Kodiak Pushes Clientless PTT, MetroPCS Signs Up
Apr 17, 2008, 10:22 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Apr 17, 2008, 1:23 PM
A new service announced by Kodiak Networks will allow PTT subscribers to connect PTT calls to non-PTT subscribers, even if they don't have a PTT-enabled handset. With the clientless PTT application, regular PTT users send an invite to join in a PTT call. The invite supplies directions for the non-PTT users, and lets them press any key on their wireless or wireline phone to send calls. Kodiak will sell this service to CDMA carriers, which in turn will push it to their own customers. MetroPCS was the first carrier to sign up for this service, and has branded it ChatLINK, which it made available to customers starting today. ChatLINK will cost MetroPCS customers $5 per month.
Comments
Now that's a cool idea!
Kinda Misses the Point?
branchc said:
I think PTT definitely has its place for instant communication. But if the non-PTT subscriber has to accept the session, isn't that adding precious seconds of time making the 'instant' not so 'instant'?
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As A Nextel Enthusiast, I Welcome The Competition
Would us Nextel folks have ever gotten nationwide PTT or the new features being introduced on the Pro series phones with Direct Connect otherwise? Probably not.
I still think Nextel DC is the best, but Kodiak is keeping them honest.
If you never had it...
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How Chatlink works.
Rumor has it that this feature is going to be integrated with the cell phone's GPS for integration with something similar to Helio's Buddy Beacon.
What a scam!
Anyone who pays $5/month for this should get their head examined. I would rather just dial the number instead of asking someone to "join a session".
I can't believe MetroPCS is actually asking their handset providers to support this. Maybe it is just Kyocera, ZTE and Huawei since they need shelf space.
Don't get it
As far as I can tell, all they've done is enable 1980's technology. For an encore, maybe they can figure out a way to play Pong on tv.