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Lighten Your Cellphone Bill by Texting For Free

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:11:25 PST

People love the word "free," and cell phone addicts especially love the word "text." However, mobile phone services love to raise data service prices, and if you aren't careful about sticking to your service plan, you can find yourself outraged by the additional charges. Luckily, several companies have created ways to bypass the whole pay-for-texting situation. Here are six messaging services you must try.

iMessage – All iOS 5 users can send unlimited text messages with Wi-Fi or 3G from the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch to anyone else that also uses those devices. The service is already built into the messages app, and like iChat, you can even see when someone else is typing you back (if you are urgently awaiting their reply).
BlackBerry Messenger – Send and receive messages using your BlackBerry; see when your messages are read; and know when your contacts are typing. Intended for BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry communication, you can still text your non-BB friends by adding the contacts to your BBM friends list.
Viber – Text or call (also works internationally) to other Viber users over 3G or WiFi. Viber automatically shows which of your friends has the service; otherwise, simply notify your friends to download it, so you can communicate via Viber.
Text Free – Download this app on the Android Market for free text and picture messaging as well as Facebook chat capability.
Google Voice – Send and receive free text messages using the app, which is available for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Nokia S60.
ChatOn - This new Samsung-powered service allows you to send free messages, group messages, photos, videos, and audio messages to other ChatOn users. Currently, ChatOn is available on Android devices (2.2 and above), but will be rolling out to iOS and BlackBerry soon.

BlackBerry Messenger May Be Heading to Android and iOS

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:06:28 PST

Anyone who's had a BlackBerry will likely tell you that BlackBerry Messenger is one of the coolest features on the device. It allows free and fast messaging to any other BlackBerry user by using a special PIN without worry of text messaging fees. Plus, it allowed you to see when your message was read - a helpful if slightly stalkerish feature. After switching to an iPhone from a BlackBerry, I certainly missed the service, even feeling slightly out of touch with friends still on BBM. Now, if a new rumor is correct, BBM is soon coming to Android and iOS devices.

Find out more after the break.

Have You Ever Been Deleted?

GeekSugar — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:20:14 PST

The Kardashians were in full force at tonight's People's Choice Awards, and when they weren't looking hot on the red carpet, they were busy tweeting up a storm. Kim divulged to her followers that her brother, Rob Kardashian, had deleted her from BBM. I can imagine that this would be along the same lines as, say, being unfollowed on Twitter. Sibling rivalry in the information era?

We've talked a lot about being unfriended on Facebook, but tell me - have you ever found out that you had been deleted from someone's contacts, BBM, or social network?

Help a Reader Out: BlackBerry Messenger Flirting Etiquette

Kristen Hawley — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:30:13 PDT

When it comes to a budding relationship influenced by technology, reader chelsea25 poses an interesting question:

How about BlackBerry chat etiquette? I met this guy through a friend a few years [ago], we were all out at a bar, we had a chat and a dance. I've had a bit of a crush on him ever since. Recently (about a month ago) I was having lunch with this same friend, and the guy stopped by to say hello. Now I can't stop thinking about him. My friend suggested I add him onto my BlackBerry chat as I am not on Facebook, and she'd say she was talking about him to me and gave me his pin! Bad idea??

Actually, writing this out actually makes me think yeah, bad idea. The only thing is our mutual friend has moved away. I don't think we will bump into each other again unless on purpose. What are the rules for Blackberry messenger?

Find out what I have to say and share your own advice after the break.

Daily Tech: BBM Version 5.0 to Be Released Tomorrow

GeekSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:11:09 PDT

BlackBerry Messenger addicts, listen up. The latest version of BBM will be available worldwide starting tomorrow - RIMarkable

Amazon is launching its very own one-click payment system for cell phones called Amazon Mobile Payments Service - Mashable

Oh man. The email phishing scheme has made its way to 30,000 Gmail accounts. I suggest changing your passwords ASAP. - BBC News

Here are many ways you can save your smartphone's battery life - Lifehacker

Firefox unveils its new Plugin Check, which tells you if your plugins are up to date - Download Squad

It's giveaway and game time on GeekSugar! Be sure to log in and play our Best Video Game Ever bracket! - GeekSugar

Daily Tech: Refurbed TiVo HD DVRs Now $199

GeekSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:11:39 PDT

At $199 for a refurbished TiVo HD DVR, it's hard to to pass up this deal. - CrunchGear
RIM to soon release a new version of BlackBerry Messenger. - The Boy Genius Report
Google Calendar will soon be getting some nifty Google gadgets. - Mashable
The CTO and director for technology in the White House tests out the Palm Pre. - Switched
Apple's new unibody MacBook Pro is said to deliver eight hours of battery life. . . wow! - Macrumors
This bar-inspired workstation is simplistic and modern chic. - Unplggd
Olympus will be announcing this vintage style E-P1 camera tomorrow. - Gizmodo

Brody Jenner Talks About the Importance of BBM in Dating

GeekSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:04:38 PST

For all of you BlackBerry owners, I'm sure you're well aware of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). Basically what it is, is IM right on your phone in real time. Unlike SMS, messages are free since they are sent through RIM servers, just like email. Now here comes the fun part: When you send a message, you'll see a D beside it to let you know that it was delivered. And as soon as the recipient reads the message, an R will appear (to show it has been received). Therefore, with BBM, it becomes impossible to ignore messages since the sender will know if you got the message but aren't responding. On yesterday's Live With Regis and Kelly, Bromance star Brody Jenner mentioned how his love affair with his girlfriend started with BBM. Are you a BBM user? What do you think about its revealing features?

BlackBerry Clutch Isn't Just For CrackBerry Addicts

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:01:14 PDT

You already know that tech clutches are totally "in" right now, but why not think outside the box when it comes to tech fashion? This geometric BlackBerry Clutch ($85) may have a certifiable geeky namesake, but isn't limited to your BlackBerry-branded phones. The weathered gray leather clutch has an inside pocket to cradle cell phones of any manufacturer, but could also hold your ereader and other gadgets like your MP3 player and headphones if you prefer to carry a stylish, oversized clutch over a messenger or tote bag.

Plus, the plum, eggplant, and dark brown color scheme is hard to pass up, and is perfect for the late Summer/early Fall shopping season. Might as well be prepared, right?