Traduzione italiana dell’autore: http://tree-talk.com/wp/treetalk-selector-come-nuova-soluzione-software-per-una-collaborazione-efficace-it/.
Like many other companies, we have faced restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For several months, our development team was isolated in different countries and cities. We did not stop working, and used all available software to communicate with each other, from the popular Skype, Viber and WhatsApp to Google and Microsoft tools. Very soon, we found that existing text/voice messenger apps operating in the session connection paradigm were too slow for us. Sometimes you just need to say a few important words to your colleague or to the whole team, or ask something; and for that you need to open the application, find a contact, wait for the connection, and then talk for a couple of seconds. Not too fast or productive, is it?
Therefore, we began to use our early developments for operational voice communication, which implement the principles of constant connection and instant voice call: the TreeTalk Dispatcher program and the prototypes of the voice communicators TreeTalk Intercom and Universal Communicator. As a result, all our colleagues, regardless of their location, were able to communicate with each other in real time. This type of software is typically used for communication between dispatchers and elevator cars, delivery robots, or IOT devices. While it served a purpose, it was a bit strange to use it for communicating between people in our context.
Therefore, using the same universal platform TreeTalk Voice Cloud * (Fig. 1), we developed the TreeTalk Selector – software designed for communication between humans. We borrowed the name of the program from the antediluvian commutators with a microphone and many buttons, which, however, perfectly coped with their task at the time (Fig. 2).
Several months of using the software have proven its effectiveness and convenience, and also highlighted areas for further development. Now we are ready to present this handy tool to the general public.
TreeTalk Selector: what it is and how it works.
Installing the TreeTalk Selector application on a personal computer allows you to be in the constant connection with everyone: you can communicate with any employee, colleague or team member in real time using instant voice communication, text messages and file transfer. Also, you can communicate with the entire team at once using a common call (Public Address), just as easily (Fig. 3).
TreeTalk Selector: main advantages.
+ The concept of permanent connection allows any member of the group to speak to any other colleague instantly (selective call) at the push of a button.
+ Broadcasting (public address) is handy for group members to discuss general issues as well as for announcements.
+ Text messages (chat) and file interchange are available along with addressing an individual user or the entire group.
+ A simple and convenient interface allows you to use most of the functions from a single window by pressing one or two buttons, while seeing the complete picture and chronology of communication.
+ Visual and audible alerts remind you of a missed (unanswered) call.
+ Received files and text messages are automatically organized and stored on your computer in separate folders under the sender’s name (Fig. 4).
+ TreeTalk protocol is super modest and undemanding to data networks. The app may be used on congested virtual private networks (VPNs) and wireless mobile networks, starting from the slowest 2nd generation (GPRS / EDGE) **.
+ The application is compatible with other TreeTalk programs and devices. The virtual channel may include, for example, a car / handheld communicator, an intercom or a communication panel in a warehouse, laboratory or shop.
+ Henceforth the term of “maximum session duration” and other restrictions are a thing of the past. With this app, real-time communication is available 24/7.
TreeTalk Selector: safety.
We used to develop our products primarily for professionals, so privacy and communication security is our absolute priority.
+ We do not store your personal data, files, voice and text messages on our servers. All information is stored only on your devices, and you can dispose of it at your discretion.
+ All transmitted information is protected by strong end-to-end encryption ***. Only members of the group have the encryption key. It is separate for each group and you can change it as often as required. Thus, it is extremely difficult to intercept data or eavesdrop on messages. Even if you have lost a device with a running program, it is enough to change the cipher key and continue working, even without waiting for the administrator to completely block the compromised application (device).
+ Protection against unauthorized access to the group (virtual channel). Only the administrator has access to the web control panel and is able to add a user to a particular group. Users do not have the ability to “invite” outside participants, even if they already have an application and a login for the system.
+ Protection against “the clones”. It is impossible for two users with the same login (as well for cloned applications) to work simultaneously in the system (even in different groups).
TreeTalk Selector: additional features and benefits.
As you can see from the above, TreeTalk Selector is the perfect solution for remote workers, outsourcers and smart working in general.
Based on the basic functionality, we will be gradually adding more and more useful functions that expand our software’s field of use. The opportunities that are available now or in the final stages of development are presented below.
Using TreeTalk Selector for education.
The urgent transition to distance learning fell on educational institutions unexpectedly. For this purpose different schools and universities began to build confusing workarounds using a variety of existing tools. At best, those tools were free specialized platforms for online learning. Sometimes they used messenger or video conferencing software, such as Google Meet or Zoom. However, in many cases, the use of these tools is not very convenient, and many features are redundant.
For example, resources consuming video translation is unnecessary in most cases. A lecturer is usually not required to see the faces of all students during a lecture, and students do not have to look at the lecturer all the time. Sometimes monotonous reading, without a frame change, is just tiring. We believe that the basic functionality of the TreeTalk Selector computer program is sufficient for most training tasks:
+ The app itself is an enclosed virtual auditorium. In the standard version, you can create a teleclass of up to 64 people. This number can be increased in specialized versions.
+ Any scanned image or photo, even a photo of a familiar blackboard, can become a teaching aid in the image demonstration mode.
+ Images are not completely static. You can send new illustrations during the lecture. Plus, the “hovering pointer” function allows the lecturer to show the audience in real time the place on the image that illustrates their words (Fig. 5).
+ Voice functionality allows you to poll specific students in private conversation mode or broadcast to the entire audience.
+ The duration of the session is unlimited.
Considering the need for distance learning has always existed and always will, we are closely monitoring all the trends in this area and will be adding additional functionality.
Using TreeTalk Selector for online meetings and presentations
The application is a ready-made environment for online meetings and presentations. You can make a general announcement, hold a meeting with your team, and share urgent information at any second. There is no need to install special software, distribute links by email, or any other frustrating setup.
The available capabilities are quite enough for presentations. Dynamic demonstration of slides (graphics) as they are received, group voice communication and text chat (both group and private) allow you to convey all the necessary information to the audience.
Conclusion
We are confident that TreeTalk Selector will be used by many teams across a wide range of industries. It doesn’t matter where you are – in different cities, countries or in neighboring premises. A real-time voice interface, which naturally mimics communication in a common space, can help teams of all sizes to seamlessly digitize workflows, reduce costs, and allow people to interact faster, easier, and more efficiently.
Our product is currently in private beta stage and we are onboarding new users from the different categories to improve the functionality. If you are interested in using our software for smart working / smart mobility, please write us an email.
Please help us improve our work:
would you mind to answer a survey about TT Selector?
1-minute YouTube video: https://youtu.be/XZFK6pqJeKs
PDF presentation: http://tree-talk.com/media/TreeTalkPitch_less_slides_2020.pdf
* The technology is specially designed to provide continuous voice communication and is protected by US patent 9,338,275.
** Know-how of Tree Talk LLC.
*** Feature may be disabled or limited in countries where encryption laws apply.