As of version 1.5.1 (829), the Tango Tango app for iOS now uses Apple's new Push to Talk framework. This framework represents Apple's latest vision for integration of many features needed for push-to-talk functionality in an app. The purpose of this article is to explain why you might want to enable this framework and what you'll see if you do enable it.


Summary

  • Required if using a Bluetooth PTT pushbutton
  • Requires iOS 16 or later
  • Instructions for configuring specific PTT pushbuttons can be found here.
  • Enabling iOS PTT results in new iOS PTT system UI elements, which can be helpful but their use is not required for the Tango Tango app.
  • Requires setting a Default Callee in the app, in order to use the pushbutton.

Overview

NOTE:  The new iOS PTT Framework should only be enabled if you require the ability to use a microphone while Tango Tango is running in the background. Currently, this means that enabling the PTT framework in only needed when using a device that has a PTT pushbutton.


NOTE:  The new Apple PTT framework requires iOS version 16 or later.


For the Tango Tango app, this new iOS framework has 2 significant impacts:

  1. It provides a means for using PTT pushbutton devices, such as Tango Tango's own PTT button when the app is running in the background, such as when the phone is locked and the screen is dark. This capability provides a more seamless, radio-like experience for many app users.
  2. Apple displays new PTT system UI elements on the device, enabling control of PTT functions even when the app is not foregrounded.  NOTE:  These elements are part of the iOS operation system and not largely controllable by the Tango Tango app. In this article, we'll explain more their purpose and use.


Enabling the PTT Framework

Apple's PTT framework can be enabled or disabled for your device in the Tango Tango Settings - PTT Buttons app menus.


 


 

Details on setting up these specific devices can be found here.


New UI Elements

When any app, including Tango Tango, uses the new Apple PTT framework, Apple provides new user interface (UI) elements outside of the app itself, to help control PTT functions. In this section, we'll explain a few of these new elements.


Note: At this time, we do not recommend controlling PTT functions using these new UI elements. In our development process, we have discovered several issue that are likely bugs in Apple's software. We are working with the Apple development to provide them information to solve their issues, but at this time these issues still exist.


When you enable iOS PTT Support in the Tango Tango Setting - PTT Buttons menu, a blue bar will be visible at all times across the top of the device’s screen. On some iPhone models, this appears instead as a small badge in the upper left of the screen.


The banner provides some limited information about PTT call status. If you tap it, it opens additional UI elements that can be useful for PTT calls.

  1. If tapped while the Tango Tango app is foregrounded, it does nothing.
  2. If tapped while the phone is unlocked but not displaying the Tango Tango app, it will display a small dialog box with call status and control options.
  3. If tapped while the phone is locked, it will display a full-screen PTT control page.