Your Trekkie Communicator Is Ready

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.forbes.com/technology/2004/03/16/cx_ah_0316chips.html?partner=yahoo&referrer=' target='_blank'>http://www.forbes.com/technology/2004/03/16/cx_ah_0316chips.html?partner=yahoo&referrer=</a><br /><br /></div>In a page taken right out of Star Trek, Vocera Communications has developed "com badges". It's very easy to use, simply touch the badge and say the name of the person you wish to talk to. The devices relays this information to a server where it is compared against a database entry. The server then locates that person on the network and notifies them of the incoming request. The badges weigh only 2 ounces, contains a DSP chip along with a WiFi-like functionality, and the actual conversation is done using VOIP. Sounds like a voice based instant messenger. :lol: Very cool. Now that Microsoft has released their Speech Server, maybe we'll see this functionality integrated into the next versions on MSN Messenger.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/0316chips_200x250.gif" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/>

[dollardr]

We use these at the hospital where I work. The staff loves the instant communication capabilities and its helped reduce the constant phone/beeper tag between our clinical staff.

[jdrive]

This thing is great. We have it in our office. Once people start using the badge you'd have to pry it from there cold, dead hands to get them to give it up.

[Mike Temporale]

Wow! I thought this was just released but you guys already have the thing. It looks very cool. Wouldn't it be neat if carriers added this to their systems? No need for us to keep a list of names and numbers, and worry about when someone changes their number. Just push the talk button and say the name of the person you want to talk with. Done.

:multi: The future is so bright. 8)

[Malte]

Mike: How would you call John Smith?

[Mike Temporale]

Mike: How would you call John Smith?

Erm. Okay there is some problems with my setup. :wink: How does this work with the existing device? What if there are 2 people with the same name in the organization?

[Kevin Daly]

Mike: How would you call John Smith?

Erm. Okay there is some problems with my setup. :wink: How does this work with the existing device? What if there are 2 people with the same name in the organization?

Depending on how good the speech recognition is, the problem is very similar to email addresses where 2 or more people have the same name: add some distinguishing bit as a matter of convention, so one of them gets their middle initital(s) or something.

By the way, I WANT THIS!

[dollardr]

I posted this on PocketPC Thoughts but thought I'd share it here. Hope it helps to share some of our experiences with you - we use Vocera where I work:

1. The badges are inter-changable. You can log into the system with any badge - there is not a one-to-one ratio between users and badges.

2. It uses a standard 802.11 network, but it took a lot of fine tuning to ensure QOS. We are very careful about data applications/devices affecting bandwidth which could impact the VOIP that Vocera uses. Our data portion of the wireless network is controlled and limited via firewalls.

3. One of the biggest challenges is the sight-survey and ensuring continuous coverage. 200+ access points in an older building with 8 floors with construction impediments and access points interferring with one another was very challenging to ensure the coverage that is required for this type of application. The dreaded "dead spot" can severely impact the effectiveness of this application.

4. The voice recognition is very good and is controlled by a "genie" when you logged into the system. She prompts you for your name and let's you know if you have issued the wrong command or if someone is unavailable.

5. You can control who is available on the system to other users and create groups of users by an area or departments. Users can also put themselves in meeting mode so they are not disturbed and can retrieve messages at a later time.

6. The location function is based on the nearest access point so it makes sense to name your AP's by geographical location.

7. It is truley a hands-free device. Just wear it and talk. It works best if its hanging around a lanard about 6 inches from your mouth.

8. You can call outside lines and outside callers can call a special extension on your PBX and then connect to the person wearing the badge via a voice command.

9. Its been very well received by the majority of users. Some required additional hand holding and training but overall its been great. Part of the training required users to be reminded that they are not on a private handset. While its hard to over hear a conversation you can not treat the conversation as private. There is an earbud that is available.

Next challenge - integrating the new Motorla cell phones that will also support VOIP!!