K.A.T.E. IM Avatar Character System Leveraging the Global IPC, this application (code name KATE) brings together the advanced Instant Messaging system from Sonork and the lifelike avatars from Haptek. KATE links this virtual reality technology with the Sonork client to enable living, winking, breathing custom avatars that speak the messages coming and going through the Sonork messenger. Using a SAPI text-to-speech engine, the character reads the text typed through the Sonork messenger, along with incoming messages spoken by the sender's character Supports customizing the Avatar?s appearance, shape, size, voice and background through an extensive set of preloaded options Includes automatic animations and moods for all favorite emoticons, such as :) , ;), :-O, J, etc. Custom 3D avatars can be created choosing from several shapes, skins and character settings included