Do they work like the native sms app without having a special number or email or something like that? Does anyone here use one of these apps exclusively without a texting plan from AT&T?
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How do free texting apps work?
- Thread starter LSUtigers03
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They mostly rely on the receiving person having MMS to send message to you, but anyone can receive messages from you. You typically get a special email address that allows you to receive messages from someone.
So, if you send a message it is sent to them and they should receive it no problem regardless of whether they have SMS or MMS (or not). It goes to their mobile number. If they reply it is sent back to the application you're using to send texts, not to your normal text application (Messages for iPhone).
If your friends have MMS capability, they can use their MMS application to send you a text to your special email address and it'll goto whatever texting application you are using.
You don't get a dedicated number from the applications. Just isn't feasible.
Try using TextFree Lite, it will give you a better idea and doesn't cost you anything to use.
My gf and I use U SMS app for texting between each other (obviously both have iPhone's). I have pretty much all but abandoned the native texting app. The lone exception being when my friend's text me, or when MMS is finally enabled. But from the U SMS app experience, it works exactly like sending/receiving SMS messages.