In 1999, BonziBuddy, the assistant, was released by Bonzi Software. This is a charismatic gorilla that was installed in millions of computers. Originally, the character was a parrot from Microsoft Agent called Peedy, but then it was changed to Bonzi.
BonziBuddy could send E-mails, talk with you, sing, tell you jokes, make searches for you, make downloads, browse the web, and schedule things like calendar entries.
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| Things it can do |
However, BonziBuddy resulted in being an Adware and a Spyware. This program used to show pop-up ads and also collect your personal information like names, addresses, the city where you live, your state, postal code, country, email, gender, your age, etc.
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| Registration panel |
It should be emphasized that this was a free program, so anyone with a computer could easily install it.
Take a look at what he could also do according to his website:
- Keeps you informed of late-breaking news!
- He organizes the Internet the way you want it!
- He will make you smile throughout your day with his little gorilla personality!
- He can educate people of all ages with his wealth of knowledge and trivia!
- He makes your computer and the Internet easier, safer, and definitely more fun!
- He has the ability to save you money! He will search the Internet for the best price on the products you love!
In 2004, BonziBuddy was suspended after the company responsible faced lawsuits related to the software and was ordered to pay fines.
After all of this, it seems like there are some fans of this charismatic purple gorilla, someothers feels even nostalgic for it.