The advantages of using PTT apps such as Zello over smart devices are many, according to George. Not only can users communicate securely from literally anywhere with an LTE cellular signal, including from space. They can review the content of the message after its been sent. "On Zello you can hear the messages live and replay them," George says.
Communications professionals have long believed that cellular and radio communications would be combined in single hybrid devices used by first responders. Currently, however, PTT over cellular (POC) apps that run on smartphones are the most visible evidence of this trend.
Pryme forged its relationship with Zello so that Zello users can operate the app in much the same way as they would a PTT radio over a Pryme accessory. "Using Zello and a very radio-like product that Pryme makes, you can communicate over POC without removing your phone from your pocket," George says.
So far law enforcement has been slow to adopt PTT over cellular primarily because officers don't have agency-issued smart devices, but George says he's seeing more agencies acquire smartphones for their officers. He believes agencies will be more likely to use apps like Zello if they can access them using familiar technology such as their radio mics. "The closer you can make the new stuff look like the old stuff, the faster they will be comfortable with it," he adds.
George says the company's PTT accessory will work on smartphones running Zello and on a wide variety of radio systems and the same mic can be used for both. "We can make a version of your portable radio mic for your smart devices with all the same attributes as your radio mic," he says.
