Relay: The Walkie Talkie Game Changer
Keep the Talkie- no matter how far the Walkie.
What kid didn’t love growing up with a Walkie Talkie? Our whole crew sure loved using ‘em growing up, and even as adults we have longed for a walkie talkie setup that would actually cover the range it promised. Last year we bought a pair of ridiculously expensive walkie talkie’s thinking they would work on our off-road adventures. Within a small distance between us the sound dropped off and it was as if we were all alone. Not good.
Then enters the team from Republic Wireless and their Walkie Talkie changing the game: Relay. With Republic Wireless the lineup of personal “Relay” (family) and professional “Relay+” (the crew) communication options- now is the time to upgrade your Walkie Talkie game. With features like Nationwide Coverage, Push to Talk, All-day Battery, Weatherproof, and Easy Listening, the Relay may be the only Walkie you need.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Our initial impression was a little bit of uncertainty to be honest. Our brains could not for some reason comprehend a walkie talkie that connected to a smart phone app, could link up with other walkie talkie devices, and uses 4G LTE signal for nationwide coverage. Isn’t this just another cell phone? We had scratched our heads in sort of a “huh?” moment. Toss in the fact that the Relay can be used for work/business integration and a Family Plan to use with your kids, we really were thrown for a loop. However, as we dug in more to the device, system, and features we started to get stoked on what we were “talking about" (see what we did there?).
The Relay offers a wide range of communication and location tracking technology to not only communicate with your team- but offer location, emergency response, and up to date “ in the loop-ness”
FEATURES:
Push to Talk: Hello?, is it me you are looking for?
Nationwide Range: You can HEAR HIM NOW!
Wifi: No explanation needed
GPS location: Ah, there you are
Geofencing: Ah, there they arrived
Missed Messages: Not like those old missed connection newspaper ads
Durability: Drop it like it’s hot-and it will survive (great songs too btw)
Right out of the box the Relay comes with the Relay, magnetic charging cable, USB power adapter, user guide, quick start guide, and warranty info. The sleek 2.68”x .55” footprint (if you even call it that), and .15 lbs weight make for one of the sleekest and modern looking Walkie’s out there. The color choices are standard black/grey or you can venture out for some brighter and more “pop” colors (these are great for kids if you got ‘em). Our initial thoughts were far exceeded by the simplicity of setup and quick start. In a matter of 2 minutes, we were fully operational and communicating with the team. A simple app download, power on walkie and we were chatting in the office like the ole water cooler days!
The initial “go” at the app interface, simple 2 side touch buttons on the Relay and large front push button to talk could not have been easier. The promises and functionality made by Relay could disrupt the walkie game and we may never go back to what we knew growing up.
Our Initial Crew Impression: It may be the end of the walkie as we know it. And we are stoked.
TESTING IT OUT
The value of a solid Walkie Talkie far stretches beyond the occasional camping trip, large event coordination, and fun toy you mess around with while playing games in the yard. The Walkie Talkie that Relay launched covers not only professional use but also offers an amazing benefit to family communication and safety.
Our crew immediately wanted to review the Relay for both professional and personal (family) use. Since our crew often balances both, we thought what the heck, let’s give it a go!
-Ease of Use-
Relay connects over cell networks or WiFi for one of the most streamlined and simple interfaces we have seen. We simply grabbed the app, signed up, and connected to the Relay brick. Within a few minutes we were dialed in. The simple setup allows you to add devices, set up group chats, and rename each device for easy identification. The simple button layout gets rid of the unnecessary junk and provides only what you need.
Professional
For professionals, you can easily add co-workers, set up “team” channels and create custom alert preferences. Setting up a new device couldn’t be faster and you can easily add new users as you wish.
Family
For family, simply sign up, name your Relay device and instantly chat. Simple hold down of either button on the Relay brick or your smart phone and you are chatting in no time. Adding family members and setting up alerts/notifications are so easy- anyone with any tech knowledge can do it.
-Clarity-
Clarity on a walkie talkie is key to it being a solid device. Poor quality can lead to some poor outcomes- like mis hearing your buddy say “Bring more beer” when he really said “Big A$$ Bear”…whoops won’t cut it at the rally point. With the 4G LTE and wireless options, you can ditch the interference issues. Reliability both indoors and out- clarity here is king.
Professional
For professional use, the ability to communicate across the street or nation is a huge factor. We tested the clarity and the sound is as crisp when we were across the hall or when we across town. One crew member was driving while we were messaging him and once he arrived to his destination and “played back” what we said, they reported it was as clear as a cell voicemail.
Family
Have you tried to walkie with a 7 year old kid? Yeah- it’s brutal trying to understand them from across the room let alone on a Walkie. Our crew tested it with one of their kids and the fact that not only could they understand the message but it wasn’t garbled up with static or interference, was a huge win. They rode down the street, Walkie’d that they made it and it was clear as day. Even the missed messages playback was clear. Maybe too clear? We digress.
-Functionality-
Sure, Relay’s functionality sounds legit, but is it? Well, with its light and sleek carry design specs, GPS tracking (so you can’t lose the thing), and clear and upfront user interface, we’d say the practicality meter is pretty high. For business purposes, connecting to the cloud , secure and private messaging, API custom integration, customizable workflows, instant configuration of teams and access to operational analytics, we’d again say the Relay has a plan for it.
Professional
Our crew at times is spread across the town (or recently across State lines) and staying connected is important. We used the Relay while testing it and also trying to coordinate with other team members. The ability for us to assign channels, track the location of the crew (while we were testing some cold weather apparel on the slopes), was stellar. The simple functionality made our efforts more streamlined and better connected.
Family
From a functional standpoint, we could not be more impressed with how this could be a game changer for folks with kiddos. Without having to give your kids a cell phone, you can easily communicate with them, respond to missed messages, leave them messages for “chores” when they get home, and know where they are with GPS location. The app alerts are not complicated and the interface to mute you while others are talking is genius.
-Practicality-
Cool features, bro. But is it practical? We wondered the same thing. However, after using the Relay for our testing period and seeing how often we actually preferred to communicate via Relay vs texting or calling, we’d say it’s pretty darn legit. The charge lasts all day, the alerts give you real time updates as you need them, the ease of carrying the device on you (or on a kids backpack for example) just makes sense.
Professional
In a professional setting, the practicality of using Relay comes down to the job/role of the organization. In settings like hospitality, large venue organizations, healthcare, heck even construction- the ability to not have to worry about cell phone battery to simply communicate, keep track of logistical timelines, stay current on location of staff, and easily swap between mass communication or 1:1, the Relay+ hits on all cylinders.
Family
For family use, we think this is where Relay shines. Geofencing lets you track who enters a tracking zone and exits. If you have kids, letting them go outside to play, walk to the bus stop, or go to a friends has brings the nerves up a bit. Do you have kids who walk to the bus stop? Track the Relay and be notified when they get on the bus and arrive to school. Kids can send emergency alerts to all adults on the account by pressing the talk button five times. Any adult can respond, track, or escalate to 911. We snapped the Relay on our crew’s kid and set up Geofencing. We knew when they arrived to school, when they left, and when they made it home. All from an entirely different part of town. Practically at it’s finest.
STANDOUT FEATURES
Relay has some really strong and clear standout features- all from design to product practicality. We found a few things really got us pumped:
The sleek design and user interface is so sexy it begs the question why this didn’t come out sooner
The battery life, connectivity, clarity, and GPS integration elevates what we thought we knew about Walkie Talkies
The multi-level uses and features whether for business or personal use make it so dynamic, anyone could use one
The missed messages alerts, safety features, and scale factor for small or large groups enable all to be on one network regardless of where they are
We could go on about our thoughts but you’d probably tune us out. We get it.
BONUS FEATURES
As Relay gains ground, other businesses and families are already gravitating towards the platform. Companies like Radisson Plaza Hotel, YMCA, Six Flags Adventure, and more have integrated Relay+ into their customer service experience.
Looking for more a family feel? We get you- that’s why Relay is trusted by families across the globe to stay connected and engaged. With families adding relay to their homes, it makes for a great resource for staying dialed in (minus the dial tone of course).
Overall duuude Factor: Say goodbye to your old walkie and welcome Relay to the family!
Price: $49.99+ $9.99/month
BRAND INFO
Relay was designed with the family in mind. In 2014, they saw a need emerging in the market (and in their own families) for solutions that were safer as well as simpler. For parents wanting to stay in touch as their children explore the world around them, what were the alternatives? Not one like Relay.
“Our goal has always been to create remarkably simple and affordable communication solutions that would meet the needs of the whole family. When we saw a need emerge in our own families for solutions that were also safe enough for young children, the idea for Relay was born.”
With over $500 million saved on cell phone bills, we’d say Relay is up to something worth exploring! Visit Relay today to learn more!
