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Introduction: Can You Really Earn Money Just by Talking to Things?
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Imagine waking up in the morning, looking around your room, and suddenly realizing that every “hello” you say—to your chair, your lamp, or even that half-empty coffee mug—might actually earn you money. Sounds like a prank, right? That’s exactly what I thought when I first stumbled upon an app that promised rewards for saying “hello” to every object in your room.
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At first, I laughed. Who in their right mind would talk to their shoes for cash? But curiosity got the better of me, and I downloaded it. What followed was a surprisingly fun (and slightly bizarre) adventure where technology, gamification, and a dash of humor turned my daily routine into a money-making game.
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In this article, I’ll walk you through my full experience with this unusual app—from how it works, to the pros and cons, to whether it’s actually worth your time. Spoiler alert: I learned more than I expected, not just about the app, but about myself, my environment, and even human behavior.
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How the App Actually Works
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So, what’s the secret behind this app? How does simply saying “hello” translate into rewards?
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The app uses a combination of voice recognition technology and object-detection algorithms through your phone’s camera. Here’s the breakdown:
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- Camera Scan: You point your phone at an object in your room. It could be your desk, a plant, your headphones—anything.
- Say “Hello”: The microphone captures your voice when you say the word “hello.”
- Verification: The app cross-checks that (a) you said “hello,” and (b) the object was detected correctly.
- Reward System: Each verified interaction gives you points, which can later be exchanged for small rewards like gift cards, discounts, or even cash through PayPal.
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It’s essentially a gamified interaction with your environment. The more things you greet, the more points you earn.
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My First Day: Awkward but Funny
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Let me paint the scene: I’m standing in my room at 9 AM, holding my phone, staring at my chair like it’s about to respond. I hesitate, then finally whisper:
“Hello, chair.”
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Ding! +10 points.
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I laughed so hard I nearly dropped my phone. The app actually worked. Encouraged, I went around the room:
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- “Hello, laptop.”
- “Hello, water bottle.”
- “Hello, socks I forgot to fold.”
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Every single time, I was rewarded with points. It felt silly at first, but by the end of the day, I had greeted over 40 objects and earned enough points for a small digital coffee gift card.
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Why This App Exists: The Psychology of Play
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You might wonder: why would anyone build such an app? The answer lies in a mix of gamification, behavioral psychology, and user engagement experiments.
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- Gamification: Humans love rewards, no matter how small. Apps that gamify everyday behavior can keep users engaged for longer.
- Mindfulness & Awareness: Saying hello to objects actually forces you to notice your environment more deeply. I found myself appreciating things I usually ignore.
- Market Research: There’s a chance the developers are testing how people interact with objects, voice recognition, or daily habits for future AI applications.
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It’s not just about making money—it’s about turning your daily routine into a micro-game.
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The Surprising Benefits of Saying Hello to Objects
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After using the app for a week, I noticed something unexpected. This silly habit of greeting objects started changing my mindset.
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1. Increased Mindfulness
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I began to pay more attention to my surroundings. My cluttered desk didn’t just look like a pile of mess anymore—it looked like a series of objects that I actually use and rely on daily.
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2. Positive Mood Boost
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Oddly enough, saying hello—even to non-living things—gave me a tiny burst of joy. It’s like tricking your brain into social interaction, even when you’re alone.
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3. A Healthier Routine
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Instead of rushing through my morning, I slowed down and acknowledged the space around me. This simple act of “hello” became a mindfulness ritual.
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But Is It Worth It Financially?
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Let’s get real. Does this app actually pay enough to matter?
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My Earnings Breakdown (Week 1):
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- Day 1: 200 points → $2 gift card
- Day 3: 550 points → $5 PayPal cash
- Day 7: 1200 points total → Around $12 value
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So yes, you can earn something—but don’t expect to pay your rent by greeting your toaster. At best, it’s pocket money.
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The true value is in the experience, the laughter, and maybe the extra coffee paid for by your room’s furniture.
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The Downsides: Not All Fun and Games
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Of course, it’s not perfect.
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- Voice Accuracy Issues: Sometimes the app didn’t recognize my “hello,” especially if I mumbled or had background noise.
- Repetition Gets Boring: By day 5, I was running out of objects to greet in my small apartment. How many times can you say hello to the same lamp?
- Privacy Concerns: The app needs access to both your microphone and camera. That raised some red flags in my mind about data usage.
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Tips to Maximize Your Rewards
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If you’re curious to try this app yourself, here are some tips I learned:
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- Be Clear with Your Voice: Speak loudly and clearly for recognition.
- Scan Different Angles: Objects may not be detected if they’re at odd angles.
- Expand Beyond One Room: Walk around your house and greet everything—fridge, sofa, books.
- Set a Daily Routine: Do it once in the morning or before bed to stay consistent.
- Cash Out Early: Don’t let points pile up forever—redeem them regularly in case the app changes policies.
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A Funny Story: My Roommate Walked In
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One evening, I was enthusiastically greeting every item on my desk.
“Hello, stapler. Hello, pen. Hello, notebook.”
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Suddenly, my roommate opened the door and just stared.
“Bro… are you okay?”
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I tried to explain about the app, but honestly, it sounded ridiculous out loud. He burst out laughing, and for the next few days, he teased me by greeting objects sarcastically:
“Hello, fridge. Thanks for keeping my food cold!”
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As embarrassing as it was, it made the whole experience even funnier.
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Could This Be the Future of Apps?
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Think about it: apps that reward you for everyday interactions could become a new trend. Imagine:
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- Saying “good morning” to your mirror earns you wellness points.
- Greeting your fridge earns you discounts on groceries.
- Talking to your shoes logs your daily activity.
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It’s not just a silly gimmick—it could be the start of habit-forming technology that makes us more mindful, more playful, and maybe even healthier.
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Final Verdict: Should You Try It?
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If you’re looking for a serious side hustle, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy quirky apps, small rewards, and a daily dose of laughter, it’s absolutely worth trying.
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It’s like combining mindfulness, humor, and micro-rewards into one package. And hey, if saying hello to your lamp can earn you a free latte, why not?
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âś… Sources
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- Hamari, J., Koivisto, J., & Sarsa, H. (2014). Does Gamification Work? – A Literature Review of Empirical Studies on Gamification.
- Psychology Today – The Power of Small Rewards in Motivation.
- TechCrunch – The Future of Gamified Apps and User Engagement.
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Written by the author, Fatima Al-Hajri 👩🏻‍💻
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