While coastlines in the north-east of the US were ravaged by hurricanes in the last few weeks, Zello, an app-based walkie-talkie, has been keeping people connected.
In the US, the app has reached the top of the free chart in the Apple App Store, and has been downloaded over 110 million times.
The push-to-talk app works on a range of platforms, including Android, iPhone, Kindle, Windows, BlackBerry and PC. The company says it has millions of registered users across the world.
It simulates a traditional two-way radio and can be used for live public or private communication. Channels can be created so that groups can hear and broadcast messages. The app also allows for photos and videos to be shared and to replay previous broadcasts.
In SA, neighbourhood watch groups have seen the benefits of the app and have started dedicated channels and recommended their users download it.
There have been mixed reactions from users. On the Google Play Store, one user rated the app five stars and said: "This app is incredible! My family and I used it during Hurricane Harvey. We were able to communicate with each other throughout the entire storm. Even though we were not present with each other, we sure felt like we were with this app. At a push of a button we were able to give our entire family an update on our situation. AWESOME app!!!"
Another, Rachel Turner, gave the app only one star, saying: "Misleading, very misleading. You still need wireless Internet or cellular data to use. If you have those you can just call or text and don't need this app. My whole family installed this app as it gives the impression you'd be able to use this when you didn't have WiFi or cell service. This is false!!! Shame on the creator for using Hurricane Harvey and misleading information to get people to download this app. My whole family will be deleting this app ASAP."
The app does say on its site that Zello will not work when there is no WiFi or cellular data service. However, it says: "This may not be an issue because, historically, mobile data networks have often remained at least partially operational, even after a severe disaster. Cellular towers include battery or generator backup power, which lets them stay online for at least two hours, even after grid power is lost."
It goes on to say: "After a disaster, mobile networks will typically be overloaded with phone calls so don't make phone calls unless you have an emergency and need to call 911. This will not only allow emergency calls to go through better, but will also extend the lifespan of mobile towers running on backup power.
"Text messaging apps and Zello use a fraction of bandwidth of phone calls and will often work when phone calls won't get through."
The company warns that the app will use a lot of cellphone battery when used actively. It recommends that users turn off Zello when their battery is under 30%; that way it won't use any power, but if someone sends the user a message, they will still receive a push notification.
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