RealNetworks Inc. on Monday launched a test version of a free desktop-based service that is to offer its users personalized news and information.

The company's RealTime software includes a news reader that will offer personalized news from a range of sources, a screen saver that displays headlines and images, and a toolbar.

Content offerings will include the Associated Press, Reuters Group PLC, the Weather Channel and the popular gadget news blog Engadget, among others, RealNetworks said.

The Seattle-based company is best known for its digital media player that plays streaming video and audio as well as media files stored on a personal computer in a variety of formats, although it has also branched out into other areas such as online games.
 
Many other companies, including Google Inc. and Time Warner Inc.'s AOL, already offer toolbars and other technology that can be downloaded on to computer desktops.

with files from Canadian Press