Free VoIP calling via email launched

Software developer Yoomba has launched an application which turns email messages into VoIP calls.

The service requires a small download which adds 'click to call' buttons to the user's email messages and address books, which when clicked will send a message to the contact including a link.

When the recipient clicks on the link, a VoIP call is set up between them and the Yoomba user and they can begin chatting.

The idea is to remove the need to log into a third-party program when setting up a personal VoIP call, although this is also achievable through company VoIP networks which could even include special handsets attached to the computers.

"We think this is the only way it [VoIP] will reach mass adoption," said Yoomba's chief executive Elad Hemar.

The service integrate the 'click to call' buttons into many major email programs, both online and offline, including Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail, which should make it easy for users to quickly and simply get in contact with their contacts over VoIP.