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Posts Tagged “

Messaging

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safety first

Moron Lies Down on Moving Motorcycle to Send Text Messages

If laws about driving and using cellphones in American cities are cramping your style, move to scenic India, where anything goes! Watch in horror as this lunatic barrels down the highways of New Delhi sending text messages. Hey, why stop there? Yeah, go on and take that nap. Your fellow motorists will love it and the police...haha, what police? [Geekologie]

4:00 PM on Sun Jul 13 2008
By Sean Fallon
18,344 views, 97 comments

webapps

Hands-On Google Talk for iPhone (Verdict: Stick with Installer.app)

Google's brand new Gtalk webapp for the iPhone is as crappy as I expected it would be. It has a nice design, and sending messages was easy, but at the end of the day it's still running in Safari—which means if you get a call you are signed out of chat. And unlike other web-based IM apps, Gtalk doesn't work in the background, so interruptions as simple as going to the home screen sign you out too. Also, there are no preference settings, so you are stuck looking at your whole contact list, online and off. Gtalk's AIM support is also curiously absent from this release. In short, this program sucks. If you're looking for a solid IM solution before the App store opens, I strongly recommend Agile Mobile's AM client recently released on Installer, which I've been playing around with. More »

2:30 PM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Benny Goldman
8,223 views, 21 comments

Latest by Joseph: @altus: I think thats a webapp, not an application developed on the SDK. more »

t-mobile

T-Mobile Raises Text Message Prices (Meaning You Can Ditch Your Contract)

T-Mobile is hiking its SMS rate to 20 cents a text (up from 15), effective Aug. 29. Annoying, unless you want to get out of your T-Mobile contract. Raising prices is typically considered a material breach of contract, meaning you can weasel out of it with a bit of elbow grease and persistence (to show that it's a "materially adverse change" to your contract), avoiding that hefty early termination fee. More »

10:45 AM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By matt buchanan
9,382 views, 54 comments

iphone 3g mms

iPhone 3G Getting MMS Support?

iPhoneAtlas claims to have received an internal AT&T memo detailing what the iPhone 3G MMS app might look like. Even iPhoneAtlas doesn't believe that these photos are 100% real, and lookin at the button layout and the UI design, we can pretty much say that these things better NOT be real. The memo doesn't list what kind of pricing will be on this mythical MMS plan, but since the iPhone won't have any included messages on AT&T by default, expect to be paying a little extra for picture messaging if this pans out. Likelihood of this being true? Not so good. [iPhoneAtlas via Boy Genius Report]

1:12 PM on Thu Jun 26 2008
By Jason Chen
13,424 views, 41 comments

Latest by n/a: 'bout time! the iPhone is coming with 3G and GPS but it's lacking several essential features (copy-paste anyone?) Here's a few things it's missing: [www.internetevolution.com] more »

windows mobile

AOL Blesses Windows Mobile With New AIM Client

After years of neglect, AOL has apparently remembered that Windows Mobile exists and just released a new official AIM client. Though still in beta, it's supposedly compatible with all WinMo 5 and 6 devices. It looks pretty swank, at least as far as WinMo apps go, and more than satisfying for a mobile AIM client. Hopefully this means they're cooking up one for the iPhone too. [AOL via XDA Developers via BGR]

11:40 AM on Mon Jun 23 2008
By matt buchanan
3,955 views, 29 comments

cellphones

How to Cover Your Text Message Tracks

It's Friday, so the mass of stupid and regrettable (and maybe criminal) text messages you wished you never sent is about explode exponentially, as it does every weekend. Google, as you know, keeps your embarrassing search history for "AZN Squirrels Pooping on Bananas" or "Iron Man upskirt" for 18 months. But how long do Verizon and AT&T hang on to your shameful SMSes? Thankfully, not long at all. Sprint hangs on to your textual diarrhea the longest, for about two weeks, while AT&T dumps them after 48 hours, according to Slate's Explainer. We hit up Verizon, who said a "couple days, tops." There are a couple catches, though. More »

7:30 PM on Fri May 2 2008
By matt buchanan
17,715 views, 28 comments

Latest by The Lab: Just saying, it is probably way easier for NSA spying software to scan text messages for suspicious content than phone calls. Oh you think they aren't scanning? Well, they are. more »

iphone patent

iPhone Instant Message Patent Points to Upcoming MMS, Background IMs, GPS Module

Apple's filed a patent on their upcoming iPhone instant messaging app, detailing exactly what it's going to look like and how it's going to behave. While most of the images show an iChat-esque (and current SMS-like) interface, there are some interesting tidbits we picked up from the text. One, there's mention of "graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or Enhanced Message Service," which points to possible MMS support in the future. At the very least, it might mean that their IM app will be able to transfer files. Two, there's also a reference to the user receiving "an instant message while the user of the device is in another application," alleviating fears that we wouldn't be able to IM in the background. Both these snippets are after the jump.

More »

12:26 PM on Tue Apr 22 2008
By Jason Chen
9,379 views, 52 comments

Latest by SpyderMS: @LOLLYJOLLY: *blinks* more »

cellphones

FCC Prepping Nationwide Text Message Alert System

According to both CNN and USA Today, the FCC is expected to announce a nationwide system that sends major alerts to cellphones via text message. Rumor has it that these messages will initially be limited to the English language in 90 words or less and would warn users about events like terrorist attacks, major weather situations and Amber alerts. Participation is voluntary on the part of wireless carriers, but it is unlikely that any of the national providers will opt out. [CNN and USA Today via Mobileburn]

7:25 PM on Wed Apr 9 2008
By Sean Fallon
2,299 views, 35 comments

Latest by lonewolf333: @ViperBorg: No I rather be dead. more »

gadgets

Picture Frame Shows Which of Your IM and Skype Friends Are Online

We absolutely love it when cyberspace and meatspace intersect, which is why we're enthused over this Online Notification Picture Frame. It's a DIY project that connects via some interface (the guy doesn't say) to a computer, which feeds online status information back to the display. If a person's online, the LED next to his photo lights up. We'd prefer it if this were a more digital solution like an actual photo frame that dynamically displayed the pictures of people who were online, but this is a good start. [Volunteer Lab Rat via Hacked Gadgets]

4:00 PM on Tue Apr 8 2008
By Jason Chen
3,530 views, 24 comments

Latest by n/a: Does this work for all IM applications? I want to use my BigString Self Distructing app more »

question of the day

Question of the Day: How Much Do You Text Message?

With CTIA 2008 in full-swing and my cellphone chiming in constantly with text messages, I began to wonder about the phenomenon of text messaging as a whole. Sometimes it seems that it would make more sense to call or send an email, but that crap is for old people. There are definitely situations where sending someone a quick message is prefereable—especially if you can't stand talking to the person your are trying to contact. That having been said, how much do you text message? More »

6:00 PM on Wed Apr 2 2008
By Sean Fallon
15,219 views, 115 comments

Latest by gemaster34: Well let me just say I text, and talk. I have T-Mobile, and I have a myfaves plan, and between my myfaves, when it wasn't a busy month for them. I used about 5000 myfaves minutes on them, and about more »

iphone sdk

iPhone SDK Limitation: Only One User-Made App Running Concurrently, No Background Processes

The enthusiastic high-fives of future iPhone instant messaging users yesterday might be quite a bit less enthusiastic today when they find out that Apple is not going to allow user-made SDK applications to run in the background. This means every application, from IM to VoIP to GPS mapping, will have to terminate entirely when the user switches out to take a call or change a song. How does this affect you? It means you won't be a be able to receive IMs unless you're currently inside the IM app, forcing you to disconnect when you take a call. There's an upside and a downside to this decision. More »

3:11 PM on Fri Mar 7 2008
By Jason Chen
26,239 views, 110 comments

Latest by n/a: Apple is doing this to protect AT&T's $M$ cash cow. If notifications were allowed, it would take exactly 1/2 hour for an SMS replacement application to appear and AT&T's massive SMS profits would vanish. more »

call plans

Sprint Call Plan Only $89.99, Loses Inclusive Data

We seemed to have missed this in the recent unlimited call plan-gasm, but Sprint is apparently offering a call plan that rings in at $89.99/month and includes unlimited voice, messaging and push to talk. The plan is cheaper because it does not include any data usage in the price. Still, it is $10 less than Verizon and AT&T offerings, both of which will only give you unlimited voice for $99/month. If you don't need data access via your handset, checkout our awesome cheat sheet to see why this really is exceptional value for money. [Mobileburn]

6:10 PM on Sun Mar 2 2008
By Haroon Malik
3,119 views, 26 comments

Latest by n/a: @izim1: How is it possible for Nextel iDEN phones to use Verizon's CDMA network? more »

software

Will Mozilla Messaging Breathe New Life Into Thunderbird?

In an attempt to revitalize Thunderbird in version 3.0, Mozilla has announced "Mozilla Messaging" which promises significant improvements to the email client—like calendar integration, better search, and a chat app. While the core focus will still be on email, Mozilla seems committed to developing a product that will offer a broader range of communications tools. Whether or not it will be good enough to get Thunderbird back on track remains to be seen. [Mozilla Messaging via Lifehacker]

7:50 PM on Tue Feb 19 2008
By Sean Fallon
4,426 views, 38 comments

Latest by navvywavvy: I switched to thunderbird a couple of years ago because it handled IMAP way better than outlook. I've never gone back. What's wrong with a program that just serves one purpose and does it well? I have Thunderbird running on my more »

son et lumiere

Digital Messaging Light Switch Cover the First of 2008's WTF Products

Parrot's light switch cover with a built-in speaker to relay the digital message of your choice makes me long for a product banhammer, a hefty blunt instrument with which I can bludgeon pointless gadgets to death, entertaining myself and sustaining plastic splinters in the process. Record your 20-second message and then flip either light switch to play it back. Costing $12.97, the good thing is you get four free screws with it. [WorldStart via OhGizmo!]

6:09 AM on Wed Jan 2 2008
By AddyDugdale
4,162 views, 20 comments

gadgets

CellCoach Trains You To Not Use Cellphones In the Car

Aimed at parents of teenagers who just can't get their offspring to stop using a cellphone in the car, the CellCoach emits a high-pitched beep whenever it detects cellphone traffic. The result? A really annoying noise that reinforces the fact that they shouldn't text or call while driving. It installs "permanently" under the car's dashboard so your kid can't remove it, and should be a much cheaper alternative to actually talking to your kids and teaching them right from wrong. What? They're bastards. Oh and it would be an awesome prank to pull on a buddy. [NewsWireToday via Textually via Shiny Shiny]

2:50 PM on Fri Dec 14 2007
By Jason Chen
1,213 views, 12 comments

Latest by goglen: All the gadgets like these mask the real need - a service (or FEATURE) that cell companies could implement for almost nothing that would bring them a lot of business... Many cell phones now-a-days have GPS in them. Related to more »

gadgets

Zipit Z2 Wireless Messenger Lets Teens IM For Free (Gallery)

Zipit Wireless introduced its second stab at instant messaging without needing a computer with the Z2. The flip-open handheld device allows teens to IM their pals over Wi-Fi and supports AOL, MSN and Yahoo instant messaging services without any monthly fees. Kids can also sideload photos and their favorite tunes through the miniSD slot, or stream music directly from the internet. The Z2 will set you back $150, and according Zipit reps, will be available in the next few weeks. [Zipit Wireless]

10:31 PM on Tue Nov 6 2007
By hook
12,793 views, 31 comments

Latest by n/a: I just got two of these for free... they're really nice but they malfunction a lot and i'm constantly contacting the company. if they worked the glitches out i would be a lot happier. more »

zune 2

More Details on Zune Social Networking Features


This is not text messaging and it's not even on the Zune itself. This is just a document illustrating how the Zune Social networking features will work in the software on your PC. You're sending messages—pointers to songs or albums—with your own notes to your friends, which are shown in the inbox portion of the software. No new features we haven't seen yet, just a doc showing how it'll work. We've sent Haroon to remedial reading comprehension school in the mean time. -J.C. More »

6:00 PM on Sat Oct 20 2007
By Haroon Malik
9,155 views, 18 comments

cellphones

Sprint Raises SMS Rates Again, Claims You Can't Use This to Get Out Of Contracts

It was around this time last year that Sprint raised their SMS rates to $0.15, allowing you to get out of your contract for free, since it constituted a material change. They've gone and raised SMS rates again, from $0.15 to $0.20, but this time they say that it DOESN'T constitute a material change. What the hell? Sprint says SMS isn't covered under your contract, and is an opt-in service. Have they changed their contracts since last year? Or is this just bullshit they're spewing to fool some customers into thinking they can't get out of their contracts free this time? [RCRNews via Boy Genius via Wireless Info]

2:50 PM on Mon Aug 27 2007
By Jason Chen
6,488 views, 34 comments

Latest by jamuraa: I opted out of SMS a while back when I was on Nextel ("now together with sprint!"). The problem with it was that for some arcane reason, the voice mail system was tied to the SMS system, so if more »

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