behind the scenes

Development Log

Mar 7, 2026

New Arrival: The Bunny!

Hi everyone! I'm thrilled to announce that a new companion has hopped into PetBox. Please give a warm welcome to the Bunny!

What's New?
This little friend brings a whole new energy to your screen with:

  • Adorable New Animations: From twitching noses to cozy naps, this bunny is full of life.
  • Playful Presence: This companion is expert at finding the best spots on your desktop to hang out and keep you company.

I'm constantly working on expanding the family, so stay tuned for more! I hope this new addition brings a smile to your face while you work or play.

petbox update bunny

Feb 15, 2026

New Website Launch

I finally launched my new website! It took a while to get the starfield just right. The constellations now react to your cursor, and shooting stars appear at random intervals.

The whole site is built with vanilla HTML, CSS and JS. No frameworks, no dependencies. Just hand-baked code, the AstraCake way.

website launch

Feb 14, 2026

IceCream: Screensaver Manager Launched!

I’m happy to announce that IceCream is now available! This project started because I wanted a lightweight, high-performance and customizable screensaver manager.

Built with C++ and Raylib, it gives you total control over what happens to your monitor when you step away.

What you can do with it:

  • Custom 3D/2D Visuals: Load your own models or images to bounce/rotate.
  • Classic Effects: Includes the iconic DVD-style bouncing logo and Matrix rain.
  • Direct Control: Adjust speed, scale, and behavior via real-time sliders.
  • System Integration: Toggle Windows screensaver settings directly from the app.

The goal was to create something tiny and fast. If you’re looking for a clean way to manage your idle screen, it's ready for you to try.

icecream launch tool

Feb 14, 2026

New Arrival: The Wolf!

Hi everyone! I’m excited to share a small update with you. This one is extra special because it came directly from a community suggestion!

Thanks to a user request, please give a warm welcome to the Wolf!

  • Unique Animations: Watch them prowl, howl, and nap right on your desktop.
  • Interactive Behavior: They might be a predator in the wild, but here, they just want to hang out with you.

Thanks for the suggestion! Keep the ideas coming, as I love hearing what animals you want to see next.

petbox update wolf

Feb 13, 2026

AstraCake: A New Era

Today marks a turning point. What began as a solo hobby under the name KanseiDev has evolved into something bigger.

I am proud to introduce AstraCake, a dedicated indie studio committed to crafting unique, handcrafted digital experiences.

This isn't just a name change. It's a commitment to higher quality, deeper mechanics, and more ambitious projects. I am moving from "experimental prototypes" to "polished, professional releases."

PetBox and IceCream are just the beginning. The oven is warm, the stars are aligned, and I have so much more baking in the background.

Welcome to the future of AstraCake.

announcement studio new-era

Feb 9, 2026

PetBox: Recolor Update!

Welcome to the first major PetBox Update! After some work, I am excited to finally release The ReColor Update. You can now make these little companions truly your own!

Custom Color Palette
Personalize your pet's look! With the new Color Picker, you can change your pet's palette to match your setup, your brand, or just your favorite colors.

Two New Companions
The family is growing!
• The Penguin: Ready to waddle around your taskbar.
• The Sphynx Cat: A unique, elegant friend who loves perching on your windows.

Pet System
Clicking them rapidly will now trigger a happy reaction and a "petting animation" with floating hearts.

petbox major-update customization

Dec 31, 2025

PetBox is Out!

Welcome to PetBox! A collection of interactive pixel friends that truly live in your workspace. Unlike traditional desktop pets, PetBox creatures are aware of your environment. They will jump and perch atop your active windows, keeping you company while you work.

It is designed to be ultra-lightweight and fully supports multiple monitors. You can resize them from tiny to giant, drag them anywhere, or simply watch them hop around.

Stay tuned—I will be releasing frequent updates with new pets, smoother animations, and more ways to interact!

petbox release desktop-pet