# Hi-Tech Virtual Aquariums The Interactive Fish Tank Allows People to Take Care of Digital Fishes By Meghan Young | Published 2013-04-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-fish-tank References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/5/4186200/interactive-fish-tank-water-based-capacitive-touch-display) & [cargocollective](http://cargocollective.com/manueladonoso/Fish-Tank) The Interactive Fish Tank offers people who want a pet but can't handle taking care of one an interesting solution. Similar to virtual worlds with virtual responsibilities, it is a hi-tech aquarium filled with digital fishes that will never die. On a more sophisticated level, the Interactive Fish Tank is an "installation that explores new, wet boundaries in [touch-based interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/owlbear)," as reported by [The Verge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overcast-10). Creators Manuela Donoso and Crys Moore, Masters candidates at NYU's Interactive Telecommunication Program, were able to turn a bed of water in an effective touchscreen. Using the Interactive Fish Tank, people can 'feed' their pixelated gold fish by tapping their finger on the surface. The fish will also follow their finger movements. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/pets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Virtual Pet Technology:** Creating virtual pet experiences that mimic the responsibilities of owning a real pet. - **Touch-based Interfaces:** Exploring new ways to interact with technology through touch-based interfaces. - **Digitization of Traditional Hobbies:** Transforming traditional hobbies, like caring for an aquarium, into digital experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Technology:** Integrating virtual pet technology into smart devices and interactive displays. - **Gaming:** Developing games and apps that simulate pet ownership and interaction. - **Home Decor:** Incorporating digital aquariums into home decor products and interior design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eye-Tracking Informational Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-aquarium.md) - [Modern Desk-Friendly Jellyfish Tanks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-jellyfish.md) - [Waterless Fish Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhu-zhu-aquarium.md) - [Tactile Digital Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punirunes-touchable-digital-pet.md) - [Virtual Pet Planter Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-pot-concept.md) - [AI Aquarium Water Changers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquarium-water-changer.md) - [Digital Floating Pet Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitzee.md) - [Fish Tank-Inspired Japanese Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nao-iwanari.md) - [Live-Streaming Fish Doorbells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visdeurbel.md)