Cross-Carrier Cross-Device BlackBerry Push-To-Talk from HipVoice

HipVoice.jpgHipVoice is a service for enterprise smartphone users that allows Push-To-Talk (PTT) over any carrier and over multiple devices and networks.  They have just released software for BlackBerry smartphones. Previously it has been available for Windows Mobile smartphhones. HipVoice also has a client for Symbian Nokia smartphones and is planing a client for iPhone in the future.

We talked to their spokesman who explained that it is not VoIP but can use the carriers data networks  Typically it is hard to transmit voice over the data network because the carriers' data networks have latency and jitter built-in to prevent their data networks being used for voice.  The HipVoice software works more like a walkie-talkie, where those communicating have to push a button and wait for a response. Therefore, the data delay is no problem. 
The devices can Push-To-Talk via Wi-Fi, Internet and cellular
networks to individuals or groups. The software also saves messages.

HipVoice

can be cheaper for large businesses when employees use it communicate
to each other one-at-a-time or in a group instead of using the
company's expensive voice minutes. HipVoice also works on data networks in other countries and many carriers. It will even work on personal computers.

There's
an energic video that was posted on YouTube that shows the product and
has gotten a lot BlackBerry bloggers excited but be warned that it is
really designed for enterprise users across entire businesses.  The
example we were given is that a soda company uses HipVoice for their
delivery drivers. As far as we can tell it is not a service designed so
individuals can save money on their voice plans. Service starts at
$10.00 per user.