HEY FACEBOOKERS!!
Something that Facebook users can gear up for is the availability of voicechat on the social networking site. The new feature by Vivox Voice Chat will enable Facebook users to initiate a conversation with any of the friends in their friends list. It is reported that within the next month, Facebook users will be afforded the option to chat with friends via “high-quality audio conversations.” Vivox is a “Boston-based company that provides the integrated voice service for virtual worlds like Second Life and EVE Online, and which already has more than 15 million users worldwide.” It seems that this company has found its niche in the social networking domain- perhaps other social networking companies should aim to incorporate innovative additional tools to the already successful social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace rather than compete with them?
Characteristics of Voicechat on Facebook;
- Facebook users must download the Free Vivox plugin: Users will be provided the option to participate in one-on-one chats or even group chats
- Even non Facebook users will be enabled to participate in voicechats: Vivox offers free dial in numbers that will allow anyone to chat
- Although some may not be willing to install the plugin, the Voicechat feature may be worth installing as it will potentially enable more quality-rich conversation and “better” phone call quality.
- Good for retailers (like Overstock.com) as it enables quick and easy chats to friends about products.
- Enables conference calls and podcasts: Almost functions as web conferencing software
The Downside???
Facebook will consume even MORE of our time and detract us from our jobs, school work etc..!!
The following display shows users what to expect in terms of the look and feel of the new app.
This news about voicechat on Facebook is not only exciting to the average Facebook user, but also to third part developers who want to incorporate sound into their specific applications. This is certainly creating new duties for these third party developers to decide on how they want to represent themselves from an aural perspective.
Well-known social media expert, Charlene Li is enthused about voicechat revealing that she will indeed use it and says,” it is a continuum of communications with the people I want to stay in touch with.” She also provides that retailers will not have to independently install chat functions themselves but rather they can just “put in Facebook chat.” She predicts this will make for many interesting ideas for businesses.
While there are clear supporters of the Vivox voicechat for Facebook, some are less enthusiastic and predict the new app will take users time to adapt to, especially in the area of social gaming on Facebook. As with almost any web 2 development it takes time for users to adopt, and more importantly, appreciate and integrate certain tools. The best thing for the Vivox company is that they are paving the way into voice chat for multiple sites and creating a name for themselves. What better social networking site to partner with?!
I don’t know about you all, but personally I am eager to see how the Vivox voicechat via Facebook unfolds. Initial uptake will be very important I believe. Please let me know your thoughts about this new web 2 tool which will grace Facebook in the near future!
