Reminder: Zello for iPhone is not an actual walkie-talkie, and still needs internet connectivity to work

Hurricane Dorian

According to Zello's CEO in 2017, the "walkie-talkie" app saw a 20-fold increase in usage during the Houston rescue situation following a hurricane, and was in use by the "Cajun Navy" as well as some first responders.

As a reminder, Zello uses some form of voice-over-IP (VOIP) to function. It does not utilize the now-shuttered PTT network commonly used on Nextel devices. As such, a reliable Wi-Fi or wireless connection is needed on both ends. Additionally, the Zello servers need to be fully operational and not overburdened.

AppleInsider isn't saying that you shouldn't install the app, because you absolutely should if you're in the path of the hurricane. However, we are saying that you shouldn't rely on it as your only means of communication in the event of a crisis resulting in massive destruction of infrastructure.

Apple's own iMessage and FaceTime do need reliable internet connectivity as well, but the server infrastructure Apple has built around the services are robust, and reliable — eliminating over-capacity as a reason for failure.

If you live in Florida, or any other area expected to see impact from Dorian, be prepared. Just don't put all your eggs in one basket — or app.