Using a Vocera Device with Smartphone Apps

You can use Smartphone apps (Vocera Vina and VCS app) for messaging with a Vocera device (Badge, Smartbadge, and Minibadge) for hands-free communication.

Note: If you are using a non-GMS Android device, you will not receive a message notification on the device at approximately the same time as you receive it on your Vocera device, as Google Mobile Services is not being used. For VCS, messages are not received until your device polls the VMP server, resulting in a delay of up to five minutes.

The following table describes the features and the status of the features on the Smartbadge when used with the Vina or VCS app:

Feature

Status

Login

  • You can log in to both VCS or Vina and your Vocera device at the same time.
  • The Vocera icon appears on the Vina app when you log in to the Vina app.​

  • When you log in to your Vocera device after logging in to the Vina app, the Vocera icon changes to your device icon on the Vina app.​

  • When you log in to the Vina app after logging in to your Vocera device, the Vina app icon changes to your device icon.

  • If you log in to VCS or Vina first, followed by your Vocera device, you are logged out of voice on VCS or Vina and logged in on voice on your Vocera device.
  • If you log in to your Vocera device first, followed by VCS or Vina, you remain logged in for voice on your Vocera device.
  • The Vocera device warns you that you are already logged in if you are using VCS or Vina on your device. If you are asked whether you still want to log in to the Vocera Device, say "Yes."
  • Your VCS or Vina app also warns you that you have been logged into another device and that it is logging you out. This warning only applies to the call functionality. You are still logged into the VCS or Vina app and can send and reply to messages and initiate calls from the contact list.

Logout

  • If you log out of the Vina app, all the calls, messages, and alerts are received on your Vocera device.

  • For VCS, your Vocera device logout is controlled through the VMP server setting "VCS Logout in dual mode also causes a badge logout." If the setting is Yes, both VCS and your Vocera device are logged out. If the setting is No, your Vocera device remains logged in.

Presence Status

The availability status and the availability description are reflected on your Vocera device and VCS or Vina.

Favorites

Favorites added or removed in one endpoint reflect in the other.

Calls

  • Your Vocera device is the voice device, so it receives all calls and broadcasts.
  • Calls initiated from VCS or Vina contacts are audio-connected on your Vocera device.
  • When you access the call screen from the Vina and VCS app, a message is displayed on the call module screen that indicates that an alternate Vocera device is in use for calls and messages.

Voicemail

  • You can play the Voicemail from either endpoint, but the Smartbadge is where the message audio will be played.
  • The "listened to" status is reflected on both endpoints irrespective of where the playback is initiated.

Alerts

  • Alerts are delivered to both endpoints. 
  • Your Vocera device plays the appropriate kerplunks based on the alert priority.
  • Alerts can be read and responded to on either endpoint. The alert messages reflect as read or answered in the other endpoint.
  • When an alert is deleted, it is reflected on all endpoints.

Text messages

  • Your Vocera device plays the appropriate kerplunks based on the message priority.
  • Messages can be read and responded to on either endpoint. The text messages reflect as read and answered in the other endpoint.
  • Sent messages are reflected on both endpoints.
  • When a conversation is deleted, it is reflected on all endpoints.

Vina and VCS Control

VCS or Vina can take back voice control by pressing the Call button in VCS or Vina. In that case:
  • Smartbadge is logged out.
  • VCS or Vina device becomes the primary device for voice and messaging.

DND status

  • Setting DND on your Vocera device sets DND on Vina and DND for voice and messages (texts or alerts) on VCS, along with the timer setting if the timer is selected.
  • Setting voice DND on VCS or DND on Vina, sets DND for your Vocera device.
  • Selecting timed DND on VCS or Vina sets the timed DND for your Vocera device.

  • Selecting text DND on VCS does nothing for your Vocera device.

Button behavior during DND

  • Pressing the Call button or the Call option on the screen—your Vocera device resets the Voice DND for VCS and DND for Vina. If the DND is timed, your Vocera device resets both Voice and Text DND on VCS or DND on Vina.
  • Pressing the Logout button or the Call button on the screen—your Vocera device resets the Voice DND for VCS and DND for Vina. If the DND is timed, your Vocera device resets both Voice and Text DND on VCS or DND on Vina.

DND status during login and logout

  • When you log in to your Vocera device, Voice DND is reset for VCS and DND for Vina. If the DND is timed, your Vocera device resets both Voice and Text DND on VCS or DND on Vina.
  • When you are logged in on both endpoints and log out of your Vocera device using the Genie or logout button, your Vocera device resets the Voice DND for VCS or DND for Vina . If the DND is timed, your Vocera device resets both Voice and Text DND on VCS or DND on Vina.