# Boids

> Simulated flocking creatures respond to touch, tilt, and simple behavioral rules. (iPhone/iPad app by David Kilmer.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boids/id301342969 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [David Kilmer](https://appshunter.io/developer/301342972)
- Category: Entertainment, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.80/5 from 553 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: Not yet rated
- Requires: iOS 2.2 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-01-11
- Data updated: 2026-09-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boids/id301342969/reviews.md

## What is Boids?

Boids are a computer-simulated flock of little creatures that live in your iPhone/iPod. Based on Craig Reynolds' famous algorithm, Boids show how complex behavior can emerge from very simple rules. You can make your Boids act like a flock of soaring birds, a school of darting fish, or a herd of lazy ungulates just by changing a few simple parameters like "independence", "individuality" and speed.

The Boids will also respond to your touch. Your finger can be a tempting apple or a scary kitten. Tilt your iPhone/iPod, and the Boids will react to the change in gravity.

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Thanks for the kind reviews and brilliant suggestions! The next version is underway. Check out http://dkilmer.com for news or to make more suggestions.

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And coming soon... Illuminated Boids!

## Key features

- Simulated flocking behavior
- Interactive touch controls
- Gravity and tilt response
- Adjustable behavioral parameters
- Emergent complex patterns

## Recent user reviews (10 of 15)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boids/id301342969/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Good!

*2009-05-20*

Friggan awesome

### 5/5 — Super nova

*2009-05-06*

This app is simple and fun. Change the settings and mess with your flock. Awesome app. Thanks. Love the little character changes too.

### 5/5 — Very interesting

*2009-03-10*

This app does exactly what it's suppose to do. If you didn't understand the point, then you are (in fact) missing the point. Great job by the programmer and I will be looking forward to your enhancements. Also, one suggestion, could you make the button to change the settings either bigger, or in a better spot. For those of us with big fat fingers, it makes it hard to hit that little sucker :)

### 5/5 — It's ok

*2009-02-19*

It's kinda pointless but entertaining I think that it's a little usless but there has been worse. It amused me I even giggled a bit

### 1/5 — Best app ever!!

*2009-02-05*

One suggestion is to have image options of fish or birds for the noids

### 4/5 — FANTASTIC!!

*2009-01-31*

a LOT of uses for this app, and tons of fun! its definitely in my top 10! i waste a lot of time  with this thing.  =p just a few suggestions: make it so a user can drag and drop influences like the cat and apple instead of keeping a finger on the screen. that would make demonstrations a lot more effective. 
Also, more than one flock would be great, as well as attitudes like aggresive or defensive, territorial, etc. so we can observe competition and relationships between flocks. Anyhoo, thanks for this great app!

### 5/5 — Nice!

*2009-01-25*

Cool. Does exactly what it says.

### 3/5 — Meh

*2009-01-15*

An interesting concept for a free app, but I'm glad I paid for Spawn Illuminati.

### 4/5 — Win

*2009-01-13*

This app is a win. Anyone that says it's pointless obviously doesn't understand the concept behind it. It's more about exploring the algorithms and seeing what you can make them do than "having a point." If you want objectives and achievements buy a game, if you just wanna mess around and have fun then get this app.

The gravity is a bit harsh though. Even when it's barely on they never stay off the ground too long. Anywhere over 1/4 and they're not going much of anywhere up.

### 5/5 — Entertaining

*2009-01-13*

Very entertaining, I buy a lot of apps, and this has to be an app store top 5.  Many choices in what you want them to look like and there are some nice backgrounds.  But this is always fun if you need some entertainment.  Very well done 5 stars!

## Frequently asked questions about Boids

### What is Boids?

Boids is an application that simulates a flock of creatures based on Craig Reynolds' famous algorithm. It demonstrates how complex behaviors can emerge from simple rules, allowing users to create dynamic visual patterns.

### How do I interact with Boids?

You can interact with Boids by touching the screen, which can act as a stimulus or deterrent. Tilting your iPhone or iPod will also affect the creatures' movement due to simulated gravity.

### Can I customize the behavior of the Boids?

Yes, you can customize the behavior by adjusting parameters such as 'independence', 'individuality', and speed. These changes influence whether the Boids act like birds, fish, or other types of herds.

### Does Boids have ads?

No, Boids does not contain advertisements. The application is free to download and use without any ad interruptions.

### What devices does Boids support?

Boids is designed to run on iPhone and iPod devices. It is not currently available for other platforms like Android or desktop computers.

### How often is Boids updated?

The provided data indicates that the last update was on January 11, 2009, with version 0.9. The developer has mentioned that a new version is underway, but specific update frequency is not detailed.

### What is the user sentiment for Boids?

Boids has an average rating of 2.8 stars from 553 ratings. This suggests a mixed reception from users, with some finding it engaging and others perhaps experiencing technical issues or wanting more features.

### Is Boids suitable for children?

The age rating for Boids is 'Not yet rated'. Given its nature as a simulation and interactive visual experience, it is likely suitable for a broad audience, but parental guidance may be advised.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 0.9 — 2009-01-11

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-29.*
