With the prevalence of smartphones and texting, the walkie talkie has slowly faded into technological obsolescence. There are some features of walkie talkies, however, that smartphones just don't replicate. Onyx – a smartphone accessory that functions as a push-to-talk device – is trying to fill in those gaps.
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Onyx is a new gadget from San Francisco-based start-up OnBeep that replicates the old-school feel of push-to-talk walkie talkies while utilizing the modern-day power of smartphones. Using the OnBeep smartphone app, users can pair their Onyx to their phone and set up group communications through the app itself. Once you have your communication network all set up with the people you want to keep in touch with, just press and hold the center button on the Onyx – which handily clips to collars and straps – and your message will be communicated in real time to everyone in the conversation.
The Onyx works as long as the paired smartphone has any kind of service, Wi-Fi or cellular. Because it's based in the user's smartphone, the Onyx can communicate across any distance, and it can do so at the speed of the Internet. The device is able to pair with both Android and iOS devices, letting most smartphone owners to get in on the conversation.
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The Onyx is now up for preorder on the OnBeep website, with one device costing $99. Getting two at once will run you $195, saving you a couple bucks in the process. Whether it's for a couple of kids who want to feel like they're in their favorite sci-fi world or for a big family that wants to make sure everyone stays in touch during a day at Disney World – without the added annoyance of interference from other devices – the Onyx is bringing push-to-talk communications back to the modern era.
