As with the cellular phone markets, the newer digital technologies for radio communications are beginning to see ‘Apps’ or third party applications being developed to suit the radio platforms. Initially these were mainly for the DMR radio platform but will move through all technologies as the market demand increases. This will mean that the actual hardware platform will be less critical in the choice of any radio system as the features and facilities of the ‘Apps’ will offer the end users what they require.

At present things like location and status information are becoming very popular and there are several choices in this area, but other telemetry style Apps are also available. These ‘Apps’ mean that the end user client needs to develop a deeper understanding of the actual operating requirements as many more features become available and there is less dependence on the radio units purchased.