International texting

[zuben el genub]

I see we have plenty of apps to do this. I've checked out the Viber postings, etc. I use Handcent.

My problem is the other party. They are on TMO/Orange in the UK, and I can't find out from the US what is available and how it would work over there with the US install. I'd like the info before I make a recommendation to the other party. They do have wifi available and are using HTC phones. She prefers text to emailing someone.

I'm with TMO US so we are both GSM. I have an unlocked, rooted Nexus S.

We use Skype for video on the PC only. I won't upgrade mine on Ubuntu as I don't like what MS is doing with it. That means that we might be interested in video calling eventually.

 

[gtbarry]

I don't really understand your question. But I am assuming you are looking for an international text messaging app available to both of you that will allow free texting between the two of you. I recommend:

Whatsapp
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp&hl=en

 

[zuben el genub]

Is that available in the UK? I can't check the UK permissions, ratings, etc. Their service usage is slightly different than ours. I can't find out what apps are allowed in the UK, and I want to find one that will satisfy both sides of the Atlantic.

I can get a fairly decent international text service from TMOUS. I wouldn't know what TMO/Orange has and no way to find out.

 

[gtbarry]

I have friends in five different countries I use Whatsapp with. But, none of them are in the UK so I can't tell you for sure.

 

[chanchan05]

I'd think that Whatsapp is available in UK because the very strict Chinese government allows it. LOL.

 

[zuben el genub]

Finally found some UK sites.

Whatsapp is listed, but it charges after the first year. It says it is always on.
I don't like apps that think they are more important than the way I run the phone. Nothing says you can do wifi only to prevent data charges.

I see Viber is listed, Fring used to be popular.

Handcent has a cloud service - how is that?

 

[chanchan05]

Not tried others. Viber works well for international texting though.

 

[zuben el genub]

Trying Viber. So far, so good. Daughter is still nervous about it on 3G - since she's in the UK and has an HTC phone, I can't really help. I've only used Nokia and Samsung the past couple of years. I can shut connections off by widget. Turn off wifi when not in range, and turn off network to make sure nothing is downloading without my permission.

I've been suspicious of downloads ever since incidents with windows service packs.
They took out scanners, cameras, and some AV. I don't need the aggravation. I usually check this site and others and update when update is reported good.

 

[chanchan05]

GreenPower is nice if you want to control connection. Sure its not Tasker but it gives you enough options for controlling mobile data. Llama is another free alternative to tasker that doesn't quite do as much, but does enough for simpler tasks like auto-turning off WiFi when not in range of a known hotspot.

 

[zuben el genub]

Thanks. I'll mention those to her.

 

[startak11]

How about Google Talk?

 

[zuben el genub]

Only Canada and US from what I've read