WSJ.com – Talk of the Internet

Voice is back.

But this time it’s on the Internet. Just when the rise of email and text-messaging began eroding traditional phoning, voice communication is staging an online comeback — in a variety of unlikely ways.

Facilitated by broadband Internet connections, computer users are talking to each other as they play games, arrange dates and conduct business. All of these activities are available now because advancements in digital technology have made it possible to transfer voice in information packets, just like an email.
..
“Voice is a far more efficient way of communicating than trading emails,” says Drew Robertson, whose New York-based Atlantic Systems Inc. is developing a wireless headset and microphone for computer conversations.
..
For many Internet uses, voice applications are a free add-on service that enhances existing applications like instant messaging.
..
Voice on the Internet has also showed signs of improving customer-support services. In recent years, some company Web sites have included integrated browsing capabilities, which enable the support staff to remotely take control of the customer’s browser and direct him to relevant information on the Web site. At the same time, the support staff can offer audio instructions through the site’s voice application.

[via]