3 Useful Apps To Replace Your Mobile Text Messaging Plan
The Dual Nature of Text Messaging
Text messaging represents a technology often met with ambivalent feelings. Users frequently express both frustration and reliance on this communication method. Despite the relatively small amount of data required for each message, mobile carriers in the US and globally often impose substantial charges for text messaging plans. Estimates suggest a cost of around $1,310 per megabyte.
However, text messages offer a swift and dependable means of delivering concise communications. This speed and reliability are key benefits for many users.
Limitations of Free Texting Alternatives
It's important to acknowledge certain limitations. For individuals without smartphones, eliminating traditional text messaging charges through internet-based solutions may not be feasible. These alternatives require devices with data plans and 'push' notification capabilities, such as those found on iPhone, Android, or Blackberry devices.
Furthermore, widespread adoption of text-free messaging depends on the willingness of your contacts to embrace new applications. Convincing those who prefer standard text messaging or lack a smartphone can prove challenging.
Exploring Solutions to Reduce Texting Costs
With these considerations addressed, let's examine several options for minimizing or even eliminating your text messaging expenses!
Available Alternatives
- Consider data plans: A robust data plan can enable the use of internet-based messaging apps.
- Explore apps: Several applications offer free text messaging over Wi-Fi or data connections.
- Evaluate usage: Assess your texting habits to identify potential areas for reduction.
Push capability is a crucial feature for these solutions to function effectively. Without it, messages may not be delivered promptly.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and the communication preferences of those you interact with regularly.
Kik Messenger
Kik is a communication service offering free, real-time texting across iPhone, Android, and Blackberry devices. Its interface and overall design closely mimic traditional SMS texting, making it familiar to users. While it currently lacks support for MMS – the sending of photos and videos via text – integration with email and other platforms can effectively compensate for this limitation.
Recent developments include legal challenges from Blackberry, who filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Kik. Blackberry contends that Kik’s innovative technology is disruptive to the market. This is particularly concerning for Blackberry, as their own Blackberry Messenger (BBM) service faces potential competition from this new platform.
User Experience
Having used Kik extensively with my wife, both iPhone users, for several weeks, I’ve been highly impressed with its performance. Messages are delivered and received instantly, and the platform prioritizes secure communication.
A key feature is the inclusion of both delivery and read receipts, providing confirmation of message status. For individuals who primarily communicate with a single contact, such as a partner, Kik can significantly reduce reliance on traditional SMS plans.
Here's a summary of Kik's benefits:
- Free real-time messaging.
- Cross-platform compatibility (iPhone, Android, Blackberry).
- Instantaneous and secure message delivery.
- Delivery and read receipts.
- Potential cost savings on SMS plans.
Boxcar
The Boxcar application consistently demonstrates impressive functionality. Currently, it is exclusively available for devices running the iOS operating system, though development of an Android version is reportedly underway.
Boxcar excels at consolidating numerous notifications, including those from Google Voice, Twitter, and Facebook. A wide range of online services offering text message notifications are compatible with Boxcar.
Even services lacking direct text message notification support can be integrated through Boxcar’s user-friendly API. This API enables the forwarding of email messages directly to your mobile device.
Essentially, any application that utilizes email notifications can be effectively utilized with Boxcar.
Alternatives to Boxcar
Consider these alternatives: Prowl (for iOS) or Notifo, which is available on iOS and is anticipated to launch on Android and Blackberry platforms soon.
Currently, a comparable Android application offering the same level of functionality remains elusive. If you are aware of any such apps, please share your recommendations in the comments section below.
Google Voice
Google Voice consistently ranks as a top choice for its comprehensive voice services. Its speech-to-text functionality and, notably, its cost – being entirely free – are significant advantages.
Beyond these well-known features, Google Voice offers a frequently overlooked benefit: complimentary text messaging. Both sending and receiving text messages are provided at no charge.
Text Message Notifications
A key aspect of Google Voice is the flexibility it provides regarding notifications. Users have several options for how they are alerted to incoming messages.
Text messages can be delivered directly to your email address. This allows for the creation of filters, enabling forwarding to a preferred application.
As a backup method, all text messages are also archived within your email account. However, given the immediacy typically associated with text communication, and acknowledging that email isn't always checked instantly, utilizing an application like Boxcar for instant "push" notifications is recommended.
The official Google Voice application, available for both iOS and Android devices, also supports push notifications for text messages.
Alternative Options
Consider these alternatives if you require broader functionality:
- Skype: Offers low-cost SMS services, particularly useful for communication outside of the United States.
Instant Messaging Alternatives
Beyond standard text messaging, applications like BeeJive and Palringo present viable options for communication. However, their effectiveness is contingent upon the chat networks utilized and the recipient's presence on the same platform.
In my assessment, these applications function best as supplementary tools rather than primary solutions. While functional, they can be prone to unexpected disconnections and message delivery delays.
Potential Drawbacks
Users may experience instances of being logged out without warning, leading to missed messages. These inconsistencies suggest that relying solely on these IM applications isn't ideal.
Therefore, I suggest considering them as a final alternative when other methods are unavailable. BeeJive and Palringo shouldn't be considered a complete replacement for traditional text messaging.
Alternatives to Traditional Text Messaging
The technology employed for substituting conventional text messaging is frequently referred to as "Push" notification. Essentially, this functionality enables a device located remotely to be immediately alerted when an event occurs. This event could be an incoming call, a text message, or the receipt of other data.
While the previously discussed solutions offer effective alternatives to standard text messages, each presents unique limitations.
Evaluating the Options
In my assessment, Kik stands out as a particularly strong contender. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon persuading others to adopt the platform, as widespread usage is crucial for optimal functionality.
Conversely, utilizing Google Voice in conjunction with other push notification services provides broader compatibility. This approach allows individuals, even those who do not utilize the same services, to send you text messages.
A combined strategy, leveraging multiple methods, ultimately delivers the most comprehensive solution regarding compatibility with existing text messaging users.
Achieving Broad Compatibility
The ideal approach often involves a hybrid system. This ensures you can communicate effectively with a wider range of contacts, regardless of their preferred messaging platform.
- Google Voice offers broad reach.
- Kik provides a feature-rich alternative.
- Combining both maximizes accessibility.
Do you employ an unconventional method for replacing text messaging on your mobile device? We invite you to share your insights in the comments section below.
Image credit: Sebastian Dario
