team for giving us this amazing product! Takes great minded people to not only come up with these ideas, but to bring them to life! 😁 Keep up this amazing and creative work, and you’ve got yourself a forever fan and customer.

[@epicpikachuxyz]

Wait it still works with the app 👏👏 Only thing it's missing is a square screen upgrade

[@masonchapman361]

So here's my question and maybe I just missed it Will people who have the vital watch just how it comes be able to buy this memory dim your making and upgrade there firmwares also?

[@VincentVeak]

So the Upgrade Memory was made specifically with the ViP in mind since the VW wants you to use the heart rate sensor. At the moment we're keeping it that way to work out the logistics, but maybe down the road we'll revisit it since really the other features are already on the new VB anyways

[@masonchapman361]

@@VincentVeak oh that's disappointing

[@Troy-Tate]

Awesome stuff that is way better than the original product! Can't wait until Friday hope you have international shipping is the any way to make a replaceable battery version? say 18650 single battery.

[@VincentVeak]

Hypothetically you could just solder on a super fat battery, but I definitely did not make this shell with that in mind lol. The annoying thing with the VB is that the batteries are soldered in via through-hole wires, so there's no quick solution to swap batteries. Neat idea though, and thanks for the kind words :)

[@wintren101]

Now that the English version vital bracelet has been announced with an exclusive dim, I know what I'm buying. Hoping to get a hold of one of these when they're back in stock.

[@VincentVeak]

We plan on having these ready by then for sure :)

[@hibookii]

So where can I download the firmware update?

[@AryonGothic]

Como o Digimon se mantém vivo sem monitoramento ?

[@krusader0243]

Man I would buy this so fast! I own the vb but I barely use it cause wearing two watches looks clunky to me. I can’t get rid of my Apple Watch cause I need my notifications so people can reach me at all times, business stuff. But I would definitely have this in my pocket or on a belt! Looking forward to see how this develops!

[@epicpikachuxyz]

Vin please be careful with mentioning software changes because Bandai said no no to that type of thing because there branching out with other companies ips

[@kringhetto]

I'm in. Take my money. I hate the idea of the vital bracelet, and this is what I've wanted! Still buying a watch, so if this is ever offered as an upgrade kit, ill get that too!

[@darksilva1026]

I've been saying I wanted something like this ever since the vital watches came out. I hope I can get my hands on one.

[@justguapo3907]

Let mw know where i can buy this cause the watch doesnt fit my wrist

[@VincentVeak]

Kickstarter will begin soon and I'll update the video with a link and post it on Twitter!

[@Just_yuubi]

It's like a digivice! D-vital

[@cooolpotato]

Will these be available again? I'm late to the party and would love to get my hands on one.

[@VincentVeak]

Hoping to have more later this summer! I'll have an announcement as we get closer :)

[@cooolpotato]

@@VincentVeak Excellent - Thanks!!

[@FAM571]

Fan of this, but moreso your watch mod! Will you be applying the same sort of firmware updates e.g. the digimon sleeping by holding the 2 buttons to the watch mod variant as well?

[@VincentVeak]

We've had talks about it, but we have no immediate plans to do this quite yet, as we have to see how production goes with this first, but we'll revisit it in the future once things are straightened out!

[@Cathy5614]

Honestly, i don't like the casing because i feel like it defeats the purpose of the Vital Bracelet (plus i think the screen is too small for this casing). I work at a bakery and i love its current design as a not-smart watch is but this upgrade-able firmware sounds really neat and i'd love more custom backgrounds.

[@VincentVeak]

Yea, it's not for everyone and I designed it with that in mind! If you like wearing the VB, then keep on doing that! :)

[@Nyxcha]

3 years late. this still a thing?

[@disruption13]

Will this be compatible with the new Digivice V out in Oct.? Very interested in this, especially if you could have a belt clip on it.

[@VincentVeak]

Officially no, because we don't have the devices yet! That may change in the future, but there are no promises. Also a belt clip is in the works :)

[@amineb5122]

Really nice, I am so excited with this ! Will the Upgrade Memory be reprogrammable easily by ourselves so we can change game style easily ? I mean something similar to Dim reprogramming

[@VincentVeak]

It's gonna take a bit more work than just slapping it in a DIM programmer, but theoretically you could do whatever you want with it after you receive it. We can't disclose any more than that lol

[@Mihu04]

How much do you charge for the vital watch diy mod?

[@VincentVeak]

$35 for the Vital Watch DIY kit! On sale tomorrow :)

[@Nocturnimancer]

How is all of this gonna work with raids and other online sorta stuff?

[@VincentVeak]

Works like a normal VB!

[@justinwood435]

Vital Pet go bbbbbbbbbuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[@sMoKeN904]

Where can I get one of these?

[@VincentVeak]

I'll have them for sale on my website again in the near future! veak.design/

[@taisho5336]

Do you plan on doing any more runs of the pet? i wasn’t even aware this was a thing but i love it

[@VincentVeak]

Yes, after I complete all the Kickstarter units :)

[@taisho5336]

@@VincentVeak oh AWESOME i love this and i was very sad i hasn’t come across it until now! i’m subscribed now and i will eagerly be waiting to hear more! keep up the amazing work!

[@Okarine-n4h]

Instant buy for me, if you offer UK shipping!

[@arielkathein1659]

Might be able to help you with manufacturing if you need it

[@VincentVeak]

I've got the printing process down and we just need some extra printers to handle the volume, and the PCB manufacturing we're keeping in house for awhile to verify the process is secure and repeatable, but thank you :)

[@arielkathein1659]

Completely understand, I manufacture quite. A bit in the USA and overseas but I see how this can be completely 3D printed. I’ll be one of the supporters and look forward to more of your work, from one artist to another cheers

[@TheQueenHelenattv]

how were you able to make the digimon go to sleep like what did you in terms of moding

[@VincentVeak]

It's inside the Upgrade Memory made by Heat and cyanic!

[@TheQueenHelenattv]

@@VincentVeak got it

[@joshdelcarpio4821]

Does computer OS play into this in anyway (in regards to updating the vb) or the upgrade memory. Asking for my MacBook homies.

[@VincentVeak]

Shouldn't matter!

[@joshdelcarpio4821]

@@VincentVeak Random question/thought. I see you have the sleep mode thing but I'm wondering..why not update the vb firmware so it can do sleep mode or other things like the future digivice -v? That way no button push. mons just sleep and evolution timer keeps on ticking.

[@Salty010]

bandai are lurking when I see this video, they might strike it down...overall damn you guys really imrpoved alot and and fix a lot of what original digimon vp want

[@madnesshero4675]

I literally subscribed to this just so I can get a shot to hopefully buy one of these mod kids

[@jeffbrownstain]

If this is everything you wanted in a vpet, imagine how cool it would be if your digimon was actually made of self-assembling and self-altering code, and could run anywhere that a terminal can (ie. Smartphone, pc, server, pocket computer). If this sounds neat, come talk to me and join up with Az:Net. Yes, the existential implications that you're thinking of are true: we're making 'real' digimon.

[@syahmipilus3312]

I really hope could grab one. Been waiting ur update in twitter :-)

[@azureflamesjjg]

How do you train with the v-pet mode? Genuinely curious to how sturdy it is too. Definitely want to support this!

[@VincentVeak]

Just by shaking! The pedometer works and your HR is permanently set, so it's still "working" and the VB works like normal

[@azureflamesjjg]

@@VincentVeak thank you for replying so fast! Just backed the project with the mail in conversation pledge. This will work perfect because my skin is darker and it’s more difficult to read my pulse even tho I’m so active in my work.

[@zeekzone]

Love it! If you’re able to fully reflash the software, is a bigger screen/memory/ battery a possibility?

[@VincentVeak]

So we're actually not reflashing the software, rather than applying our own tweaks. We're not looking to change the VB's onboard components either, as a new battery and memory require soldering, and it's a bit more complex than just swapping parts and flashing firmware. Well, technically you can solder on a bigger battery whenever you please, but the short answer is no, sadly!

[@zeekzone]

@@VincentVeak Hey thanks for the reply. So the software the guys are devolving is only capable to work as an addition not as a stand alone? And you’re saying there’s no hope for a larger screen interface because of coding issues or soldering? Appreciate the response, transparency is always refreshing, love the Digimon community!

[@VincentVeak]

@@zeekzone an add on is a great way to look at it, yes. I'm not going to say that there's no hope of a larger screen, but that's definitely not something we plan on tackling any time soon, sadly! And yes, you're correct on your assumption as to why people haven't added a bigger screen yet

[@zeekzone]

@@VincentVeak a bummer to hear, but I look forward to Friday and the start of the pre orders!

[@GaiaForceGaming]

So so hype

[@JakeJong]

Now this is epic

[@homeroz2100]

There is a tutorial for the custom backgrounds on the vital bracelet? Help me with that please :)

[@Rufficus]

Hey man you seem beyond knowledgeable, is the V2 usable if I can't speak Japanese, I saw that the apps out in English in Australia and that the menus seem to be English but I can't find a definite answer anywhere and don't want to blow $130 if it's not useable. Also this is amazing like damn bro

[@VincentVeak]

Are you referring to the Digivice V? The apps and menus are entirely in English at this point and I don't understand a word of Japanese, so I'd say yes they are :) also there are amazing Discord communities who love helping and sharing their vPet knowledge just in case you need anything!

[@Rufficus]

@@VincentVeak um the vital bracelet V I think. Sorry I'm not super versed in digivices any more haha, thanks so much for taking the time to respond

[@mediagemini5206]

Wait, what?! This is crazy

[@VincentVeak]

YESSIRRRRRRRR

[@bobboberr3992]

Enjoy the C&D when that kickstarter begins. Bandai flat out said not to do these things with the Vital Bracelet, and now you're even trying to make money off of it. They won't let that slide.

[@bobboberr3992]

How dare you heart my comment. You should be shaking in your boots right now.

[@khiclark31]

The bigger question is why hasn't Bandai some to hire you?!!

[@VincentVeak]

Great question lol

[@amthucdulich6598]

Your sharing is very good

[@Sev_Henry]

Man, just add a belt clip on the back and it'd be perfect!

[@VincentVeak]

Turned out to be a big feature request and I'm working on it ;)

[@Sev_Henry]

@@VincentVeak Given the app and VB's use of NFC, and the fact that you're able to update the firmware to change features as necessary, would it, in theory, be possible to update the firmware to accept DiMs via NFC (as in the case of people with DiM backups)? I can elaborate further is this doesn't make sense.

[@VincentVeak]

@@Sev_Henry it makes sense, but honestly I'm not entirely sure due to the transfer speeds and amount of data pulled. I'll shoot that over to Heat and Cyanic!

[@Sev_Henry]

@@VincentVeak Yeah, I saw them (Heat) discussing CFW and mods in the Discord, but I didn't get to them in time to air my question. I'll leave the question there and hope they reply.

[@hakim9973]

I need 1

[@iszac7523]

peep me wanting to throw money at you immediately for this I can't wait!!!

[@yotodine]

@Vincent Veak - so ALL of this is open source right? Cause if not, get ready to be sued by bandai...

[@VincentVeak]

Not open source, but also not Bandai's code or material. Heat and cyanic handle that portion, and we've already reviewed past legal actions Bandai has taken with other creators to make sure everything is in line

[@yotodine]

@@VincentVeak hells to the yeah! Congrats! Well it looks like Im still never getting into this scene. Wa getting excited for a moment there and worried abou the money i was going to spend. More board games! by yall!

[@ZenRai001]

Im darker skinned so this discovery is really big to me

[@ZenRai001]

Brother name your price. I will pay any amount you ask.

[@VincentVeak]

The Kickstarter is live and actually did exceedingly well! There are only a couple of mail in conversion service slots left! After 3 days we're almost entirely sold out

[@MelaniDigitalMonster]

si no es original y oficial de bandai jamas compraria algo asi

[@VincentVeak]

The good news is that you don't have to :)

[@marquellmcglothin9165]

Sign me up please