Text messaging is easily one of the most popular forms of communication today, and for good reason. It is quick and convenient, and allows us to stay in touch with people around the world in an instant. However, the drawback is the price. While texting may seem cheap, the price over time adds up, and many people find themselves surprised when they see the extravagant price on their phone bill. Thankfully, there is now a way to help offset some of these costs.
Whatsapp, a free texting app has been in the headlines recently given that its acquisition by Facebook. There are also several other apps that allow you to text for free. Not only do they allow you to text for free, but they also have many other cool and helpful features. By following these instructions, you save yourself a lot of money and cut down your phone bill significantly:
- The person you are texting or sending files to must also have the app
- Texting and sending files counts to your data usage, so make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi when you use the apps
Viber
There are several great things about Viber. Other than the fact it lets you text other Viber users for free, it also allows you to call them too. You can send photo, audio, and visual files. Thankfully, Viber is cross-platform, and works on both iOS and Android devices. Another great feature is that it features desktop clients for Windows and OS X, so you can enjoy all of Viber’s features on your desktop as well as mobile devices. As soon as you download the app, it searches through your existing contacts to see who is also a user, allowing you to add them as a contact.
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/viber/id382617920?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viber.voip
Facebook Messenger
Facebook messaging is not anything new, as the private message feature has been one of the most popular for a long time. This however, required users to open up Facebook first, in order to access their messages which was not always convenient, and over time could get frustrating. Facebook then went and developed its own messaging app, which allows users to access their messages without having to actually go into Facebook. It works exactly like regular texting, and even has features such as calling, group chats, and the sending of audio, visual and picture files. It also allows you to see when the recipient has viewed your message.
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/facebook-messenger/id454638411?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca
Google + Hangouts
Another app that works cross platform, Hangouts shares most basic features with Facebook Messenger. One of the strong points of Hangouts is the ability to start one-on-one or group video calls up to 10 people. Hangouts stay in synch across devices, so you can start them on your phone, and finish them on your PC, whatever is most convenient.
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/hangouts/id643496868?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.talk&hl=en
Downloading and using these apps when connected to Wi-Fi will end up saving you a lot of money throughout the course of a year. Given that on top of texting you can also place voice calls as well as send audio, visual and picture files, you must have fast and effective internet. Activ8me broadband provides this. Multiple users with devices including laptops, tablets, and smart phones can connect to Activ8me Fibre at the same time without the internet speed slowing down on faster speed tiers. Saving money and enjoying the many great features these apps provide don’t have to. Activ8me also provides wireless internet and satellite broadband for those living in rural areas. Has anyone had any experiences with these apps?