LOGO

Turn Your Phone Into a Walkie Talkie with Voxer

November 9, 2012
Turn Your Phone Into a Walkie Talkie with Voxer

Voxer: A Modern Communication Platform

For individuals seeking a versatile communication solution encompassing voice messaging, text, and image sharing across various network types, including both Wi-Fi and cellular connections, Voxer presents itself as a compelling option.

Voxer functions as a contemporary alternative to traditional push-to-talk (PTT) walkie-talkies, engineered for seamless operation on both localized and widespread networks.

Key Features and Functionality

Leveraging internet connectivity and Wi-Fi capabilities, Voxer circumvents the limitations inherent in radio frequency-based communication.

Furthermore, it operates as an independent, cross-platform messaging service, offering a competitive alternative to established platforms like WhatsApp.

  • Users can transmit voice messages, text-based communications, and image files.
  • Compatibility extends across both iOS and Android operating systems.
  • The service is available at no cost to users.

Voxer provides a convenient method for staying connected, regardless of location or network availability.

The application’s design prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, making it suitable for a wide range of communication needs.

Walkie-Talkie Functionality in the Modern Age

The traditional idea of a walkie-talkie, where greater range corresponds to a higher price, remains relevant in numerous scenarios. For excursions into mountainous regions or areas with poor mobile coverage, walkie-talkies paired with extra batteries can prove invaluable, while smartphones may falter. It’s important to understand that Voxer isn’t intended as a direct substitute for dedicated radio frequency devices utilizing various bands.

Avoid being unprepared in remote environments!

Voxer as a Communication Tool

However, in many circumstances, the application can effectively fulfill this role. Voxer provides a versatile means of communication, enabling both iPhone and Android users to exchange voice messages, images, and text – similar to WhatsApp, but without associated costs. The app functions in a comparable manner, allowing users to identify one another using their phone numbers, which are not made publicly accessible.

Initial Setup and Registration

Upon first launching Voxer, users are guided through a registration process. This requires providing a name, a valid email address, and a password before communication can begin. During testing on the iPhone version, the app requested permissions to access contacts, notifications, and location data.

Two iPhones were configured on the same network with minimal profile details, and both devices immediately recognized each other without any manual intervention.

Profile Customization and User Search

Voxer permits users to enhance their profiles with city, country, and a personalized profile picture. However, this is not essential for basic chat functionality. Users can also locate others by name or email address by tapping the "new conversation" button and utilizing the search function.

While finding individuals solely by name or picture can be challenging, access to the complete Voxer user database is a beneficial feature.

The Evolution of Mobile Communication

Modern communication is readily available through platforms like iMessage, WhatsApp, Skype, and traditional SMS messaging. While voice-to-text features offered by Siri and Android are convenient for crafting messages, none of these services currently support the direct transmission of audio recordings. This is precisely where the functionality of Voxer becomes valuable.

Utilizing Voxer's Walkie-Talkie Feature

The core of Voxer lies in its push-to-talk button, located at the bottom of the chat interface. Users simply tap and hold this button, awaiting the distinctive walkie-talkie sound, and then begin speaking. The recipient will immediately start hearing the message while the button is still depressed, mirroring the experience of a traditional two-way radio – only one person can transmit at any given moment.

However, this limitation is easily addressed by Voxer’s replay function. Any received audio message can be replayed, ensuring nothing is missed. Selecting the “play” button next to a message initiates sequential playback of the entire conversation.

Additional Features and Functionality

This feature is enhanced by the display of message duration and a location marker, indicating where the message originated. The ability to convey a location without needing a detailed description is a particularly useful aspect of the application.

turn-iphone-android-phone-walkie-talkie-voxer-6.jpg

Beyond voice messaging, Voxer incorporates buttons for sending photos and text, features that have become commonplace since the introduction of iOS 5’s iMessage. Accessing chat settings, found in the top-right corner, allows users to customize personal preferences and manage chat options.

Managing Chat Settings

Users can add additional participants to a conversation, toggle speakerphone functionality, clear message history, and even block unwanted contacts. A particularly desirable feature, currently absent in Apple’s messaging system, is the ability to silence push notifications on a per-chat basis.

turn-iphone-android-phone-walkie-talkie-voxer-7.jpg

This would allow users to monitor active group chats without constant interruptions.

The "Note to Self" Function

For individual use, Voxer offers a “Note to Self” feature. This is accessed through the app’s settings menu – navigate to Account, then Profile, and finally select Note to Self. This creates a dedicated chat for personal voice recordings, functioning as a convenient digital dictaphone.

turn-iphone-android-phone-walkie-talkie-voxer-8.jpg

Download: Voxer for iPhone @ App Store

Download: Voxer for Android @ Google Play

Concluding Remarks

Beyond a limited number of suggested enhancements, Voxer demonstrates few discernible shortcomings; it is both practical and enjoyable to utilize. The implementation of a publicly accessible Voxer voicemail, capable of online hosting, would represent a highly desirable addition.

Furthermore, a streamlined method for connecting with fellow Voxer users within a given geographic region would be a beneficial improvement.

For individuals possessing a youthful spirit and a longstanding desire for walkie-talkies, Voxer presents an ideal application. Its utility extends to professional environments – offices, construction sites, and similar locations – where rapid voice communication proves valuable, potentially making it an essential download.

The app also offers a solution for areas experiencing unreliable cellular voice connections, yet maintaining data connectivity sufficient for email transmission.

As an alternative to WhatsApp messenger, Voxer provides a distinct and completely free cross-platform communication method, representing a compelling choice.

Have you had experience with Voxer? What are your impressions? What functionalities would you propose? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

#Voxer#walkie talkie#iPhone#Android#voice communication#app