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iMessenger is out - 4 msg apps compared

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0970373

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Original poster
Mar 15, 2008
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Yes, I know...yet another iPhone to iPhone msg app. But I've actually been looking forward to this one and it's finally out.

iMessenger app link

EDIT: After some testing w/ PBF, I decided to make a comparison matrix. This is by no means all inclusive but just the main features that can be compared across the 4 main apps. I'm happy to add info and if there's anything incorrect on here, please let me know.

I will admit that I've not had the chance to test all 4 in depth. So if anyone wants to do that with me, please PM me with your 4 ID's. Or...ummm...am I the only one with all 4? lol

Updated 12.15: cross platform comparison, version #, other features for whatsapp
UPdated 12.16: Added Touch compatibility, update WhatsApp version
 

Attachments

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The bad:
- landscape mode is not optional
- chat logs sometimes disappear upon relaunching
- login pop-up with the word "Login..." in it is annoying and unnecessary
- no time stamps
- send button is a tad too small
- no address book integration
- notification sounds are wacky
- no link parsing
- chat bubbles are not copiable
- "Typing" status is inside a box instead of just plain text

The good:
- check it out for yourself ;)

P.S. E3BK, cheers for helping me test it.
 
Also, I think the text field is too close to the bottom dock menu. I keep hitting "requests" but maybe that's just me. The chat log disappearing is a big problem as is lack of time stamp. Also, invite via sms using the address book doesn't seem to be working.

The D/R notif is fast though. But maybe because there aren't a lot of people on it yet. I wish you could lock landscape/portrait also but that's a matter of personal pref. I do like the sms like chat bubbles.

Decent v1 but looking fwd to v1.1 with said issues fixed.

EDIT::
I emailed the dev w/ some of the issues and they got back to me very quickly. They also said they are already working on bugs/fixes and hope to submit for approval next week.

Also, to quote the email when I asked about BB compatibility:
"we are already porting to Android, BB, Palm, Windows Mobile, and maybe cheapie phones with J2SE..."
 
I like the App also but noticed it does has some things that need improved on.
Disappearing text and there does not seem to be anyway to delete text.

The D and R feature is nice and the over all appearance is nice. I would also agree the bottom text box is too small i also hit (tap) the wrong one.
 
E3BK said:
So I had some time on my hands today and decided to make a quick comparison matrix. This is by no means all inclusive but just the main features that can be compared across the 4 main apps. I'm happy to add info and if there's anything incorrect on here, please let me know.

I will admit that I've not had the chance to test all 4 in depth. So if anyone wants to do that with me or if they would like the file to update, I'm cool with that also.
Click to expand...

You will need to update WhatsApp features, since last week with latest version it can send/receive pictures, video and Audio Notes, plus Send and received notifications plus Message Preview was added, overall, a GREAT update to make it by far (IMHO) the best of the bunch, and I have tried it all of them, including iMessenger since this morning. pMessengr is a close second for me, third iMessenger (just released, and missed a couple of features) and ping! in last position.
 
erasat said:
You will need to update WhatsApp features, since last week with latest version it can send/receive pictures, video and Audio Notes, plus Send and received notifications plus Message Preview was added, overall, a GREAT update to make it by far (IMHO) the best of the bunch, and I have tried it all of them, including iMessenger since this morning. pMessengr is a close second for me, third iMessenger (just released, and missed a couple of features) and ping! in last position.
Click to expand...

oops! I've updated the file. Should I start a new thread for the comparisons? And I'm with you on the preference order though I think iMessenger will improve in the coming weeks. I do like pMessenger but the layout is just awful to me. And WhatsApp wouldn't even be questioned if they went with a userID or PIN. I can't use it when I JB and go overseas w/ another SIM. Plus I use Google Voice, which a lot of people have but WA can only use your actual cell #. Annoying.
 
E3BK said:
oops! I've updated the file. Should I start a new thread for the comparisons? And I'm with you on the preference order though I think iMessenger will improve in the coming weeks. I do like pMessenger but the layout is just awful to me. And WhatsApp wouldn't even be questioned if they went with a userID or PIN. I can't use it when I JB and go overseas w/ another SIM. Plus I use Google Voice, which a lot of people have but WA can only use your actual cell #. Annoying.
Click to expand...

I see that you updated the chart, but is still missing the MSG Preview, WhatsApp has it now.

And yes, I understand their logic behind the Cel# choice, but definitely will be a No Contest if they add somehow the option to chat via PINs (don't really like that much the usernames).
 
erasat said:
I see that you updated the chart, but is still missing the MSG Preview, WhatsApp has it now.

And yes, I understand their logic behind the Cel# choice, but definitely will be a No Contest if they add somehow the option to chat via PINs (don't really like that much the usernames).
Click to expand...

I've added now along with some other stuff. :) Moving forward, I will collect and edits/updates once a day or every other if there aren't a lot.

And yes...I really do wish they would move to PIN #'s.
 
TraceyS/FL said:
Just using the description in the App Store, it looks like they all work on the Touch EXCEPT WhatsApp.

Which is cool - last time i checked Ping! was the only one that did work on it!!
Click to expand...

WhatsApp works with iPod Touch, I'm using it to chat with my wife on her Touch, problem is that for some strange reason, latest version 2.3 was published as iPhone only, but they have already fixed it and submitted 2.4 last week to fix this and other Network bugs, waiting for Apple Expedited Approval.
 
erasat said:
WhatsApp works with iPod Touch, I'm using it to chat with my wife on her Touch, problem is that for some strange reason, latest version 2.3 was published as iPhone only, but they have already fixed it and submitted 2.4 last week to fix this and other Network bugs, waiting for Apple Expedited Approval.
Click to expand...

Oh that is good to know - see, the whole "last time i checked" it didn't either! LOL!!

Now maybe i can try it. Seriously, not that i know anyone with any of them. My parents got Ping! today, so gee, I can talk to them at least.
 
Version 2.4 has been approved and posted to AppStore. I just downloaded the update for my wife's iPod and everything is great again.
 
Why isn't Blipr in that comparison? It's currently 100% Free :). It works perfectly and you can send tons of different sounds with each message. You can add me (ID in signature).
 
Vandam500 said:
Why isn't Blipr in that comparison? It's currently 100% Free :). It works perfectly and you can send tons of different sounds with each message. You can add me (ID in signature).
Click to expand...

Ummm...anything that plays burp sounds is automatically disqualified. lol.
 
these apps are really redundant imo wih so many its hard for every one to agree on what app to use im sure if you have one imo they are really starting to become the "ifarts" of the app store community ive seen atleast 10 last night browsing the app store.
 
E3BK said:
Ummm...anything that plays burp sounds is automatically disqualified. lol.
Click to expand...

Come on, that's not even fair lol. There are over a hundred sounds! Not just burp sounds and there neat! Try it for yourself:)
 
Whatsapp...second time

I really liked BuzzMe! but wasn't popular amongst my friends. Fast delivery of messages and never lost any on transit. I liked the UI and the way the time-stamp looks (like sms).

I had Whatsapp installed but deleted it when BuzzMe! came out (early Nov) as it was missing a lot of features. I just reinstalled it after hearing about the new features/update. Also seems like a lot of my friends and even family are currently using Whatsapp as shown in my contacts...real nice feature. I was even surprised that old messages (mid Nov) were delivered when I re-installed and opened the app again. Personally, I still don't like the look of the chat bubbles and time-stamp and not being able to customise the colour of the chat bubbles. Be good if the chat bubbles and time-stamp look like the built in messages app (sms). But functionality, and reliability is fine and I know more people using it.

Will keep my eye on iMessenger though...looks promising. But if most of the people I know aren't using it, there's really no point for me to install it.
 
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