Sepura has launched what it describes as “a secure operational messaging solution" joining smartphone, tablet and 'office-based' users with its own TETRA terminals deployed in the field.
According to the company, the product – known as SmartChat – allows users to share not just text but also images. It is compatible with both Android and iOS, “meaning data is shared across an entire operational team, not just those on a particular device.”
Speaking of the product, a spokesperson for the company said: “Using chat-based messaging to support voice communications means it is easier to share complex or hard-to-remember information such as an address or car registration. Messages are stored on the device and are available for reference when required.
“Similarly, images can be shared and used for reference during operations. User groups can be quickly expanded to include any connected device with the SmartChat application downloaded.”
Sepura product manager, Jon Cossins, said: “SmartChat was designed to improve overall situational awareness for mission critical users. For these users, their next action is often dependent on the information they have to hand. By sharing data as widely as possible - in a simple user interface - the application seamlessly joins smartphone, control room and TETRA radio users.”
Chief technology officer at Sepura, Peter Hudson, said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of smartphone users in the commercial and mission critical environment. However, these users have been [until now] unable to share information with frontline users of TETRA radios.”
The application is available via the company’s AppSPACE platform.
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