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iOS 5 features: iMessage brings free texting to iPad, iPod touch
Until now, the iPhone has had an exclusive on built-in texting via Apple's Messages app. That's changed in iOS 5, and now the iPad and iPod touch have joined the party. iMessage allows for free texting across all iOS devices running iOS 5 so long as they have internet access. If you've already been using Messages on the iPhone or iChat on the Mac, you've already got a general idea of how iMessage works. It's a basic IM client with support for sending text, photos, videos, contacts, and locations to the other party. iMessage shows a small ellipsis when someone is typing a response, and at your option you can set up iMessage to send read receipts to the other party once you've read and received the message. One of the nice features of iMessage is it allows you to set it up with the same email address on multiple devices. You can begin a conversation with someone on your iPhone while you're out and about, then pick up at exactly the same spot when you get home and use your iPad. Texting takes place virtually instantaneously; I had the above conversation with a TUAW staffer on the other side of the planet, and it was as seamless as you'd expect from a modern IM app. On the iPhone, differentiating between texts sent via traditional SMS or through iMessage is easy. SMS texts you've sent will show up with a green background, while iMessage texts show up in blue. While you'll still have to pay the traditional fees for any SMS texts you send, it bears repeating that all iMessage texts go out over Wi-Fi or 3G and are completely free. I've also noticed that texts sent via iMessage tend to go out much faster than those sent via SMS. I don't know if that's a consequence of my wireless provider's somewhat lackluster network or whether there's something inherent to the SMS protocol that makes it slower, but the difference in speed is quite noticeable. iMessage can send messages to any device that's running iOS 5. The iPhone remains the only iOS device capable of sending text messages to non-iOS devices, and the fact that there are still so many of those out there means iMessage isn't going to "kill" SMS texting any time soon. On the other hand, if everyone in your circle of friends has a device running iOS 5, iMessage could very well obviate the need for an unlimited texting plan on your iPhone.
ITT unveils GhostRider encryption device capable of securing US Army smartphones
That may look like a Motorola Atrix Dell Venue, but it's actually something known as the GhostRider -- a new encryption device that could go a long way toward securing the Army's smartphones. Developed by defense company ITT, this revamped handset would allow military personnel to transmit secure text messages and phone calls over the Army's network, even if they're out on the battlefield. All they'd have to do is place their personal phones next to the GhostRider, tap and hold its touchscreen to activate the security features and begin texting away. When another GhostRider user receives an SMS, he or she would have to enter a pass code before reading it. The phone's security mechanisms, meanwhile, have been certified by the cryptographers at the NSA, which would certainly help justify its $1,500 price tag. The handset's display, meanwhile, looks awfully similar to the Army's Nett Warrior platform -- an Android-based OS that features a host of mapping functions designed explicitly for war zones. Officials unveiled the latest incarnation of Nett Warrior at the recent Association of the US Army gala in DC, though the platform's creators are still looking for the appropriate commercial device to host it -- unless, of course, GhostRider's software replaces it altogether. "We think Nett Warrior should be something like this," ITT vice president Richard Takahashi told Wired. "This can be the smart device." March past the break for more information, in ITT's jargon-laced PR. Update: Thanks to readers who spotted it's a Venue rather than an Atrix. Our eyes must have been temporarily scrambled by the enemy. Just to be clear -- it's not the handset that's different, only the peripheral.
Twitter opens up photo sharing via text message on some carriers
We're not exactly lacking in ways to share a photo on Twitter these days, but one key area that has been left behind is the venerable text message -- which is pretty important for the millions of people that don't have smartphones. While tweets via text have been possible since day one, Twitter has only just now opened up the ability to post a photo via MMS. That service is only available on some carriers initially -- AT&T, Verizon and Cellular South in the US, Vodafone, O2 and Orange in the UK, and Rogers in Canada, plus Vodafone Italy, VIVA Bahrain and TIM Brazil -- but Twitter says that it's working to bring the feature to additional carriers. Actually sending a photo via text is as simple as you'd expect (just attach it to your message and send it to the appropriate number for your country), but you'll of course have to be aware of any additional charges your carrier might impose.
Samsung getting in the mobile messaging business with ChatOn
Samsung today announced they are entering mobile messaging market. Like Facebook Messages, which hopes to kill off text messaging for good, Samsung's ChatOn is a cross-platform messaging service for Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and Samsung's own Bada OS that offers users the ability to send text, pictures, and video across devices. With the release of iOS 5, Apple will unveil the similar iMessages, a mobile messaging system that allows users to text message other iOS devices for free. While I love that traditional text messaging is being hunted down and prepared for slaughter we are going to have a huge problem on our hands as more and more tech companies join in the mobile messaging game. That problem is called fragmentation. iMessages is great because it lets you text anyone with an iOS device -- even an iPod touch -- for free. But iMessages only works for iOS devices. Facebook Messenger is great because it's cross platform and 750 million people use Facebook, but I don't want to have to add everyone at my work as a Facebook friend just so I can text them. Samsung's ChatOn seems like as reasonable go-between, but again, it's yet another service that everyone is going to have to sign up for to make it viable. While we all have grown tired of traditional text messaging because the phone companies wildly overcharge people for text packages, at least the system works. Can you imagine what's going to happen as more tech companies join the mobile messaging band wagon? Texting becomes too complicated. Where before it could be done by anyone to anyone on any phone, now you need to double check with people what service they use, download the appropriate apps, and then find out if that person uses a username, phone number, or email address as their mobile messaging handle. It seems everyone wants to be your messaging service. But no one wants to be interoperable. And until that happens, traditional text messaging is going nowhere and will continue to be a colossal rip-off. But I would rather use a system that over-charges than have to keep five different apps on my phone just to text everyone I know. Update: As a few readers rightly pointed out iMessages do in fact work as a "layer" on top of regular text messaging. However, iMessage is not a replacement for universal texting services as free iMessages and the Messages app are only available on iOS.
Skype adds Groupme to social portfolio, sets sights on mobile market
Sure, we're still waiting for that Microsoft-Skype deal to close, but it looks like Redmond's about to get more than it initially bargained for. Skype announced today that it has reached an agreement to snatch up Groupme, the mobile group messaging service that made a splash at Google I/O. Outfit head honcho Tony Bates told TechCrunch that Skype needs to invade the mobile space if it hopes to reach its goal of scoring one billion users, and cites Groupme's "sticky group messaging experience" as the ideal mobile addition to the Skype family. But don't take our word for it, hit the break and dig the PR for yourself.
Caption Contest: No doubt, these two are definitely made for each other
Ah, yes. We all know that couple... the ones that don't speak to each other at dinner because they're too busy playing Cut the Rope or tweeting. You know 'em: the texting while walking or texting while driving sort of folks. What can we say? Sometimes you're locked in an epic battle you can't walk away from. Perhaps they're anti-social, or maybe they're addicted to tech love -- but what say you? Billy: "Did you forget our anniversary?" "Our what? Oh, no... of course not." Zach Honig: "Hug me." "LOL OK BRB." Darren: "Short-range communication protocols are the best." Terrence: "Little did he know that his sweetheart was texting her other boyfriend literally behind his back." Michael: "I thought sexting was only for long distance relationships..." Sean: "Love is letting your boyfriend save another princess. And helping over WiFi, of course." Christopher: "Who wears flip flops with a denim jacket?" Joe: "Ad hoc lovin'." Richard Lai: "Can't wait to try Dance Central tonight." Josh: "wePhone."
Hackers break into Subaru Outback via text message
We've already seen SCADA systems controlled by Google Search, and now the Black Hat Technical Security Conference is offering up yet another slice of cringe-inducing hacker pie. A pair of pros from iSec Partners security firm was able to unlock and start the engine of a Subaru Outback using an Android phone and a process they call war texting. By setting up their own GSM network, they were able to snatch up password authentication messages being sent from server to car, allowing them the option to ride off in a brand new crossover. Apparently, your car isn't the only thing in danger of a war-texting takeover, however, as the team says there are a slew of devices and systems, accessible over telephone networks, that are vulnerable to similar attacks, including A-GPS tracking devices, 3G security cameras, SCADA sensors -- and thus the power grid and water supply -- home automation, and urban traffic control systems. Somehow this group of otherwise innocent looking New York texters appears a whole lot more sinister now.
2degrees users overloaded with random late-night texts -- the alcohol apparently not to blame
When we send out an embarrassing text message at 2am, at least we can -- in the words of Jaime Foxx -- blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol. Unfortunately for New Zealand mobile carrier 2degrees, pinning it on the Henney, just ain't gonna cut it this time. Early Wednesday morning, a few unlucky users were greeted by an influx of hundreds of unsolicited text messages. A few of those affected took to the company's Facebook page for answers, and were provided with the following response: Early this morning, a software implementation problem caused a small number of people to receive texts not intended for them. Our network team quickly identified the problem and resolved it by 2:30am. We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience this may have caused. On second thought, judging from the reactions that apology received, the outfit might have been better off using the Blue Top as a scapegoat.
Viber's free, no-registration 3G VoIP app officially launches on Android
Hey there, friends. Do you have the voice-calling blues, wishing for a better way to talk to your friends -- without using your minutes? Consider Viber, a free VoIP app that launched for the iPhone last year. Usable over 3G or WiFi, with built-in SMS, it requires no registration, using your existing phone number and contact list. Our only quibble? A disheartening lack of Android support. But our spirits are lifted today, with the app making its way to the everyone's favorite olive-green market. It has all the compelling features of the iOS version, plus a few extras we saw in the limited beta, like pop-up text message notification, in-app call logs, and the option to use Viber as your default dialer. The company must be doing something right, as it claims 12 million active users just seven months after launch. Interested in being one of them? Check the full PR -- with video! -- after the break.
Woman publishes book filled with 12 years of her personal texts
The Most Interesting Man in the World's got nothing on Tracey Moberly. She's either incredibly exciting or is acquainted with plenty of people that are, because over the course of twelve years she's collected enough interesting texts to publish a book about them. We can't imagine saving and compiling thousands upon thousands of SMS messages -- let alone weaving them together into intricate stories and life lessons -- but it sounds like she's received more than enough interesting texts to make Text me up! worth a peek. A book about texts may sound boring, but the novel isn't just full of threaded conversations; Tracey's interspersed it with commentary and illustrations of her own, making it a rather unique (and comprehensive) take on the various trials and joys we face in everyday life. Regardless of how successful the book is, it's nigh impossible to read our own incoming messages the same way again. Check out the six-minute video that shows Tracey being interviewed after the break.
Google Voice adds spam filter, lets solicitors get caught in the web
Remember when your legitimate emails were flanked by dozens of grammatically nightmarish blurbs, peddling pills, x-rated services, and Nigerian scams? If you use Gmail, most of that garbage no longer arrives in your inbox, instead making its way to a spam folder, where it's held for a month before ending its journey at the Google graveyard. Now, Mountain View is applying that same concept to your Google Voice calls, flagging unsolicited calls, texts, and voicemails, then booting them to a spam folder. The company's servers use collected data from other users marking similar messages as spam, as well as propriety identification tools, to help ensure that those generic creditor or vacation sweepstakes calls never make it to your phone. And like GMail messages, misdirected calls can be marked as "Not Spam" from within the Spam folder, letting them slip through the fence the next time around. GV users can simply check the box next to "Global Spam filtering" on the Calls tab to activate the feature, or hit up the source link for the full scoop.
Sprint text messaging down, subscribers' thumbs left feeling unfulfilled (updated: back up)
Having issues sending text messages today from your Sprint-enabled device? You're most certainly not alone. We've received a number of complaints from users indicating they can't TXT, while the company's own @sprintcare Twitter account is firing on all cylinders, tossing out replies like "our network team is aware and are working to get txts back up and running as fast as we can." Until that comes to pass you're stuck in a dark, painful world bereft of any and all means of external communication -- other than calls, emails, letters, smoke signals... Update: Looks like we're good to go again, folks. Get your SMS on. Update 2: Sprint sent us an official statement on the matter, which we've included after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Joseph Holmes photographs punctilious texters in NYC, encourages you to have a peek
Have you ever texted? Have you ever been photographed while texting? Were you in the vicinity of New York City, USA? If so, you may be one of the crowd in Joseph Holmes' newest art composition, as the self-proclaimed professional now has a growing library of individuals who seem to be shockingly focused on whatever they're texting. The gallery is quite simply called "Texters," and he shot 'em over a two month period and whittled that group down to just 26 amazing, wondrous panels of pixels. Hit the source to see 'em all, and yes, it's cool be inspired.
Delorme's inReach two-way GPS Communicator receives txts on mountains, teenage hikers rejoice
Until Delorme's inReach two-way GPS Communicator, sending text messages over satellite signals was mostly a one-way affair. This 4.78 by 2.85 by 1.73-inch battery-powered minibeast pairs with either the company's PN-60w or an Android OS device to send and receive 160-character text messages and real-time GPS data to those tracking you. It can also beam an SOS message at timed intervals then receive confirmation that help is on the way when you ultimately realize that being at home with a fast connection is really all the adventure you needed anyway. Delorme tells us that the inReach will be available in October for $250 and monthly plans start at $9.95 with a one-year contract.
Viber VoIP app hits Android, serves up cross-platform 3G voice and text (video)
What's better than free in-app 3G calling? Cross-platform 3G calling. Delivering on old promises, Viber is offering an Android version of their free, no-registration VoIP app to beta applicants this week. The Android beta keeps everything from the iPhone original, plus a few bonus features -- including the ability to respond to text messages without opening the app, natively viewable in-app call logs from non-Viber calls, and the ability to set Viber as the default dialer for all applications. All this, and cross platform support? Sign us up! Oh, wait -- no registration required. It just works. The current version of the app has been tested on devices from Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, and more, but the full release is waiting on beta testers to weigh in on the fragmentation front. See a video of Android and iOS playing nice after the break.
Acoustic Poetry concept turns ambient noise into verse
Modern society invests a lot of time and money attempting to drown out our surroundings, but the inability to hear ambient noise can rob one of a sense of place, which can be a very real concern amongst the deaf community. The Acoustic Poetry concept device from British designer Michail Vanis won't miraculously cure the deaf, but it does promise to keep them a bit more in touch. The wooden box is used to capture sound and transmit it to an interpreter, who listens and translates it into text, coming out like something of a free form haiku. It's a communication relay not entirely unlike ones we've seen from a number of other companies, and one that doesn't really necessitate its own stand-alone device. Still, it's nice to see text messaging that can actually keep people more in-touch with their surroundings, for a change -- we still don't recommend using it while driving, however. Video after the break. [Thanks, Ro]
Vodafone lets Londoners pay for taxis via text message, charge their phones in transit
Mobile payment systems may be gaining only gradual steam in the US, but over on the other side of the pond, Vodafone UK has launched a broad new campaign to integrate smartphone technology where Londoners may need it most -- in the back of taxis. As of today, many cab passengers will be able to charge their smartphones in transit, thanks to a wide range of chargers that the mobile carrier has installed in more than 500 of London's iconic black vehicles. Vodafone is also rolling out a new payment scheme today, whereby cash-strapped travelers can text their cab's license number to a specific code, allowing any owed fares to be charged directly to their phone bills. The system certainly doesn't sound as elegant as some of the NFC-based operations we've heard about, but it still beats having to navigate your cab driver to the nearest ATM, with the meter tick-tocking away.
Shocker! Instant messaging gains popularity as TXTing declines, BBM to blame
Apparently, those young'uns just love their BBM. According to a report by the research group Mobile Youth, young folk (read: those of you between 15 and 24) are increasingly abandoning SMS in favor of instant messaging apps, with texting expected to drop off 20 percent over the next two years. The main culprit? BlackBerry Messenger, which now boasts over 39 million users, many of them living outside the US. In fact, it's in the UK, Indonesia, South Africa, and Brazil -- all popular markets for BBM -- that Mobile Youth expects texting to dwindle the most. And if BBM is to blame, well, that drop-off could be just the beginning.
More Verizon Unleashed phones popping up, pricing confirmed
This morning's 'Unleashed' tipster has let loose a few more branded phone snapshots from his local Best Buy, further confirming Verizon's new contract free $50 unlimited talk, text, and mobile web plan. These new shots show off the same price structure we saw leaked earlier this month, as well as two more handsets: an LG Accolade, and a Pantech Caper -- both priced at $79.99. This seems a bit steep for the Accolade, a run of the mill flip phone, as this morning's tip priced the more capable LG Cosmos featurephone at a mere $39.99. Take your grain of salt, and check out the gallery below. [Thanks, Anonymous] %Gallery-122115%
First Verizon Unleashed phone gets pictured, priced at Best Buy
When a screenshot of Verizon's new 'Unleashed' pricing plan surfaced, we held our breath to see if this contract-free $50 unlimited talk and text plan was in fact too good to be true. As it turns out, more evidence has been unearthed that lends credence to the rumor. A tipster snapped the above photo of the LG Cosmos donning Unleashed attire at a local Best Buy, and went out of their way to note that the phone was priced at $39.99. We like what we're seeing here; for a full messaging phone without commitment, this is definitely an aggressive price. No additional pricing details were leaked, but we're sure savvy international texters will notice that the packaging specifically promises the option of unlimited messaging to Mexico and Canada. If the 'Unleashed' phones are already making their way into Best Buy, this could very well mean an impending launch is coming sooner than we expected. We'll continue keeping you up-to-date as we hear more. [Thanks, Anonymous]
