Earlier this summer I tested out a couple Samsung XCover Pro[1] handsets with Verizon's Push To Talk Plus solution. The XCover Pro[2] is a solid rugged phone optimized for field workers in a form factor that is not bulky or unwieldy.
Today, the Galaxy XCover Pro is available unlocked from Samsung or Microsoft, as well as direct from AT&T and Verizon. You can purchase the phone in bulk from Samsung and even save 15% when you purchase them now, making each phone $424.99 instead of $499.99. The XCover Pro is a perfect phone for retail, public secotr, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors with mPOS support, a removable battery, and the durability to withstand daily field work.
Also: Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro review: Affordable rugged phone built for field work[3]
Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie
Last month I was sent updated devices to test out the Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie[4] service enabled for some hands-on experiences. I'm not a Verizon customer and very few people at my engineering firm are so that push-to-talk solution wasn't something I found particularly useful. However, Microsoft Teams is the backbone of our communication between associates and has proven to be essential during this time of remote work.
Combining standard Teams functionality with a seamless push-to-talk solution was a brilliant move by Samsung and Microsoft and the performance of the Walkie Talkie has reliable and very simple to use during my testing period. Teams can be used in typical fashion with chat, sharing of documents and photos, and other workforce communications.
With the Walkie Talkie capability, you simply select a channel, tap the large connect button on the screen to tune into that channel, and then use the left side XCover key on the phone to