Desktop Buddy is a 3D character that acts as a friendly companion while you're at your computer. Your Buddy will remind you of all those important tasks that you need to do. Your Buddy will read ebooks and Web pages to you while you work. Subscribe to your favorite RSS and Atom feeds and your Buddy will keep you informed of the latest news items. You can choose between male and female characters. The software uses voice synthesis engines on your computer to generate the Buddy's speech. Desktop Buddy is a Java Web Start application. This means that it is easy to install and ensures that you receive updates automatically. To run Desktop Buddy, you must have Java 5 or above installed on your computer.

Version 2.0.3 adds minor enhancements.

Editor's review of Desktop Buddy

Desktop Buddy is an uncommon RSS reader that touts itself as a friendly computer companion, but we found it to be more of a nuisance than a help. You'll need to have Java 5 or above for the program to work. Once installed, a window appears on your desktop featuring a 3D face.

The trial only offers the choice of two characters--male or female--and one voice option. It does let you easily select one of seven facial expressions, and you can change the window's background color. Clicking the Read Text option opens a separate window where you can type your own text, open a file, or paste text from the clipboard. The Syndication Feeds option gives you two easy ways to add feeds.

Desktop Buddy read text accurately for us, but the trial version's single voice option was choppy and unappealing. The Tasks option reminds you of important errands or to-do items, but this promising feature didn't work as expected. We received the reminder only after we exited and re-entered the program. Finally, on several occasions, our computer froze, requiring us to manually shut down the program. Desktop Buddy has the right idea, but it doesn't seem quite ready for market.