App brings voice to Facebook messages

Vivox said yesterday that it was partnering with wireless service T-Mobile to offer users a free “voice chat’’ Facebook application. The service, called “Bobsled,’’ lets users initiate phone calls with their Facebook friends with a click of the mouse.

“This is a big move for Facebook because it adds voice to their platform,’’ said Larry Hettick, an analyst at the research firm Current Analysis, based in Sterling, Va. “It’s also significant for consumers, because it allows them to stay inside Facebook and use their friends list to make calls.’’

For Vivox, the deal with T-Mobile is one of its largest partnerships to date. Until now, Vivox’s technology, which is built on “voice over Internet protocol,’’ or VOIP, has been used primarily by computer gamers to talk to fellow gamers. The company says it has 52 million users through its partners such as Sony and Electronic Arts.

But through its new partnership with T-Mobile, Vivox is expanding its reach significantly. Facebook has more than 500 million users globally.

Rob Seaver, chief executive of Vivox, said that Vivox and other companies have experimented with enabling voice communications on Facebook, but yesterday’s launch was “by far the most seamless integration.’’

“Our vision has always been to make it easy for consumers,’’ he said, “and this is a huge step towards a goal we’ve been driving towards: giving voice to social networking.’’

Computer-based phone services like Skype and Google Voice also use VOIP technology to connect computer users, but Bobsled integrates that functionality with users’ existing list of Facebook friends.

After downloading the Bobsled app, Facebook users can make calls to recipi ents even if they don’t also have the app installed. The service, which requires that users’ computers have either a microphone and speakers, or a headset, also supports voicemail if the recipient doesn’t pick up. Bobsled will eventually include enhancements such as video chat, and the ability to call outside Facebook and connect with cellphones and landlines, according to the companies.

“This is more about adding functionality to Facebook rather than cannibalizing other services,’’ Hettick said. “This is not going to cause anyone to throw away his cellphone or landline.’’

For T-Mobile, the deal represents an expansion of services beyond cellphones.

“T-Mobile is a communications provider, so we are all about making it easy for people to talk wherever they are,’’ said Brad Duea, senior vice president, T-Mobile USA. “With more than 500 million users on the Internet, Facebook is a natural platform for us.’’

Duea said that it was not necessary to work out a formal partnership with Facebook, as long as the application complied with Facebook’s published application requirements.

Facebook did not respond to a request for comment.

D.C. Denison can be reached at denison@globe.com.