The setup instructions for the app follow below and as expected, require a firmware update to enable expanded coverage for the service as well as an update for proper functionality, as the Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655 and 8960 are currently the only chipsets that natively support the new app.
Setting up your device:
1. Verify your phone software is up to date. Settings > System Update > Update Software (See compatible phones section below for version numbers)
2. Download the Sprint Direct Connect Now app from Google Play.
Signing up for Service:
3. Sign in to your account at sprint.com.
4. Select “Change my services” from the “Manage this device” dropdown menu on the “My account” Tab.
5. Select Unlimited Direct Connect and Group Connect under Push-to-Talk add-ons.
Features:
• 1-to-1 Direct Connect Calls
• Interoperable with Nextel Direct Connect phones for 1 to 1 calls
• Group Connect Calls up to 20 participants – Use “select multiple” from application contacts list to create on the fly group calls
• Send Call Alerts to notify others you want to talk without interrupting
• Synchronizes contacts with your devices address book
• Create favorites for your most contacted Direct Connect contacts
Compatible Phones:
• Kyocera Rise
The availability of the app signals the quiet expansion of Sprint Direct Connect to non-dedicated hardware after months of development and dovetails with the most recent work as a result of the still ongoing Network Vision expansion and reconfiguration project which is supposed to improve coverage and data performance and is expected to be completed next year to coincide with the completion of its LTE network.
The Kyocera Rise…and eventually the LG Optimus Elite. Well this is somewhat of an underwhelming development from Sprint. If they ever want this PTT app to catch on, they need to make it so that it works with virtually any smartphone-iOS, Android, Blackberry, WP8, etc.
It will be interesting to see if the Anrdoid PTT app takes off. IMO, a good 15-20% of even family & friends communications can be served more efficiently via PTT than by either voice calls or texting. Each mode has its place, but intelligent use of PTT is definitely a more efficient mode in roughly 15-20% of routine family commmunications.
Sprint’s new “Sprint Direct Connect” over CDMA on the Kyocera dedicated PTT phones has generated a lot of discontent, and negative postings, from their former Nextel iDEN users who were railroaded into making the switch early from Nextel DC on iDEN to Sprint Direct Connect on CDMA.
If the Android PTT app takes off, I do hope that the marketing & the tech-support people at Sprint are smart enough to include information for PTT newbies on the basic PTT ettiquette that was developed over the many years by Nextel users. Properly & considerately used, PTT is another excellent tool in the toolbox and can be very discrete, in many cases less intrusive than the ringing of a regular call or the diversion of a person’s attention when texting. Carelessly or thoughtlessly used by clueless individuals, PTT can & will generate animousity and negative PR. Please, Sprint, include in your advertising, user imanuals and new-user introductions to PTT, all of the PTT ettiquette and efficient “codes” embodied in the tribal knowledge developed over the past 20 years in the Nextel user community.