Facebook users who have been instant messaging, poking, andfriending each other are now able to use the social network tocommunicate via plain old voice phone calls - with a serviceprovided by Natick-based company Vivox Inc.
Vivox said yesterday that it was partnering with wireless serviceT-Mobile to offer users a free "voice chat" Facebook application. The service, called "Bobsled," lets users initiate phone calls withtheir Facebook friends with a click of the mouse.
"This is a big move for Facebook because it adds voice to theirplatform," said Larry Hettick, an analyst at the research firmCurrent Analysis, based in Sterling, Va. "It's also significant forconsumers, because it allows them to stay inside Facebook and usetheir friends list to make calls."
For Vivox, the deal with T-Mobile is one of its largestpartnerships to date. Until now, Vivox's technology, which is builton "voice over Internet protocol," or VOIP, has been used primarilyby computer gamers to talk to fellow gamers. The company says it has52 million users through its partners such as Sony and ElectronicArts.
But through its new partnership with T-Mobile, Vivox is expandingits reach significantly. Facebook has more than 500 million usersglobally.
Rob Seaver, chief executive of Vivox, said that Vivox and othercompanies have experimented with enabling voice communications onFacebook, but yesterday's launch was "by far the most seamlessintegration."
"Our vision has always been to make it easy for consumers," hesaid, "and this is a huge step towards a goal we've been drivingtowards: giving voice to social networking."
Computer-based phone services like Skype and Google Voice alsouse VOIP technology to connect computer users, but Bobsledintegrates that functionality with users' existing list of Facebookfriends.
After downloading the Bobsled app, Facebook users can make callsto recipi ents even if they don't also have the app installed. Theservice, which requires that users' computers have either amicrophone and speakers, or a headset, also supports voicemail ifthe recipient doesn't pick up. Bobsled will eventually includeenhancements such as video chat, and the ability to call outsideFacebook and connect with cellphones and landlines, according to thecompanies.
"This is more about adding functionality to Facebook rather thancannibalizing other services," Hettick said. "This is not going tocause anyone to throw away his cellphone or landline."
For T-Mobile, the deal represents an expansion of services beyondcellphones.
"T-Mobile is a communications provider, so we are all aboutmaking it easy for people to talk wherever they are," said BradDuea, senior vice president, T-Mobile USA. "With more than 500million users on the Internet, Facebook is a natural platform forus."
Duea said that it was not necessary to work out a formalpartnership with Facebook, as long as the application complied withFacebook's published application requirements.
Facebook did not respond to a request for comment.
D.C. Denison can be reached at denison@globe.com.
20vivox.ART
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