Kodiak Pushes Clientless PTT, MetroPCS Signs Up
Article
Comments 18
Apr 17, 2008, 10:22 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Apr 17, 2008, 1:23 PM
Updated: Added MetroPCS information
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.
Related
Newcomer Schok Makes Splash with Feature-Rich Phone for $169
Jul 11, 2022
Schok — a relatively new, Texas-based mobile phone company focusing on entry- and mid-segment phones — has launched the Schok Freedom Turbo XL , a mid-range unlocked phone with an entry-level "introductory" price of just $169, "while supplies last". The phone features NFC, wireless charging, Corning Gorilla Glass on both sides, a 48 megapixel main camera, 16 megapixel wide camera, 24 megapixel front camera, and a 6.53-inch FHD+ display.
Now that's a cool idea!
I wonder if any other PTT will ever meet the speed or coolness that Nextel Direct Connect earned. 😎
I seriously don't get the point. Why not just make a regular phone call to the person you want to talk to?
Kinda Misses the Point?
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'?
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'?
...
(continues)
As A Nextel Enthusiast, I Welcome The Competition
Keeps my bill low and my features high.
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...
If you never had Nextel's fast Direct Connect or Sprint's slow Ready-Link you wouldn't understand. Other PTT's like Sprint or Verizon or Cingular go over the internet. So yea in that sense it would make more sense to just call someone. However real PTT is way faster then placing a call and saves a person time and money and minutes. I love PTT but only with Nextel. I've tried other versions and was sadly dissapointed.
Well, we have 2 days now before Sprints new Qchat hits the nation, and while it is still high speed internet based, its promised to be not only completely backward compatible with Nextel's PTT, but just as fast and easy to use. Time will tell I guess...
(continues)
How Chatlink works.
The Chatlink feature at MetroPCS allows the subscriber to bring in up to 9 others in a PTT conversation at once. That's the main benefit, and even though there are plenty of other solutions for conference calls for 3+ people, it's still nice to have for only $5 a month.
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!
Isn't Kodiak PTT just doing a voice call and having the other party on mute? This doesn't even compare to iDEN, Sprint's Qchat or Verzion's up and coming High Performance PTT.
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
Soooo, why wouldn't I just make a regular voice call and save the extra $$$ for this service???
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.