DiamondWare In Partnership with Vivox for 3D Sound In Virtual Worlds

DiamondWare, a supplier of high-definition 3D voice, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Vivox, Inc., a provider of integrated voice services for online games, virtual worlds and communities. Under the terms of the agreement, DiamondWare and Vivox will collaborate on the development of integrated voice 3D-positional sound for online worlds and communities. Linden Lab's Second Life marks the first venture under this agreement (story here).

The collaborative technology will enable users of Vivox's integrated voice solution in online games and worlds to hear other users in relation to their position and proximity. For example, users will become quieter as avatars walk away and the sound of a voice will shift in relation to their position to you - left, right, in front of or behind. This feature will enhance the immersive nature of online games and worlds and bring a deeper texture to online communications as we know it today, removing yet another line separating the virtual and real worlds with sound.

"We are pleased to be working with DiamondWare to help us in delivering an enhanced experiential voice experience to online gamers and community members," said Rob Seaver, CEO of Vivox. "DiamondWare's work in 3D-positional sound made it a natural choice of partner for us to further Vivox's presence and expand our services providing high-quality and detailed voice solutions."

"Voice will transform the way our Residents interact, and we see this as a great way of enriching the Second Life experience," said Joe Miller, Vice President, Platform & Technology Development at Linden Lab. "We're pleased to be working with companies of the caliber of DiamondWare and Vivox, and look forward to the further development work we'll be doing together on this project."

"Vivox's integrated voice technology and managed service is strategic to the growth of online games and communities," said Keith Weiner, CEO of DiamondWare. "This partnership will enhance the value of our individual offerings and push past the limits of communications available today in online worlds."

About DiamondWare

DiamondWare provides best-of-breed real time voice technology with ground-breaking 3D positioning and high-definition quality. Applications include games, simulators, conferencing, VoIP, and radio over IP. Customers include the US Special Forces, Navy, Air Force, as well as game developers, carriers, and equipment manufacturers. DiamondWare has received acclaim and recognition from numerous organizations, including TMC Labs Innovation Award, Best of Show at Internet Telephony, Product of the Year from Communications Convergence magazine, and has been listed in the Pulver 100 list since 2004. The company has a number of patents pending. Founded in 1994, DiamondWare has headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. More information is available at http://www.dw.com.

About Vivox, Inc.

Vivox provides online games, virtual worlds and online communities with managed voice communication services that are simple to integrate and enhance gameplay and community. Vivox's carrier-grade, customizable solutions help online games and communities create improved offerings and extend their user base. Today, Vivox is bringing voice to approximately one million subscribers in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit http://www.vivox.com.
DiamondWare is a trademark of DiamondWare, Ltd. in the United States and other countries. Vivox, Vivox stylized logos and Precision Studio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vivox, Inc. in the United States and other countries.