Zello allows prompt voice push-to-talk group communications worldwide. The push-to-talk audio is shared simultaneously in a “channel” using internet-connected phones, tablets, computers and Zello WiFi walkie-talkies. For those accessing Zello from a computer, the Zello Windows program works from Linux using WINE. Zello requires an internet connection to work. If your device loses its data connection, Zello does not work.

To use Zello from Linux:

Download Zello for Windows PC. Install Zello with WINE:

wine ZelloSetup.exe

This creates a Zello icon to launch the Zello app in Linux.

Optionally, one can start Zello from the Terminal by making a script “zello.sh” like:

#!/bin/sh

wine "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Zello/Zello.exe"

Zello alternatives for licensed amateur radio operators include Echolink. Echolink works on Android and iPhone / iOS as well as computers using Linux / Mac / Windows. Echolink interconnects with hardware radio links worldwide and is a key technology for disaster relief communications for Internet-connected radio links.

Related: Speaker-mic for mobile phone PTT apps