What Is Evolve and Why Versioning Matters
Evolve is the latest skeletal frame system for Smart Doll—engineered from the ground up to enhance durability, articulation, and overall aesthetics. It also transforms the posing experience by adding tactile feedback that helps the doll feel more alive in your hands.
True to its name, Evolve was designed with continuous improvement in mind. To support this, we use a versioning method called Semantic Versioning—commonly used in software development—to track mold adjustments and performance updates over time. While every version is thoroughly tested to meet our standards, versioning helps us be transparent about how Smart Doll continues to evolve behind the scenes.
We don’t offer upgrades, trade-ins, or downloadable 3D parts. Evolve is meant to evolve—and that’s exactly what it does.
Evolve uses Semantic Versioning (SemVer), which follows a three-part number format: Major.Minor.Patch.
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Major updates represent a complete redesign that’s not compatible with previous frame versions.
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Minor versions reflect mold refinements that maintain compatibility.
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Patch updates include tweaks or extra parts that improve usability without changing the design itself.
For context, the original frame from 2014 would be version 1.0.0, while the launch version of Evolve Cocoa was 5.0.1.
In past generations, unannounced patches—like sponge inserts or silicone sleeves—were quietly added as needed. These required extra manual labor and were not considered lower quality. In fact, more time was often spent ensuring they were tuned for optimal performance.
But as the pace of evolution has accelerated, we’ve made the decision to be more open with these changes. That way, customers aren’t caught off guard if their Smart Doll arrives slightly different from another.
To stay agile, we now produce frames in smaller batches, which helps reduce waste and avoids having to manually patch large inventories if updates are needed later.
When we say “until the next production run,” we’re referring to a given version’s color tone remaining consistent until we begin the next injection mold batch. There’s no fixed timeline for this—it depends on how quickly the current batch is used up.
We’ll continue to update this section as Evolve receives new adjustments across different skin tones. Since usage rates differ by tone, some updates will be deployed at different times, and not all skin tones will move to the next version simultaneously.
The changelog below details what’s changed with each update.
v6.1.0 (minor) (2024-11-12)
Wrist frame modified to support Cortex 2.0 compatibility.
v6.0.0 (major) (2024-07-16)
Shin and thigh frames updated to support Cortex 2.0 integration.
v5.9.0 (minor) (2024-06-13)
Upper arm structure modified to accommodate Cortex 2.0 shell components.
v5.8.0 (minor) (2024-02-03)
Ball joints at the elbow, wrist, and ankle re-sandblasted to maintain a consistent matte finish and improve tactile response.
v5.7.0 (minor) (2023-10-03)
Thigh and shin frame updated to limit shin rotation, preventing full 360° spinning.
v5.6.0 (minor) (2023-09-05)
Neck peg lengthened to improve grip and stability at the neck joint.
v5.5.0 (minor) (2023-08-04)
Shoulder sockets updated with an additional adjustment rib to better control tightness during assembly.
Modification supports vinyl thickness variations in Pear and Guy bodies in development. The rib is trimmed if necessary for easier disassembly.
v5.4.0 (minor) (2023-06-14)
Vertical axis haptics slightly improved in the spine ball joints for enhanced feedback.
v5.3.0 (minor) (2023-05-09)
Rib on the arm socket extended by 2.5mm top and bottom to reduce arm pop-out during overhead poses (“banzai” position).
Helps counter pressure from bust components pushing the shoulder joint.
v5.2.0 (minor) (2023-04-15)
Gray and Tea moved to version 5.2.0.
Added 4 ribs to springboard on arm socket for improved audio, haptics, and torque.
Silicone spacers no longer required.
Brake padding added to thighs to dampen sound and improve torque resistance.
4 additional ribs on knees for enhanced haptics and torque.
Sharp edges removed from foot; no manual trimming needed.
Elbow gate shape recessed for smoother plastic flow and reduced surface wrinkling.
v5.1.0 (minor) (2023-03-03)
First release of Cinnamon includes 2 additional ribs in the shoulder mold.
Slightly improved audio/haptic feedback, though tuning is more labor-intensive.
v5.0.1 (patch) (2023-03-03)
Initial release of Cocoa and Tea.
Patched with silicone spacers in shoulder sockets to improve Y-axis haptics.
Applies to all units until the next production run.