BitButler

Meet BitButler. 🎩🤖

BitButler is a native Windows desktop assistant built in C# / .NET. He doesn’t live in a browser tab; he lives in your taskbar, ready to help (or talk back) at a moment's notice. Fast, lightweight, and built specifically for the Windows ecosystem.

Current Version: v1.7 (The Customisation Update)

---

✨ New in v1.7: Custom Avatars

BitButler is no longer just a static face. With the new Avatar Engine, you can swap his appearance to match your setup.

• Visual Selector: Change skins instantly from the Settings menu with a live preview.
• Smart Updates: BitButler now verbally tells you what he is doing during updates (e.g., "Downloading... 45%").
• Migration Friendly: If you install over an old version, your existing assistant face is automatically saved to the new system.

---

🔥 Key Features

• Native & Lightweight: Built with WPF for smooth performance and a minimal memory footprint.
• The Personality Engine: Professional by default, but switchable to Sarcastic for a bit more attitude. He is fully aware of the name you give him.
• Vision Capabilities: Show him your screen! He can analyse screenshots to help with code errors, design feedback, or just to judge your desktop wallpaper.
• Random Thoughts: Toggle this on to let him "think out loud" and share spontaneous insights throughout your day.
• Contextual Memory: He remembers your previous prompts, allowing for natural, flowing conversations.

---

📂 How to Add Custom Skins

Want to make your own character? It is easier than ever:

1. Press Win + R and type: %AppData%\BitButler\Avatars
2. Create a new folder (e.g., "Robot").
3. Drop your idle.png image inside.
4. Open Settings in BitButler, and your new avatar will appear in the list!

---

🛠️ API Setup (Important!)

To keep BitButler free and private, he runs on your API keys. Your data stays between you and the provider.

🌟 Recommended: Google Gemini API (Free Tier)
This is the primary engine for BitButler. Google offers a generous free tier which is perfect for desktop assistants. Even the paid tier is incredibly affordable—throughout months of heavy development, the total bill has been pennies. It is the most cost-effective way to run a personal AI.
👉 Get your FREE Gemini Key here

⚠️ Optional: OpenAI API
Support for OpenAI (ChatGPT) is included. However, please note that OpenAI typically requires a paid credit balance. The "Free Tier" usually only works if you have an active trial on a brand-new account.
👉 OpenAI API Dashboard

---

🚀 The Road to Steam & Workshop

This project is in Active Development. The v1.7 Avatar system lays the groundwork for our long-term goal: a full Steam release with Steam Workshop Support, allowing you to download community-created assistants with one click.

Funding Goal: Steam Direct Fee ($100)
To get BitButler onto Steam, we need to pay the submission fee. All donations go directly towards this milestone and server costs.

Current Status:
[░░░░░░░░░░] 0% (£0 / £100)

Thank you for supporting independent software!