Voice Service Update: WebRTC Voice Expands Across the Grid on May 5

With the introduction of the WebRTC standard widely used for voice communication, improvements in voice quality will begin to be perceived both immediately and over time.

After the initial release limited on March 18, which helped validate performance and stability, these updates are now being brought to the entire grid.

✅ O Que Deve Ser Feito?

For most Residents: nothing, this implementation happens automatically. Both Second Life Viewer and Firestorm Viewer, since the end of 2024, have been supported by this voice service.

However, if the best experience and access to the latest resources is desired:

* Use the latest version of Second Life Viewer or the latest Firestorm Beta for all voice performance improvements and bug fixes.

* Try the Second Life 26.2 Beta Viewer to access new tools Voice moderation.

* Be aware that voice behavior may vary slightly until the implementation across the grid is completed.

This voice update is also expanding beyond the desktop. With this implementation, mobile users can now make voice calls on our mobile app, making it easy to connect wherever they are.

🌍 Implementação Completa da Grade em 5 de Maio

From 5 May, the WebRTC Voice will be implemented throughout the Second Life grid.

This marks a great milestone in the modernization of voice communication, bringing greater reliability, less latency, moderation tools and a solid basis for future voice resources for all Residents.

🔄 Sobre a Transição Atual

As expansion beyond the initial launch channels occurred, some Residents noted that the grid is currently divided between

• * WebRTC (new) voice (~25%)
• *Vivex Voice (legated) (~75%)

It is understood that this has created confusion, especially when moving between regions using different voice systems.

This mixed state is temporary and part of the phased implementation. The transition to the full support of the grid on May 5 will solve this division and unify the voice experience.

📞 Chamadas P2P Durante a Transição

Before the full implementation on May 5, point-to-point voice calls (P2P) may not behave as expected.

This is a known limitation while both systems are active. Voice interactions between systems may be inconsistent until the grid is fully in WebRTC.

Once the implementation is complete, these inconsistencies will be resolved.

🎛️ Moderação de Voz

WebRTC also unlocks new capabilities, including voice moderation tools.

To access these resources today:

* Use the Second Life Beta Viewer 26.2

* Make sure you're in a WebRTC-enabled region

With voice moderation, authorized users can

• * Silence or reactivate individual participants
• * Silence or reactivate all users on a voice channel
• * Manage disruptive or unintentional background noises

These tools are especially useful for community events, presentations, and meetings — helping to keep conversations clear and enjoyable for everyone.

🙏 Agradecimentos

Thanks to everyone who tested the WebRTC Voice so far and shared feedback. Their contributions helped directly to reach this milestone.

If there are any problems during implementation, you are asked to continue to share feedback through feedback portal.

You are looking forward to bringing a more consistent and modern voice experience to everyone at Second Life.

Watch out, there's more to come!

Official source: Read the original publication in Second Life (Official).