SmartiCats

SmartiCats is an an Android app demonstrating the interaction of texture and motion.

In the app, the Cheshire cat is placed on a background with the same texture pattern, so you see the figure only when you move it.
The effect is especially striking when done with real physical texture printed paper. I first saw this effect demonstrated by Professor Tommy Poggio at MIT.

My app has three figures to choose from, Smiling Cat, Grumpy Cat, and Jumbo (for Tufts University).
Each has its own wisecracks. And you can draw your own custom figure and add your own wisecracks.

I have not released this in the Google Play Store because the app is unpolished and unfinished.

Download the .apk file here.

Installation Instructions (Android only):

• Download the app. Chrome will give a security warning like, "This type of file can harm your device. Do you want to keep SmartiCats9.apk anyway?
  Tap "OK". My app is clean and contains no viruses or malware. (But don't download it from any other site.)
• Go to your security settings and temporarily turn on "Unknown Sources: Allow installation of apps from unknown sources."
  You will get a security warning about the risks of installing software directly from a web site instead of the Google Play Store.
• Go to your Downloads folder or whereever you downloaded it to.
• Tap "SmartiCats9.apk".
• Open with Package Installer. My Android phone came with Lookout which checks the app for viruses. Use that or something comparable if you have it.

The UI needs more usability design work.
Tap on the SmartCats title to change figures and edit wisecracks.
Tap on any character name to edit their wisecracks.
Tap on "Custom Creations" to create a new character. The app is unfinished and the other items are just placeholders.
Use the Back button on your phone to get back to the main screen.