Zello push-to-talk enters private beta testing for Windows Phone

Back in January we reported on Zello, a new push-to-talk walkie-talkie service, was heading to Windows Phone with a beta sign-up announcement. That follows the June 2013 announcement that they were looking to even build and app.
Well, today is that day as the Zello app is in the Store, but unless you read our article back in January, you can’t quite have it yet. That’s because the app is now in private-beta testing, following their earlier promise of an April timeframe for that program. So far, they’re keeping to their word (even if the app is a few days late).
From the app description, Zello (which is also on iOS and Android), looks to be a snappy app:
“Join millions of people who use Zello instead of texting. You can use it one-on-one with a friend, for a live group call with your family or soccer team. The Zello app can even replace two-way radios at work.
Zello is the only place for live open group communication – old school CB Radio style. Create a live Zello channel for your forum or customers, or enjoy conversations from across the globe.”
- Free live voice over any network or Wi-Fi connection
- See who’s available or busy
- Cross-platform
- Free with no ads
Unless you’re WhatsApp or Google, private betas are usually the last stage before release. It’s a good sign, with only a few weeks from this wider testing to general release to the public, so we’re hoping for something by June (fingers crossed). The app is only for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 devices, so no 7.x support.
You can see the app here in the Store, but you won’t have permission to download unless you’re on the beta list.
Have you signed up for the Zello beta and or already using it on another platform? Let us know in comments what you think!
Via: Windows Phone Apps
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Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.
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Meh, is it real time
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No, it's more like Lost. Messages are sent to the 1970's before the hatch was built. You then need to find a connection to your future in order to initiate a successful response.
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Does this mean we can use this app to write The Empire Strikes Back and sell it to George Lucas before he thinks it up himself?
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Maybe. But that feature may be pushed back version 1.1, they're a small company operating out of the Lamp Post.
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NOT PENNY'S APP!
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lmao, I'm done
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I guess you are Jacob ... too bad Ben cuts you.
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T'was but a flesh wound.
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This sounds cool
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Nobody else uses it.
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how can i download it ?!
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Send me $50 through our Tips line.
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Daniel's account seems to be hacked :D
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What is that you don't have permission to download an app??!!.. I have a wp mobile .. Lol
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Shoot. I should have written about that issue in the article. oh wait...
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Oh..! Its my mistake i skipped the last.. How should i be on the beta list?!
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Read
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Do you believe this will live next to WhatsApp push to talk system and similar solutions? I really don't see this catching on :-(
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Not sure. These chat apps are all personal choices/preferences. Nothing will catch up to WhatsApp, at least anytime soon, which is why it was valued so high.
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And, a functional WhatsApp is the most missed thing on 8.1, after music hub perhaps.
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"old school CB..." I immediately thought about CrackBerry and the circa memories of my now hated Javeline 8900
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So how does it differentiate itself from Voxer?
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Why can't I just call someone over the phone?
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Whaddya in 2006? Ain't nobody got time for phone calls in 2014.
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You're so ghetto, Dan!
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No seriously daniel. How is this different then voxer? Or is it basically just giving us another option in our store? :)
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I'm not sure it is very different, just another flavor.
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Hey Daniel edit the last paragraph you can download it if you are not in beta list.. I am able to install it from store..india..showing install option...
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Yes it shows the install button but when you try to install it shows "Sorry, you don't have permission to download this app"
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Oops sorry now its showing like that..
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Lost fan nice, but some reason I think you have been place in a coffin in order to bring evil into the world.
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I sure hope so, because that sounds pretty awesome.
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Why does it shows I don't have a permission to install it. Whom do I ask for permission then? :P
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Will its alert be the Nextel chirp?
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I had already registered for the private beta a couple of months ago, but when I try to download it I get the "you don't have permission" message. -.-
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Argh! Me too. I signed up months ago and permission is denied!!
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They may have had only limited slots available :/
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Daniel answering everybody? Interesting!
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Eh, it's kind of what I do, lol. I listen to you peeps.