Released in 1999 by brothers Joe and Jay Bonzi, the software originally featured a green parrot named before switching to the iconic purple gorilla mascot in 2000. At its peak, it claimed to: Tell jokes and sing songs. Provide interesting facts and manage your calendar. Assist with internet searches and email. Speak to users using the Microsoft Speech API.

Bonzi Buddy is one of the most recognizable icons of early 2000s internet culture. Originally marketed as a "friend" to help you navigate the web, it quickly became notorious for its intrusive behavior. Today, many users look for a for purely nostalgic reasons or to see what the "world's friendliest spyware" was all about. The History of the Purple Gorilla