Is this the future of ham radio handhelds?

[Moab]

Seriously asking. And what are the prepper benefits of units like this? Won't software and a cellphone make dozens of new handheld models being sold a year - a thing of the past?

It's cheap and small. And uses a piece of equipment your already carrying - a cellphone. Runs off the cellphones battery. Interesting.

https://www.cnx-software.com/2025/10/04/kv4p-ht-turn-an-android-smartphone-into-an-ham-radio-transceiver/#webview=1

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https://youtu.be/9eXHgktFD-U?si=Ge-WUes8HrKAUT4e

[MacWa77ace]

I wonder what the battery drain is. That USB 'connector' is just a power 'jumper' then?

What is the bluetooth for and what is the USB jumper for specifically?

If it uses bluetooth to connect the unit to the software then technically you can USB connect it to a booster battery backup [mini] and then have it within wireless range of the phone for the controls and sound. Now that would be something.

Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4
SoC – ESP32 dual-core Tensilica LX6 microcontroller @ up to 240 MHz with 520KB SRAM
Storage – 4MB flash
Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2 BR/LE connectivity, built-in PCB antenna

[airballrad]

That's rather interesting. I could see this as a supplement for VHF/UHF operation, but not really a replacement. It is under-powered, complex, and fragile. It might work well as a GPS/APRS node. I have been exploring the possibilities with what my phone can do (Winlink, FT8, APRS, etc.) for working digital modes while connected to a radio, but this seems to have more cons than pros. I could see this change over time with evolution of the concept.

[NT2C]

But, I already have a phone with that built in, along with a lot more: