Linden Lab is to introduce voice chat to Second Life, the pixellated 3D world it manages. It's a revolution. To date, virtual world entrepreneurs such as the erotic entertainers, for which Second Life is best-known, have relied on rapid typing to get clients excited while displaying pre-recorded 3D animations of their avatar in provocative poses. No more. Philip Rosedale, Linden Lab's founder, unveiled the Benchmark company's plans at a conference yesterday. "I think voice will be a big issue," said Rosedale. "This will be a transformation in human communication." One might think this transformative human communication, 130 years after the invention of the telephone, sounds much like a humble conference call. But that would be to miss the point: think conference call with furries whose voices get louder as they come in closer to molest you.

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