Note: This article is off-topic. That is, it is not about privacy or any related topics. However, if you are somewhere near the eastern seaboard of the United States this week, this is information you probably need to know.
From the Apple Insider web site:
With Hurricane Dorian approaching the coast of Florida, word is again spreading about “push to talk” iPhone app Zello. However, downloaders should be aware that the app requires not only a solid internet connection, it also needs connectivity to Zello’s servers to function.
According to Zello’s CEO in 2017, the “walkie-talkie” app saw a 20-fold increase in usage during the Houston rescue situation following a hurricane, and was in use by the “Cajun Navy” as well as some first responders.
As a reminder, Zello uses some form of voice-over-IP (VOIP) to function. It does not utilize the now-shuttered PTT network commonly used on Nextel devices. As such, a reliable Wi-Fi or wireless [cellular] connection is needed on both ends. Additionally, the Zello servers need to be fully operational and not overburdened.
AppleInsider isn’t saying that you shouldn’t install the app, because you absolutely should if you’re in the path of the hurricane. However, we are saying that you shouldn’t rely on it as your only means of communication in the event of a crisis resulting in massive destruction of infrastructure.
You can read the full article at: https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/08/29/reminder-zello-for-iphone-is-not-an-actual-walkie-talkie-and-still-needs-internet-connectivity-to-work
Also, I have written before about Zello. Go to https://duckduckgo.com/?q=site%3Aprivacyblog.com+zello&t=brave&ia=web to see my past articles about Zello.
Categories: Cell Phones, Cloud Services, News & Current Events
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