We all know the old adage; New York is indeed a melting pot. Millions of people from all over the world call New York home, but how they you contact their friends and family overseas? Long distance calling cards are OK. International mobile plans are expensive.
Social Media is cool but nothing compares to the instant connection that mobile messaging Apps offer. They allow you to talk to anyone around the world for free, and are a prime means of international communication. Many may not know just how many options there are to choose from.
We decided to take a look at some for you!
Heytell: Is another push to talk service, similar to Voxer. This service determines which of your contacts also uses the App, and allows you to send them audio messages. The drawback to this program is it only allows for audio messages, no text or images. Also, the App charges for services such as voice effects and ringtones. Available for: iOS, Android
TextNow: If you want to talk to our neighbors up north, try this App. TextNow offers unlimited voice and text messaging for the United States and Canada. After you sign up for the service, you will be given a phone number, which you can use to contact people over a Wi-Fi connection. Available for: iOS, Android
Kik: One of the more well known mobile messaging Apps, Kik is a straightforward service that allows you to send text/image messages to people all over the world. No matter the phone, if a user has Kik, you can converse with them via text. Though not as feature-laden as other services, it’s renowned for its simple interface and ease of use. The primary drawback is it’s not available on Blackberry Available for: iOS, Windows Phone, Android
Trillian: It’s quite possibly the most versatile mobile messaging App in the world. Trillian can be used via phone, tablet, or computer, and offers support for Facebook Chat, MSN, Google Talk, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo!, and Jabber. No matter who you want to talk to, Trillian will pretty much connect you! Available for: iOS, Windows Phone, Android, Blackberry, Online, Linux, Max OS X, iPad
WhatsAPP: WhatsAPP is a cross platform mobile messaging App. In addition to basic text messaging, the App offers options for Group Chat, video/audio messages, and unlimited images. Not only is the App available on mobile phones, you can visit web.whatsapp.com to utilize an browser-based version of the service. Available for: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Symbian, Online
Viber: Viber is a handy App to get by the restrictions of cell phone Data plans. Not only can you send text/image messages with Viber, it allows you to make phone calls via Wi-Fi or data connection to anyone who also has the App installed. It easily integrates with your address book to see which of your contacts also utilize the service. Along with text and voice chat, the App has group text chat capabilities as well. Available for: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Online, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
Voxer: Voxer utilizes a unique format. Not only does it have text and photo messaging options, its push to talk and VOIP calling capabilities separate it from most other Apps. You can send a short voice message, and if the App is open on the other user’s phone, it will automatically play. If it’s closed, it will send via voice message. There is no signup process, the App simply determines which of your contacts also uses it. Available for: iOS, Android
Talkatone: Another App that allows you to make phone calls and send text messages over a Wi-Fi or 3G/4G data connection to anyone in the United States or Canada. Available for: iOS, Android
Snapchat: A household name at this point, this service allows users to send short phone or video messages to fellow users. The catch is the video/image messages sent between users are deleted (unless a user takes a screencap) in a snap! Not only can users send text, video and messages, they can only post status updates. Available for: Android, iPhones
Kakao Talk: All the rage in North Korea, this service is also available all over the world. Kakao allows you to send text, image and video messages to other Kakao users throughout the world. Available for: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone