When gamers converse over the Net they usually use specialized software such as TeamSpeak -- or perhaps Mumble. Mumble is a TeamSpeak alternative, with freely available source code, that allows multiple users to exchange chats during gaming sessions. It has two components, the Murmur server and the Mumble client.

The Murmur server uses less working memory in the new version and starts threads on demand only for virtual servers. The now fully documented Internet Communications Engine (Ice) RPC framework works over a callback function and allows for server-side scripting that reacts to user requests. Ice authentication is external and available to third-party databases.

The welcoming server facility allows for graphics and text message integration through normal HTML. Client-side context menus allow for expansion by third-party developers. At least under Windows the audio matches player positions and Mumble supports more games, such as Battlefield 2, Call of Duty 4, Warsow and Sauerbraten.

Multiple key combos are available for shortcuts and balloon tool tips show log notifications. The text-to-speech function can be expanded with prepared sounds. Mumble and Murmur are available for testing on the SourceForge download site.