San Francisco based startup company OnBeep has revealed its newest wearable device some might find similar to Start Trek's communicators.

In reality, the new device is actually a small walkie talkie that can be pinned on clothing and is powered by a smartphone.

Called the Onyx, this gadget allows office employees to communicate to boost efficiency without taking a break from tasks to answer messaging apps.

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According to OnBeep CEO and co founder Jesse Robbins, the company wants to provide instant communication in the moment as opposed to figuring out which app to use by looking and navigating the screen.

The device works by allowing real-time conversation with others also wearing the Onyx on their clothing as a clip-on. This works by syncing wirelessly with the user's smartphone via Bluetooth as long as the user is online. Users can see other members that are also connected and which member is talking.

Robbins says this gadget is a direct to consumer item that suits people who work outside but that also need to be connected to co-workers. The inspiration for the Onyx started when Robbins was working as a firefighter in Seattle. He thought saving lives while looking down on a smartphone seems troublesome.

The startup team created this device so they could respond to the emerging messaging app market and build something different.

The Onyx only costs US$99. It can help people plan surprise parties or even plan a road trip with friends. Some say this device is only suitable for event planners, construction crew, restaurant employees, workers exposed to extremely dynamic settings.

This device can also be useful for healthcare workers but it will require FDA or CE approvals. Another disadvantage is that it only works using a smartphone so if the smartphone battery runs empty, it will render the device useless during emergency cases.

The Onyx measures about 60 millimeters across and 26 millimeters tall and weighs about 46 grams. Its battery only runs for 12 hours. It charges via a USB cable. It's now available for pre order in the U.S.

TagsNow You Can Use Onyx as a Real Life Star Trek Communicator, onyx onbeep, onbeep, walkie talkie star trek communicator