I always wondered why cell phones didn't have an optional walkie talkie transceiver functionality. No, not the boost mobile "walkie talkie" that uses the cell phone network. Something like FRS or GMRS for short ranged use (depending on terrain) when cell networks were down, overloaded, or not available. Or, for that matter, why they didn't pick up AM/FM and NOAA weather reports, but that's another topic

After all, it shouldn't be difficult to integrate. Found out last night that motorola apparently has something like this on some of their phones

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOTO_Talk

Apparently they can do direct cellphone to cellphone transmissions without using the cell network. It uses the 900 MHz band (microwave, like the cell phones use for tower communications), not FRS or GMRS, but it's still interesting especially if you're hiking with friends in areas where you don't get cell reception. Obviously the other users will also have to have a cell phone with this capability, which rather limits your choices.

Do any of you use this? What do you think, any utility?