Push-To-Talk Relaunch and Other News

According to Engadget, Verizon's new enhanced PTT offering, based on QChat technology, is set for release soon. The recently announced Motorola V750 is one of the new PTT phones, along with the updated Casio G'Zone c711. Here is the link to Engadget news byte:

Details emerge on Verizon's PTT entrants from Motorola and Casio - Engadget Mobile

They also mentioned the upcoming release of the Palm Centro for Verizon (in a nice Blue color, no less).

Verizon's Palm Centro in the flesh! - Engadget Mobile

 

Slight correction to the Verizon "QChat" item: It isn't exactly QChat but a variant like it called "BREWChat". Sprint owns the license with Qualcomm on QChat, but it's basically the same idea. Verizon's version will not be compatible with Sprint's, so no cross-carrier PTT. Both Sprint's and Verizon's enhanced PTT will be EV-DO Rev. A based.

Here is the link to the updated information from Engadget: Verizon's next-gen PTT is not QChat - Engadget Mobile

 

Rumors are the latter part of May, but again it's just a rumor. With Verizon, it's anybody's guess.

 

It's hard to say how different the software really is. BREWChat is essentially QChat. The same rules apply. The only major difference is Sprint's feature of interoperability with Nextel. This may be the only real difference between the two, but who's to say if this is only a minor technicality.

It looks as if Qualcomm is looking for another revenue stream and what better way to do this than offer their successful PTT software to more than one carrier (albeit with minor tweaking in name, for example).

I wouldn't be surprised to see Alltel get into the mix on this. I bet Telus and Bell Mobility in Canada might come on board too. Especially Telus since they operate multiple networks like Sprint. What a perfect way for them to integrate their regular service with MIKE PTT.

Since Qualcomm's QChat/BREWChat is CDMA only, it won't be available to AT&T or T-Mobile. AT&T's stuck with Kodiak. Who knows with T-Mobile.

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see this too.

I agree. I hope they come to their senses and see the benefit of inter-carrier PTT. Whichever one is willing to set their ego aside is anyone's guess.

 

It would be nice if Alltel and/or USCellular picked up BREWChat (or some facsimile thereof) and help make the PTT option as standard as text messages, cameras, and the like. This might be wishful thinking, though.

 

I just hope it won't take years for carriers to adopt some form of PTT interoperability.

 

Inter-operable text messaging has been around since 2005, so it took awhile.

 

It doesn't mean it has to take a decade for PTT interoperability to happen. Things are moving too fast in Wireless these days. It would be in their best interest to do it soon.