Vox Proxy is a plug-in for the popular Microsoft PowerPoint presentation program that will allow user to add speaking, animated characters to their slide show presentations. The program utilizes Microsoft's "Agent Technology" to display the animated characters as part of the presentations. (This is the same technology that makes that little paperclip possible as part of Microsoft's Office suite.)

Users can spice up their presentations by selecting one of Vox Proxy's 17 characters for inclusion. Characters range from cartoony animals and airplanes to caricature-like people. Audio narration can be added to the characters either by typing in text and utilizing the program's text-to-speech converter or by recording one's own audio.

Vox Proxy is currently only compatible with Windows-based computers running PowerPoint 2000 or 2002 and one of the following operating systems:

• 9x
• 2000
• ME
• XP

The Vox Proxy web site lists the plug-in's price at $249, but offers visitors the package for a special $199 price. Users can download a free, 30-day trial version of the software to use before deciding whether to purchase.

See also:

• Make an Impression, Stay on Topic with Presentation Software