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Talkr, which was previously known for its service that converts text blogs to podcasts, has launched an "instant voice conference widget" - it was released in private beta on Monday and becomes available to everybody today.
The conference widget (warning: Java application) can be embedded in blogs, allowing bloggers to strike up voice conference with their readers. The readers, meanwhile, can chat amongst themselves when the blogger isn't online. What's more, multiple blogs can all embed a widget on the same topic - US politics, for instance - and conduct a cross-blog discussion. Conversations can also be password protected, and soon you'll be able to record your calls. The service will be supported by audio ads, played at first when users enter the conference.
It's a good idea, save for the use of a Java applet. Java is slow loading, a pain to use and totally unconventional for blog widgets. This also means that it's not currently compatible with MySpace, or any other site that lacks support for Java applets. However, the Talkr team say they're releasing a "MySpace compatible" version in the 2nd week of April (almost certainly Flash-based), and I'd use that one everywhere else, too - using Java for a widget is just plain irritating.