While many associate push to talk with this squawking sound you might hear walking down the street, it actually used most prominently for business. Many contractors use the technology to keep up with multiple job sites. The problem, until recently, has been that Nextel’s iDEN network has really been the only way to get reliable PTT. We saw the release of a few newer services this year, like Sprint’s QChat, Verizon’s PTT service, and one from MetroPCS. Now jkOnTheRun introduces us to an independent PTT service: HipVoice. It’s an application you can install on your BlackBerry and which will allow you to exchange quick voice hits with other users.
As jk notes, this isn’t exactly PTT, but it serves the same purpose. The procedure as he understands it: HipVoice records your message and pushes it through to your recipient. Hence, there’s a slight delay in conveying the message. That is, however, a small price to pay if you want PTT on your Berry. He does note that the audio quality on HipVoice bests other PTT services.
One added avantage is that HipVoice archives their messages. This can be useful when trying to identify the source of a mistake, or trying to recall the details of a conversation. You can also use the service between a cell phone and PC.
The service is available starting at $10 per month. Visit HipVoice’s website (linked above), where they’ll give you instructions on how you can call them and set up service.
