# Communication-Enabled Scanners Zebra's New Scanner Series Phones Feature a Physical Talk Button By Colin Smith | Published 2022-01-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talk-button References: [microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2022/01/12/how-technology-can-help-rebuild-your-frontline-workforce/?ranMID=24542&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-tuR4LgwyOfy.EjO9GjSTOw&epi=TnL5HPStwNw-tuR4LgwyOfy.EjO9GjSTOw&irgwc=1&OCID=AID2200057_aff_7593_1243925&tduid=%28ir__zpxbbpzrqskf60d3oa2ac0ldx32xo6k26krwxk0n00%29) & [zebra](https://www.zebra.com/us/en.html)  [Zebra](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-printer-waist-belt) Technologies has unveiled the TC series, MC series, and [EC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m80) series of mobile scanning devices, each of which now features a built-in push-to-talk (PTT) button. Zebra has worked with [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-walkie-talkie) in the past on its workplace and consumer-facing scanning devices, enabling integrations for various Microsoft software. However, the implementation of this physical PTT button is one of the most convenient collaborations between the corporations to date. These three lines of Zebra devices appeal to different sectors of society. The TC series is a set of rugged devices fit for rough work, the EC series is geared towards customer-facing work, and the MC series is marketed towards general use. Now, with Microsoft's new 'Walkie Talkie' feature and the Zebra devices' dedicated PTT button, workplace operations have gotten more seamless. Instead of needing your smartphone for Microsoft Teams and needing to hold your finger on the center of the Teams application to speak, these scanners will seamlessly run Teams' Walkie Talkie feature in the background, meaning talking to coworkers is as simple as pressing a button. Image Credit: Zebra Technologies, Microsoft ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Mobile Scanning Devices:** The introduction of PTT buttons on Zebra's mobile scanning devices offers an opportunity for disruptive innovation in workplace communication and collaboration technology. - **PTT Button Integration:** The integration of PTT buttons into workplace devices may become a common feature across various industries, providing a seamless and efficient way for employees to communicate. - **Microsoft Teams Features:** The integration of Microsoft Teams' Walkie Talkie feature with Zebra's mobile scanning devices offers an opportunity for innovation in the use of communication and collaboration tools in the workplace. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** The EC series of mobile scanning devices with PTT buttons may be beneficial for improving customer service and streamlining operations in retail. - **Manufacturing:** The TC series of rugged mobile scanning devices with PTT buttons offers an opportunity for innovation in communication and collaboration technology in manufacturing, where efficiency and safety are top priorities. - **Logistics:** The MC series of mobile scanning devices with PTT buttons can improve communication and collaboration among logistics employees, increasing efficiency and reducing errors in the shipping and delivery process. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Direct Communication Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-walkie-talkie.md) - [Rugged Professional Communication Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/professional-communication-device.md) - [Practical Remote Speaker Mics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remote-speaker-mic.md) - [Warehouse Worker-Focused Efficiency Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-printer-waist-belt.md) - [Mindful Communication Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clicks-communicator.md) - [Tactile Keyboard Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communicator.md) - [Mobile Retail Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tcx-m7.md) - [Ergonomic Wearable Barcode Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ring-scanner.md) - [Advanced Smart Office Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-office-solutions.md)