As a kid, I loved playing with walkie talkies. I even had a set that I wore as a headset, to keep my hands free. In many ways, cellphones have become the new walkie talkie. However, they don't include the push-to-talk feature that made Walkie Talkies so cool.
Fortunately, Pryme, a leader in walkie talkie and other communication accessories has unveiled an iOS- (and Android-) compatible solution. The BTH-300ZU Bluetooth Microphone Kit ($97.50) is a nice collection of headphones that serve multiple purposes. There is an earpiece like a worker in a call center might have, plus an earpiece like you might see on a secret service agent, complete with a clear, coiled cable. Finally, there is a mountable headphone that attaches to a motorcycle helmet, complete with a windscreen for noise reduction.
Whichever headset you choose, it plugs in to a lighter-sized Bluetooth transponder that offers a nice big rubber button to enable push-to-talk functionality. You still need a special app, like Zello or Wave to facilitate the walkie-talkie mode. You can choose if the button works like a toggle or if you need to hold it down to be able to speak. You can decide which setting works best for your needs.
I like that the Pryme device uses Bluetooth Low Energy so the battery should last longer. I also like that these are well-built headsets. Clearly Pryme has been in this business for a while, so it's not like they are some iOS accessory maker trying to expand its product line.
Pros
- Great variety of headset choices
- Uses Bluetooth Low Energy
- Well-built headsets
- Works with several free iOS apps
Cons
- Need to choose the right headset and app
- Setup is a little confusing
Final Verdict
Pryme is a serious headset maker that, by leveraging third-party app developers, has a nice solution to turn your iOS device into a walkie talkie!
