[General Questions and Answers] bi11ie:
My concept

Hello everyone, long time no see. It's been years so I'm older and more experienced now but I'd still like to make NetNavis a reality.

Let me start off by saying that -although I am tech savvy- I am not a developer; I'm an artist and I'm also interested in UI designing but I'll admit I have no experience designing interfaces.

I'm thinking that if this is gonna be made for android devices, it should either be a custom ROM (best case scenario because the Navi would be able to reach everywhere system-wide) or a custom launcher (second best, allows for more control than a simple app, better system integration). Before moving on I'll show you some of my concept art/sketches so that you'll have an idea of what I'm going for.

Transparent PNG avatar:

[IMG="Transparent PNG avatar"]http://orig14.deviantart.net/bc68/f/2015/356/3/d/mm_png_da_small_by_brechdaslicht-d9l19pb.jpg[/IMG]

Rough digital sketch of the homescreen:

[IMG="Rough digital sketch of the homescreen"]http://orig03.deviantart.net/e0ed/f/2015/356/c/6/rough_sketch_wm_small_by_brechdaslicht-d9l19gb.jpg[/IMG]

My homescreen (apex launcher, devo icon pack):

[IMG="My homescreen (apex launcher, devo icon pack)"]http://orig00.deviantart.net/08dd/f/2015/356/3/d/screen_small_by_brechdaslicht-d9l19g6.jpg[/IMG]

Old, rough paper sketches (hardware+software):

[IMG="Rough paper sketches (hardware+software)"]http://orig05.deviantart.net/fc63/f/2015/356/d/8/paper_sketches_wm_small_by_brechdaslicht-d9l19gk.jpg[/IMG]

Also, click HERE for wallpapers and HERE for a blinking GIF.

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Now, first of all, I'd like this to be a functional personal assistant and NOT a game/MMO. Therefore I think that it should either be an Android launcher or a custom ROM based on Android but completely forked (like Amazon did with Kindle OS for example). A ROM would be better because that would grant the Navi system-wide access.

There should be some basic and frequently used app icons on the homescreen and everything else would be kept in a menu/app drawer. The goal would be for the user to rarely access that menu because the Navi should be able to open any app and perform any task (sending messages, completing web searches, playing music, setting ringer modes etc) on command.

Because the Navi would be the main part of the OS, voice recognition should be available at all times, even when offline. Google offers offline Speech-to-Text conversion so that should pose no problem. That also means that the Navi's code should be stored on one's device and NOT on the cloud. Not everyone can be connected to the internet 24/7 (I know I can't). Of course, the user would be able to choose if they want to download all of the Navi data on their device (should probably be at least 200 MB, likely much much more) or if they prefer the cloud. If this is gonna be a whole OS though, then all the Navi data (at least the basics) would be stored on the device.

There are a couple of apps right now on Google Play that offer functionality similar to what I envision: Floating Commander and Utter!, but both are abandoned and dont work offline (even though Floating Commander claims to work offline using Goggle's STT engine). The Navi would look for 1 or two customizable catch phrases (think, "OK Google") like "Hey MegaMan" but there should also be a manual way to initiate voice recognition, like pressing the symbol on the Navi's chest.

The user would be able to download extra knowledge and ability databases as well as different Navi personalities; there should be a few basic ones like "formal", "informal/friendly", "business/secretary", "kid friendly" etc and developers would be able to code more personalities and make them available for download.

Everyone would start out with a basic Navi but be able to customize it or even commission a completely unique one. The Navi should be visible at all times (reduced to a small square when browsing the web or doing other full-screen activities -watching videos is an exception), otherwise the user's immersion would get broken.

Capcom holds copyright over the terms "NetNavi". "MegaMan" etc so the names and artwork would have to be changed. I'd still like them to retain the helmets though.

Concerning the graphics, I was thinking cel shading (aka toon shading). Think "Gravity Rush" (PS Vita game). Cel shaded graphics are easier to make and animate than realistic graphics, they're more realistic than 2D graphics and have that beautiful look and feel to them (IMO). As for the animations, think MotionPortrait but a little less creepy. I wouldn't like the Navis to look dead but having their movements look forced wouldn't cut it either. I'm not sure about the lip-syncing though... If it's not done right it would place the Navis in the uncanny valley. No lip movement at all would also be kinda creepy though...

$$ So, what about income? $$

I wholeheartedly believe that all functionality should be available for all users no matter if they're able to pay or not. With that said, every developer has to make money. I think that all the features should be unlocked APART FROM the customization. Every free user would only be able to have a default Navi and they could buy one new Navi with a one-time IAP. If they want another one, they'd have to pay again (of course they'd keep both Navis). If they want to make their own one, that would be more expensive. If they want to commission a completely unique one from the developers, that would be way more expensive! Additional personalities could also cost money. Like, everyone would start out with the "formal" (or maybe the "informal/friendly") personality and if they'd like to download more, they'd have to pay.

Recommended pricing:

1 additional NetNavi (preselected list) -- $2.50

2 additional NetNavis (preselected list) -- $4.5

1 additional custom NetNavi (integrated Navi builder) -- $4.50

2 additional custom NetNavis (integrated Navi builder) -- $8.50

1 completely unique custom NetNavi (account-tied commission, animation and everything) -- $50-150 (depending on the complexity)

That's all for now folks. I'd love to work on this project for real but I'm an 18 year old student with no programming knowledge.

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I'm willing to help anyone who wants to work on something similar to what I described but they'd have to be reliable. If you want me to make art or concept art for your app, ask for my email. Of course you're gonna have to credit me and pay me if you're planning on making money out of it.