BT is developing services aimed to enable users of virtual worlds to call or text message real-world pals from inside of virtual worlds, reports CNET UK.
It's presently testing the technology from a private Second Life island called "Area 21", based on BT's 21CN network technology, which it's using for the service (as well as the top-secret Area 51). Project manager Matthew Brotherton of BT's Applied Technology Center told silicon.com, "This is about how we integrate BT's communications services that are exposed as part of the Web21C platform, into virtual environments."
The fact that users of Second Life can create the environment around themselves makes it an ideal initial proving ground for the tech, which if successful, could have very useful implications for both business-oriented virtual worlds and social MMOs.
[Via CNET UK]
