Hatsune Miku is 2025’s Clippy as new Steam game lets Japan’s virtual idol dominates your desktop

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Do you recall the days when that pesky paperclip used to take over your desktop screen? Back then, it was a source of frustration for many. Fast forward more than two decades later, and digital companions have become popular as people seek assistance with tasks like creating shopping lists or striking up conversations. However, if you yearn for the days of yore and the simplicity of the past, Hatsune Miku might just be the modern-day equivalent of Clippy, serving as a helpful guide in today’s digital landscape.

Hatsune Miku, Desktop Mate

Desktop Mate, a fresh take on desktop assistants for contemporary Windows computers, was made available for free on Steam. This innovative software is referred to as a “next-generation desktop mascot platform”. By employing 3D graphics, it enables characters to perch on top of your programs, engage with the mouse, trail the cursor, and offer endearing responses.

The free software package includes a unique desktop companion, Aiel-tan, an anime character who assists with your tasks and studies. For dedicated anime gaming enthusiasts, there’s also an optional extra: you can buy Hatsune Miku as an additional friend for approximately £16.75. (This information is accurate at the time of writing.)

Miku will loungingly occupy your computer screen, occasionally popping up over your running applications to perform various actions. Back in 2005, if Clippy had behaved this way, there might have been gruesome videos of him being attacked that would leave a lasting impression. However, since Miku is featured in Fortnite, it’s considered acceptable and even enjoyable.

Mod support?

Currently, only these two characters are accessible in Desktop Mate, with more being planned for release later on. If Desktop Mate were to function similarly to Wallpaper Engine, allowing users to create and upload their own designs that may annoy you and significantly increase CPU usage, it could potentially become more appealing.

Despite not everyone sharing the desire to own a digital Hatsune Miku and use her to perform virtual leg kicks while troubleshooting a program that frequently crashes, there’s no doubt that somebody out there would deeply cherish this unique experience. That someone will absolutely adore it.

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2025-01-08 18:09