Skip to main content

Microsoft Teams walkie-talkie comes to Android and iOS

Microsoft Teams has always had a walkie-talkie feature that allows users that are a part of the same underlying channels to connect smoothly through its web app. Now, this update can be accessed on both Android and iOS devices.

The walkie-talkie feature is accessible with Wi-Fi as well as cellular network connectivity. The PTT (push-to-talk) feature landed nearly two years ago for frontline workers on the Teams app to ensure smoother communication during the early ravages of the pandemic. Only users within a particular channel can interact with each other, similar to two users from the same team who can have a private chat via Microsoft teams. Outside parties and users can only engage if they have been granted permission or have been added to these channels.

Microsoft Teams walkie talkie.
The walkie-talkie feature gives Microsoft an edge over its competitors such as Slack and Zoom.

Microsoft has teamed up with Zebra Mobile to implement this functionality. Currently, this feature is not enabled in the app, and the average employee can’t do it themselves. To add it, organizations need to go to the “App Setup Policy” from the admin center. Once switched on, the feature will be available on the app within 48 hours.

This walkie-talkie feature will also be present on a wide range of Zebra Mobile devices geared toward enterprise use. The combination of this Teams feature and the PTT button on Zebra devices helps easier access and connectivity for essential workers. Additionally, the Reflexis Shifts Connector will have general availability in Teams from January 2022. This connector would integrate with the Reflexis Workforce Scheduler (RWS) and sync in real-time for assigning and managing worker shifts, which could be useful for hourly employees and contractors. 

Editors' Recommendations

Sahas Mehra
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Sahas is a freelance writer who specializes in writing on Tech, Health & Wellness, and Gaming. He covers the Mobile…
The best hurricane trackers for Android and iOS in 2022
Truck caught in gale force winds.

Hurricane season strikes fear into the hearts of those who live in its direct path, as well as distanced loved ones who worry for their safety. If you've ever sat up all night in a state of panic for a family member caught home alone in the middle of a destructive storm, dependent only on intermittent live TV reports for updates, a hurricane tracker app is a must-have tool. There are plenty of hurricane trackers that can help you prepare for these perilous events, monitor their progress while underway, and assist in recovery. We've gathered the best apps for following storms, predicting storm paths, and delivering on-the-ground advice for shelter and emergency services. Most are free to download and are ad-supported. Premium versions remove ads and add additional features.

You may lose power during a storm, so consider purchasing a portable power source,  just in case. We have a few handy suggestions for some of the best portable generators and power stations available. 

Read more
Truecaller brings AI-powered spam call filtering to any iOS or Android phone
The Lamicall docking station sits in front of a laptop. A call is being answered.

Truecaller, a popular spam reporting and caller ID app, has launched a new feature that scrutinizes calls, responds to basic queries, and even handles scut work. Called Truecaller Assistant, the feature takes over the tedious parts of phone calls, especially when you don't want to deal with spam — or worse — scam calls.

Truecaller's announcement comes just days after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirmed it had approved a long-standing proposal to block unwanted promotional texts in response to countless complaints. The federal agency will work with mobile operators to culminate these spam texts at the origination level, flag spamming numbers, and attempt to educate users. However, the approach is focused on texts and does not elicit action against spam calls.

Read more
Hey look, the iPhone’s Dynamic Island has come to … Android?!?
dynamic island android app dynamicspot

Apple caused a great deal of excitement when it unveiled the Dynamic Island on the new iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max handsets earlier this month (although it turns out it's not for everyone).

The feature brings to life the otherwise boring pill-shaped cutout at the top of the display by changing its appearance according to the information or controls that it's showing.

Read more