Missing Features: MMS

Generally Speaking…

For all the advanced technology that the iPhone has to offer, it does not offer a way to send MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), which includes everything from sending videos, audios, to pictures. Furthermore, the iPhone also does not currently support video recording (although it can via jailbreak). This means that when others take pictures and videos - with their not so tech savvy cell phones and send it to us (iPhone users), we cannot read it! What an upset for all those traveling lovebirds that need to see each other’s faces every five seconds, or for those shopping buddies that split up and shop three places at once via MMS! iPhone users are currently restricted to sending these multimedia messages through email, which poses another problem... What if the receiver does not have a phone that reads email? Generally speaking, multimedia messaging on the iPhone (and in fact, on many cell phones) is still one big mess.

All about MMS

So with all this fuzz about the iPhone not having MMS, it really makes one re-think if it's even necessary. Before we analyze the pros and cons of MMS, let us first consider how this technology began in the first place. The root of the technology is simple - it all started with SMS, which has a 160 character limit, and was originally developed for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) networks. SMS was a low cost alternative to emailing and even calling, and quickly caught on. By the year 2000 billions of SMS messages were being delivered monthly! However, as the 2G GSM technology becomes obsolete, so does the limited 160 words SMS. The 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Program) soon proposed lifting the word limit, and adding multimedia support. 3GPP quickly partnered with WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), and MMS was born!

Pros and Cons of MMS / Email

So why not MMS? Well first, the cost of MMS, depending on your carrier, can be as high as forty cents per message sent/received. This means that a simple two way MMS convo can cost you almost a dollar! Some of you might be skeptical; after all, you’re already handing over fifty dollars a month to your carrier for that unlimited “data plan,” they’ve got you covered, right? Sadly, many times this assumption can be painfully wrong. Although your SMS and data roaming package (which allow you to browse the internet, check your email, etc. etc.) may be unlimited, your MMS is often not! However, MMS does provide users with a quick and convenient way that almost guarantees its “readability” to the message’s recipients. So, even if your less tech-savvy friend does not have a Smartphone (or does not wish to pay for any type of data roaming) they could still easily and surely receive your message! On the other hand, emailing a multimedia, especially on the iPhone, is by no means difficult. In fact, sending a picture requires no more than a few clicks. You begin by selecting an image from your Camera Roll, then tapping the little arrow on the bottom left hand corner, (which would allow you to apply the picture as your wallpaper, email your photo, or assign the image to a contact) and finally entering the recipient’s phone number, followed by @ and the name of their respective carrier in the subject line! Another way (perhaps a simple-r way) for North American users would be to enter the recipient’s number followed by @teleflip.com, which will then automatically forward the message to the correct carrier!

The Alternatives!

For example, SwirlyMMS, a free application for the jailbroken folks, allows users to send pictures via MMS. Even though Apple has proposed the idea of MMS they have yet to provide users with an official, integrated way of sending MMS. A couple applications via AppStore and jailbreaking has already been developed to fill this gap! However, it is currently limited to sending only, and not receiving. Furthermore, the only type of multimedia it currently supports is pictures. Another alternative is JuiceCaster’s Flutter, available via the AppStore. However, this application only “appears” to allow users to send MMS when realistically, it first transfers the multimedia through the company’s server, then forwards it to the recipient. Furthermore, this app also lacks support for receiving MMS.

But What about 3.0? 3.0? 3.0?!!

So firmware 3.0 is going to have MMS support! Whee! According to Apple, users will be able to send pictures, locations, v cards, and audio as additional features to the stock SMS app! Furthermore, they announced that there will be a new voice application that will help users record and send audio recordings! However, MMS via 3.0 update will NOT be available to first generation iPhone owners! Apple claims that this is due to its hardware restrictions. However, apparently SwirlyMMS works on first generation iPhones, hmm. It also appears that the new MMS feature will not have support for sending videos. Apple again states that there are hardware restrictions in addition to conflicts with the type of flash memory Apple uses. However, rumors are already circulating that Apple is busy at work on providing future users with video recording capability via a stock app. Perhaps the next generation iPhones will have a different type of flash memory! But, until then, email and Swirly MMS is the way to go!