# Phone-Connected Walkie-Talkies The 'Onyx' Group Communication Device Updates Capabilities By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-05-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/group-communication References: [thegadgetflow](http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/onyx-group-communication-device/) & [orionlabs.io](https://www.orionlabs.io/onyx) Walkie-talkies have been the standard form of group communication for decades, but the '[Onyx](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/postpro-sf2x)' is a device that looks to help modernize the technology to make it more tech-friendly. Instead of using a built-in radio connection, the 'Onyx' connects to your smartphone and uses a free app to connect with your team members. Rather than requiring conference calls or group chats to be utilized for group communication, the 'Onyx' allows everyone to stay connected in a constant manner. The 'Onyx' can be [clipped onto your clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bond-touch-4) and works like a traditional walkie-talkie except with a series of modern connectivity functions. It uses your smartphone's data to send communications and will work with limitless range in comparison to walkie-talkies that only work within a certain area. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Phone-connected Walkie-talkies:** The Onyx device is an example of how traditional devices can be modernized with smartphone technology. - **Continuous Group Communication:** The Onyx device enables real-time, group communication without the need for conference calls or group chats. - **Limitless Range Communication:** The Onyx device works with limitless range as opposed to traditional walkie-talkies which are limited to a certain range. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** Companies can explore how to integrate smartphone technology into traditional devices to modernize them, like the Onyx group communication device. - **Communications:** There may be opportunities to provide enhanced communication solutions that enable continuous, real-time group communication like the Onyx device does. - **Outdoor Adventure:** Outdoor adventure companies can use the Onyx device to provide enhanced communication capabilities for their customers with the limitless range feature. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hands-Free Communication Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milo.md) - [Swappable Module Walkie-Talkies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-walkietalkie-concept.md) - [Direct Communication Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-walkie-talkie.md) - [Real-Time Sports Communication Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesh-action-sports-communicator.md) - [Satellite Communication Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmd-offgrid.md) - [Outdoor Intercom Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jimmil.md) - [Push-to-Talk Helmet Communication Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aleck-006.md) - [App-Controlled Motorbike Intercoms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorbike-intercom.md) - [Wearable Satellite Communicators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-global-hotspot.md)