Instant Messaging
Using Instant Messaging on Your BlackBerry, Smart Phone, PDA or Cellphone
Instant Messaging (IM) on the desktop has made it simple to reach colleagues and friends faster than email or picking up the phone.
Instant Messaging (IM) is a form of real-time communication over the internet between two or more people based on typed text, simular to a private chat room. You will need an IM account and software (see below) to use Lypp Mobile or Lypp Mobile Conferencing.
What's the Difference Between Instant Messaging and Text Messaging / SMS?
Text messaging or SMS (Short Message Service) allows you to send brief messages to other cellphones by entering the recipient's phone number and the text of your message. Messages are sent via your cellphone provider's network with a brief delay between sending and receiving.
Instant Messaging in the mobile environment uses the data connection on your cellphone and works in the same real-time fashion as IM on the desktop. In addition, mobile IM typically uses the same networks and protocols as desktop IM so mobile IM users can send messages to desktop users and vice versa.
The real-time nature of IM lends itself to Lypp in a number of ways, the most significant of which is the immediate connection of your phone call when you send a message to the Lypp buddy. In addition Lypp can return status updates, phone book entries and help information immediately to you via the IM interface.
Getting an IM Account
To use Lypp you'll need to have an IM account with AOL (AIM), Google, MSN or Yahoo!, or use a Jabber account. It's FREE to sign up for any of these services.
If you are a BlackBerry user you may already have Google Talk and / or Yahoo! Messenger installed, and we recommend using either of these services since they are extremely well integrated with BlackBerry phones. For Windows Mobile devices it usually makes sense to use Windows Live (Hotmail, MSN, etc.) but for other devices choose whichever account you prefer.
To create an IM account:
- Go here to get an AOL / AIM screen name.
- Go here to get a Gmail account (for use with Google Talk).
- Go here to get a Windows Live account (for use with MSN / Windows Messenger / Office Communicator).
- Go here to get a Yahoo! account (for use with Yahoo! Messenger). Change:
Installing Instant Messaging on Your Cellphone
If you have a BlackBerry we recommend using the Google Talk or Yahoo! applications created by RIM. Browse to either of the following links from your BlackBerry"s browse rather than clicking on these links from this page.
- www.blackberry.com/googletalk to get Google Talk, or
- www.blackberry.com/YahooDownload to get Yahoo! Messenger.
If you have a Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Smart Phone you already have MSN Messenger installed and simply need to sign in using your Hotmail or other Windows Live account.
Many cellphone providers also offer Instant Messaging as an add-on to your package, either for a low monthly fee (typically $3 - $5) or a per-message fee. Check your provider's website for these options.
However, alternative Instant Messaging applications don't require you to get an IM plan and simply use your data connection. The following are links to IM applications we recommend; however, please note that Lypp is not responsible for the content of external links / third-party websites, and we are unable to provide support for any of the listed applications.
Browser-Based IM Services
These free services require navigation to a mobile website rather than installation of an application on your phone.
- Meebo: Visit http://wwwm.meebo.com/mobile.html on your phone's browser.
- JiveTalk for iPhone: Visit http://iphone.beejive.com on your iPhone's Safari browser.
Installed Applications
Mabber for LG, Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Sony Ericsson and Samsung phones: Available at http://www.mabber.com/mobile.php (free but not as simple to install as some others).
JiveTalk for BlackBerry: Available at http://www.beejive.com (30-day trial, one-time purchase required after 30 days).
Agile Messenger for Windows Mobile, Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones: Available at http://agilemobile.com (free trial, one-time purchase or subscription required after trial ends).
Mundu IM for Windows Mobile, Palm and iPhone: Available at http://messenger.mundu.com (5-day free trial, one-time purchase required after trial ends).