Esmertec is shipping software that adds real-time push-to-talk functionality to 2.5G and 3G mobile phones. The [email protected] (Push-to-talk over Cellular) client allows users to establish one-on-one or one-to-many (group) conversations, and can be ported to any platform with a C compiler, the company says.

Esmertec says [email protected] can enhance a host device's contact list with availability information for each user, while allowing PoC sessions to be initiated with a single key press. Text and instant messaging services can be used in parallel with PoC sessions.

[email protected] is compliant with the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) PoC specification, making it interoperabile regardless of the network air interface standard, the user's network, or where the user is physically located, Esmertec says.

Screenshots of Esmertec's [email protected] PTT client in action
“For the end consumers, [email protected] allows the spontaneous sharing of information or a targeted way of communicating with persons or groups,” said Espertec CTO Anne-Marie Larkin. “PoC brings voice services to a new level of communication, potentially increasing calls and revenue for the network operators.”

Availability

Marketing Director Leng Stricker, says [email protected] has been ported to several devices running Windows, with ports to APOXI (Nucleus) and Symbian device in process.

Linux device developer NexGen City last year developed a Linux handset for first responders with PTT-over-VoIP capabilities.

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