You’ll soon be able to use Microsoft Teams phones like an old-school walkie-talkie

Push-to-talk functionality is coming to Microsoft Teams devices

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Staying in touch with coworkers in the field should get a whole lot easier for firstline workers thanks to an expansion of the push-to-talk walkie talkie functionality inMicrosoft Teamsto more devices.

According to anew poston theMicrosoft365 Roadmap, the feature will be available worldwide on Microsoft Teams phones in September 2021.

Once the feature rolls out, users with compatible Microsoft Teams phones will be able to use their device like awalkie talkiethat can work over both a cellular or wireless connection. Users will be able to press and hold a button to speak to their team, and release the button to listen.

Expansion

The functionhad launched for Android devicesin January 2020, when the company explained in ablog posthow Teams' walkie talkie feature could reduce the number of devices employees need to carry each day while providing added security when compared to analog devices.

“This functionality, built natively into Teams, reduces the number of devices employees must carry, and lowers costs for IT," Microsoft said at the time.

“Unlike analog devices with unsecure networks, customers no longer have to worry about crosstalk or eavesdropping from outsiders. And since Walkie Talkie functions over Wi-Fi or cellular data, this capability can be used across geographic locations.”

Teams Walkie Talkie accessories

While Microsoft Teams' walkie talkie functionality will work with many Android smartphone or tablet, it can also work better with arugged smartphone, as many of these devices include programmable buttons.

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For instance, in ablog postfromSamsung, the Korean hardware giant explained how Teams' walkie talkie feature can be mapped to the programmable button on itsGalaxy XCover Proor event its newGalaxy XCover 5so that workers don’t even need to unlock their smartphone to access push-to-talk (PTT) functionality.

Firstline workers can further augment Teams' walkie talkie feature by connecting either a wired orwireless headsetand Microsoft points out in asupport documentthat the Jabra BlueParrot and Klein Valor Speaker have both been validated to work with Teams Walkie Talkie.

To get started using walkie talkie in Teams when the feature rolls out in September 2021, you’ll first need to open the app on your device and look for the Walkie Talkie icon in the navigation bar. If it’s not there, don’t worry as you can tap on More options to access it.

Microsoft offers a number ofTeams phones, with the likes ofLenovo, Yealink and Poly signed up as partner manufacturers.

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

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