Free Voicemail for Ad Listeners

Irvine-based Blue Diamond Software is launching a service that gives users free voicemail in exchange for listening to ads when they access the service. The company said its EchoBuzz service will be available in Los Angeles and Orange counties in April. The service targets people 12 to 24 years old who do not have their own phones. Users may pre-register for a voicemail box by logging onto the service’s Web site. They will be asked to give “a brief personal profile” that will allow the service to personalize three- to 10-second ads to the caller’s specific interests.