What comes to your mind when you imagine employees working at construction sites, warehouses, mining sites, or frontline workers such as policemen, firefighters and security guards? People dressed in protective gear holding walkie-talkie radios. That’s right, walkie-talkie radios have been the best Push-to-Talk devices that are still being used by most of the field and frontline services.
As radio communication turns obsolete gradually, businesses are seeking efficient alternatives to enable their remote field workers to stay connected with their distributed teams, line managers and operators. The evolution of modern-day Push-to-Talk devices has brought about a sigh of relief for businesses that are planning to switch their communications from radio to cellular. Why? Because now they can leverage walkie-talkie-like functionality on cellular networks.
What Are Push-to-Talk Devices?
Push-to-Talk devices are dedicated devices that offer a simple push-button interface to their users and enable instant press-button connectivity. Walkie-talkie radios, too, are an example of Push-to-Talk devices. With changing times, manufacturers have terminated the making of radio-based Push-to-Talk devices and moved to Push-to-Talk over cellular devices.
These modern-day PTT devices are compatible with cellular networks such as 3G, 4G and WiFi and allow users to leverage a clearer audio quality and encrypted communication in comparison to radio communications that present loud static noise, easily interceptable unclear communications and range limitations.
Also read: 5 Reasons Why Retailers Love the NuovoTeam Push-to-Talk App
Where Do Smartphones Fall Short?
A common question that crosses the mind when you think about dedicated Push-to-Talk cellular devices is that why not just use smartphones to stay connected over phone calls? Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. Almost every person owns a smartphone today. Cellular phone calls, text messages, multi-media sharing, video calling or even accessing emails via the smartphone are common.
But, although smartphones have brought the world closer with their powerful communication capabilities, they are not the ideal choice for several industrial sectors. Industries often require specialized communication tools, like supplier portals, to manage their supply chain interactions efficiently. Industries that operate with a field workforce or a mobile workforce that is constantly on the move and works in harsh outdoor environments need a mode of communication that is simple and instant.
Phone calls, emails and text messaging are time-consuming and complex modes of communication for employees working at manufacturing units, production lines, construction sites, managing floor operations, etc. They need communication to be instant and devoid of complex dialing and typing protocols. This is where PTT devices step in. The simple interface and quick connectivity help the field workforce connect with anyone instantly with just the press of a button. This capability plays a vital role in handling urgent situations, communication crises, and emergencies, ensuring safety while working, and can be enhanced with generative AI solutions.
Also read: Benefits Of Push to Talk Services For Businesses?
5 Best Push-to-Talk Devices for Your Business in 2022
Push-to-Talk devices allow your employees to leverage instant push-button connectivity over cellular networks and stay connected with anyone, anywhere. Here’s a list of the best Push-to-Talk devices for your business.
1. Kyocera
Kyocera presents a wide range of ultra-rugged smartphones and flip phones that offer high-speed and low latency Push-to-Talk connectivity. Kyocera phones offer a programmable PTT button and have a noise cancellation system that lets you communicate clearly even in noisy outdoor environments.
Here’s why Kyocera’s rugged smartphones and flip phones are ideal for you:
- Designed to withstand shock, dust, vibrations and extreme temperatures.
- Waterproof and drop proof.
- Programmable PTT and SOS keys
- Push-to-Talk (PTT) support over WiFi and LTE, as well as speakerphone calls
- Battery saver modes for long-lasting usage
2. Samsung Galaxy Xcover Pro
Samsung’s rugged smartphone Galaxy XCover Pro launched in 2020 offers instant Push-to-Talk connectivity to its users. This makes an ideal communication platform for driving instant Push-to-Talk connectivity for the field and mobile workforce.
Here’s why Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is the best choice for your field service employees:
- Supports Push-to-Talk over cellular networks
- Built to withstand extreme temperatures from −40 to 176 F
- Meets the IP68 standard for dust and water resistance
- Can endure 26 drops from 5 feet up
- Can be used while wearing gloves
3. Cyrus
Cyrus has a range of Android smartphones, mobile phones and tablets that are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide a strong battery life making them an ideal choice for field workers. Cyrus true-rugged smartphones and mobile phones meet the MIL-810G and IP68 standards and offer their users a dedicated Push-to-Talk button for instant connectivity.
Here’s why you should implement Cyrus products to keep your field workforce connected:
- Dedicated Push-to-Talk button
- SOS button for emergency and crises communication
- Can be operated with gloves or when they display is wet
- Dust resistant and shockproof
- Gorilla glass screen
- Long battery life
4. Cat Phones
Cat phones offer market-leading rugged smartphones that are engineered to withstand dust and bustling high-pressure environments. Users can leverage SOS connectivity, thermal imaging technology and much more making it a perfect fit for field workers.
Here’s why your business can benefit from investing in Cat phones:
- Built to endure extreme environments
- Programmable side push-to-talk button
- Long battery life
- IP68 and MIL-SPEC certified rugged performance
- Corning Gorilla glass screen
5. Crosscall
Crosscall is a French brand that specializes in manufacturing rugged smartphones and tablets for field services and industries that operate in harsh environments. Crosscall rugged smartphones offer their users a heavy-duty exterior and are equipped with a programmable side Push-to-Talk button to enable instant communication.
Here’s why you should invest in Crosscall smartphones to keep your field workforce connected:
- 1-1 or group communication with a programmable Push-to-Talk button
- Long battery life
- Glove touch technology
Closing Lines
Communication is the key to operational success, especially in modern times when businesses are exploring enterprise mobility. The ease of use, simplicity and speed delivered by Push-to-Talk devices is unmatched. You can also experience this ultra-fast, simple and reliable Push-to-Talk connectivity using your own Android or iOS smartphones with the NuovoTeam Push-to-Talk app. NuovoTeam is designed to help the mobile workforce simplify its remote communication and easily integrate with your smartphone to turn it into a walkie-talkie.
