Although the PlayStation 3’s online service is free – and thus, a grand bargain next to Xbox Live, averaging about $60/year – it lacks a few of the bells and whistles boasted by Microsoft’s network.  For one, Sony’s console is void of a streamlined voice communication system (via USB headset) one of the finer options providing Gears of War fans their chance to swear profusely at one another.  However, the PS3 may soon be bolstered with piecemeal voice support, as a popular VOIP service has now been crafted specifically for the console’s browser.

Jajah, a Voice Over Internet Protocol service built by Austrians and maintained in a few international service centers (including Mountain View, CA), connects regular, traditional phones using a web activated “telephony”.  There’s no need to download software, and it’s free on the PS3.

How is a call/connection made?

The process is a bit long-winded, to say the least.  Users must navigate the PS3’s browser to play.jajah.com, enter the number they’d like to call, and then wait as the service links up.

Despite its complexity in comparison with Microsoft’s Xbox Live mode of communiqué, Jajah is touting the new service as one that,

“brings free or cheap calling into the living room…away from computers.  Initiating a call with Jajah can now be done while lounging in front of the TV”.

Useful…and yet, not

Although initiatives like this are part of the reason Intel recently sunk $15 million into Jajah, as an in-game multiplayer tool it will likely prove ineffective.  However, as a way to cost-effectively link up with friends across the country, it’s dynamite stuff.