AOL’s new AIM application for the iPhone may exceed some of the basic needs of a few iPod touch and iPhone users. That’s why AOL has also created touchTXT, a free application that allows users with limited wireless access to send text messages. The best part is this application isn’t supported by ads like AIM Free.
The AOL team must have felt that there was a large enough group of limited access users to make such an application. TouchTXT doesn’t allow users to use the iPhone’s data plan, it is a WiFi only application.
“TouchTXT is a purpose built application for customers who want text messaging (SMS and IM) but have a limited access capability (either iPod Touch or iPhone with limited access). We believe that AIM for iPhone is a more complete application for iPhone users who have access to mobile data networks and SMS as well as Wifi and will continue to evolve it as the flagship experience. Rather than leave the others with a partial experience, we created a new experience that should be ‘complete’ in the context of what they have to work with,” said AOL’s Sr. Vice President of Desktop and Mobile Products.
The application includes a very basic interface. At the bottom of the screen there is simply options for messages, contacts and settings. When you go to write a new message there is a field to input either a phone number or AOL screen name. Users can also use their address book to choose a recipient, and just like AIM, an account can be left active for up to 24 hours so messages can be sent to you while not having the application open. That’s pretty much the entire application in a nutshell. TouchTXT doesn’t include buddy lists, favorites or location awareness capabilities just to name a few.
So instead of having users only utilize part of the AIM application AOL decided to gut it out and include just a few simple features in touchTXT.
The application works just as described, but having a buddy list and a few extra features is probably worth the trouble of dealing with ads in AIM Free, at least for most users.
when you send an SMS to a phone number, how does it appear on the other person’s phone? as my screenname? or from my phone number (or even better, with whatever name I’m listed as in the other person’s phone contacts)? also, if they reply to it, where does the reply go?
if you are using touchTXT for your iTouch then just text yourself and see what it come up as.
@Dirk – So far what I have noticed is that when you send a SMS to a phone, it displays whatever your username is. For example, f you logged in through .mac, it would be your email address. As for the replies, it once again depends. If the recipient accepts your message (they must accept or deny) they may simply reply and you will see the message the next time you log in. The phone user can also type in your screen name and then their message, I believe that will make their message show up as an IM instead. I can’t confirm this part however.
Thanks Tyler… love the blog, btw. I was hoping this would act more like a native SMS app, allowing me to stick it to AT&T by not paying their exhorbitant texting charges.
@Dirk – No problem, I am glad you enjoy the site. It isn’t the best solution but if you don’t pay for text messaging for your cell phone it certainly isn’t the worst solution.
I added TouchTXT onto my i touch but can’t get past my login. Is this my google account username and passwrd?
@Keith – Since it is an AOL product it only allows you to send messages via your AIM account or .mac I believe.
Uh so whenever I try to send a text it says “user can’t recieve messages when offline.” or whatever somethin like that,
HELP.!
Uh so whenever I try to send a text it says “user can’t recieve messages when offline.” or whatever somethin like that,
HELP.!
ha woops double comment. Sorry.
I know this sounds like a silly question, but have you tried sending a SMS to more than one user with the same result? Does the user you are sending the SMS to have a capable phone/plan? Any extra information would be helpful!
Uh naw nvm.
I figures it out.
Thanks tho.
the same thing happened to me it said offline or whatever, how did you fix it?
Did you ever figure out the solution?
so i have wifi and everything but everytime i try to sign it to touchtxt it doesn’t let me…
weird right? and when I’m signed it it says at the top of the screen in red “signed off-Tap to reconnect” and i do that but it doesn’t connect me! grrr! so after that I go into the settings where it has my account name and at the top it says in a little box “sign out” but i’m already signed out because it say tap to reconnect. confusing right?
so if anyone can tell me if i’m signed in or out that would be wonderful.
What if both the receiver and the sender is an iTouch user? What to put in the To: SMS Number? Can this work internationally? :\
I found this site that works for SMS —> http://www.txt2day.com
How do u add contacts on touchtxt
TouchTXT uses your iPod’s address book, so basically whatever is entered there is available to use. Otherwise, you can simply enter a contact when creating the message.
I’m wondering if I’m texting a person from touchtxt if they get charged?
Do they get a fee because I sent them a text?
OR is just like any other texting on a regular phone?
If they have they unlimited plan, they won’t be charged?
Or will they still be charged?
@Miki if you haveit figured out, mindtelling me ? Dealing with the same problem here.
Hey who all can receive the texts? When I say that I mean what companies…..
if the person you are texting at first deny’s the text message…will they ever be able to recieve text messages from you again?
that seems to be the problem with me, some of my friends weren’t certain of what it was when they recieved the text message from me so they denied it and now everytime that i try and send a message to them it says that this person did not recieve my text because they have not accepted aim texting…or something close, is there anyway for them to start accepting my text messages once they denied it?
im having the same issue as Tamika
friend accidentally deleted message becuz she didnt know what it was
How can she recieve another one or be able to get my touchTXT texts?
Ok when i send my best friend a txt frn my ipod it say after i send it “your message has been sent to my cell phone.Even though i can read it i cannot reply”..sumthing of that sort!!..WHaT iS ROnGg!!????
My friend has a ipod touch and i have a cell phone. he sends me messages from his ipod. How do i reply??
Hey I have an iPod touch. When I text my friends it says phone unavailable but they still get the messages, they can still text back I just can’t recieve the texts. Like they text me and it says sent but I never get anything…. Any suggestions ?
Hey I’ve been trying to send the SMS messages through AIM but every time I try sending it says the number cannot receive messages offline. I’m getting a bit frustrated, does anybody know of a solution?
Hey my friend has an itouch and i can send her one and it sends but she cannot respond to me or send me anything. it says i am logged off but im using a cell phone. . .? why does it do that?