Weemees to find homes after Microsoft deal

SAW-YOU.COM, the Glasgow-based e-business firm, has won another lucrative deal with software giant Microsoft that will see its virtual character technology rolled out across Europe.

The company has signed an agreement with Microsoft to introduce its Weemee avatar technology into Belgium, Spain and Holland on the US group’s MSN internet portal.

The deal follows a successful trial of Weemees in the UK that has already seen the digital characters "adopted" by more than two million users.

Owners of Weemees can alter their character’s looks to mirror their own. They can then be used to personalise e-mail and other forms of internet communication.

Saw-you hopes the introduction of Weemees into three other European countries will lead to Microsoft rolling out the technology across other lucrative markets such as the US.

Saw-you recently extended its partnership agreement with fellow Glasgow company DA group to create 3D versions of Weemees to be used on mobile phones.

The mobile Weemees are capable of delivering audio-visual messages that look like, sound like and act in a way that matches the personality of the user. These Weemees can dance, fall in love and perform Matrix-style high kicks, as well as speak the words of a text message.

Saw-You employs 10 staff and has spent the past two years developing its Weemee technology. The deal with Microsoft is its first revenue generating agreement.

The company is 50% owned by telecoms entrepreneur Richard Emanuel, who invested 1m into its development, and is also being assisted by mobile technology guru Kevin Bradshaw.

Kinsella is a former singer with a band called The Colour Wheel, who failed to set the charts alight despite winning support slots with Crowded House.