GOGII

Chris Velazco is a mobile enthusiast and writer who studied English and Marketing at Rutgers University. Once upon a time, he was the news intern for MobileCrunch, and in between posts, he worked in wireless sales at Best Buy. After graduating, he returned to the new TechCrunch to as a full-time mobile writer. He counts advertising, running, musical theater,... → Learn More For all the work that GOGII has put into their free textPlus messaging app, they have spent much of the last two or so years letting users do essentially one thing: communicate via text. As of today, that’s no longer the case: with the launch of their Free Calls app, GOGII’s trying to stake their claim in the voice space too. Sure, GOGII tested the waters with the textPlus’s Voice Note functionality, but the Free Calls app takes that concept and runs with it. Current users will find no reason to fret: they can stick with their existing textPlus phone numbers while new users will get a U.S. phone number of their very own. Once everything is set up, users can make calls to cell and landline numbers using either WiFi or their phone’s data connection. The app comes bundled with a few free trial minutes, but after that users will have to buy buckets of minutes from within the app itself. Of course, textPlus has managed to pick up quite a few users since their debut in 2009, so “in-network” or textPlus to textPlus calls will be free. And that’s not all the the folks at GOGII have to celebrate — they tell us that textPlus has just recently tip-toed over the 20 billion messages sent milestone. Astute readers may remember that it took the company nearly 2 years to hit the 10 billion message mark, so there’s little question that the free messaging service is picking up steam. The voice shift seems like a pretty drastic one for the company, but it’s not exactly unprecedented for players in the messaging space to branch out into voice service. In fact, competition is getting pretty fierce: Pinger’s Textfree has similar voice call functionality, and big players like Skype have been combining voice and messaging service on mobile devices for a while now. For now, textPlus’s new calling functionality is limited to devices of the Apple persuasion, but an Android-friendly version of the app should be out before the end Read More

Want to pay less than $1 for phone calls? Shell out for an iPod Touch and make sure you’re near a Wi-Fi network. It’s possible with a new app from Gogii, the maker of popular messaging app TextPlus, which is launching a new service called TextPlus Free Calls that enables a host of devices, even Wi-Fi-only devices, to make and receive phone calls for free or very cheaply. With TextPlus Free Calls, users will be able to make unlimited free phone calls to other TextPlus members. And because TextPlus connects to traditional PSTN phone systems, users can connect directly to regular phone numbers at rates starting at 99 cents for 40 minutes without a contract or plans. Free trial minutes will be available to users who sign up. Devices like the iPod Touch will now be able to serve as phone replacements through Text Plus Free Calls running over Wi-Fi. There’s some caveats but it’s another sign that Wi-Fi calling is getting bigger and a lot easier for consumers. But it’s not just for Wi-Fi only devices:TextPlus can help cell phone users reduce their voice minutes to the lowest plan while running their calls over Wi-Fi and 3G data. The iOS app, which is separate from the TextPlus Free messaging app, is available now and will be in the Android Market shortly. Users will be able to use one account across multiple devices and will be able to access their call history and voice mail from any device. The move pits TextPlus against a growing number of IP-based communications competitors, dubbed NUVO or Network Unaffiliated Virtual Operators by Sybase.  Many of the group text messaging services fall into this category and a smaller number of providers also offer voice services, some that come with their phone number like Google Voice and Pinger’s TextFree and others like Viber that don’t. By connecting to the PSTN, Text Plus Free Calls can send and receive calls to and from phones that don’t use the app. The rise of these services are forcing traditional carriers to rethink their business models. The messaging apps are helping wean users off SMS text messages by connecting users directly over the Internet. And voice services are increasingly offering direct connections that allow users to forgo highly reliable phone calls and monthly data plans, for pay-as-you-go voice services that can offer free or very cheap calls. It presages a future where voice is just an app on the data Read More

Want to pay less than $1 for phone calls? Shell out for an iPod Touch and make sure you’re near a Wi-Fi network. It’s possible with a new app from Gogii, the maker of popular messaging app TextPlus, which is launching a new service called TextPlus Free Calls that enables a host of devices, even Wi-Fi-only devices, to make and receive phone calls for free or very cheaply. With TextPlus Free Calls, users will be able to make unlimited free phone calls to other TextPlus members. And because TextPlus connects to traditional PSTN phone systems, users can connect directly to regular phone numbers at rates starting at 99 cents for 40 minutes without a contract or plans. Free trial minutes will be available to users who sign up. Devices like the iPod Touch will now be able to serve as phone replacements through Text Plus Free Calls running over Wi-Fi. There’s some caveats but it’s another sign that Wi-Fi calling is getting bigger and a lot easier for consumers. But it’s not just for Wi-Fi only devices:TextPlus can help cell phone users reduce their voice minutes to the lowest plan while running their calls over Wi-Fi and 3G data. The iOS app, which is separate from the TextPlus Free messaging app, is available now and will be in the Android Market shortly. Users will be able to use one account across multiple devices and will be able to access their call history and voice mail from any device. The move pits TextPlus against a growing number of IP-based communications competitors, dubbed NUVO or Network Unaffiliated Virtual Operators by Sybase.  Many of the group text messaging services fall into this category and a smaller number of providers also offer voice services, some that come with their phone number like Google Voice and Pinger’s TextFree and others like Viber that don’t. By connecting to the PSTN, Text Plus Free Calls can send and receive calls to and from phones that don’t use the app. The rise of these services are forcing traditional carriers to rethink their business models. The messaging apps are helping wean users off SMS text messages by connecting users directly over the Internet. And voice services are increasingly offering direct connections that allow users to forgo highly reliable phone calls and monthly data plans, for pay-as-you-go voice services that can offer free or very cheap calls. It presages a future where voice is just an app on the data Read More

Want to pay less than $1 for phone calls? Shell out for an iPod Touch and make sure you’re near a Wi-Fi network. It’s possible with a new app from Gogii, the maker of popular messaging app TextPlus, which is launching a new service called TextPlus Free Calls that enables a host of devices, even Wi-Fi-only devices, to make and receive phone calls for free or very cheaply. With TextPlus Free Calls, users will be able to make unlimited free phone calls to other TextPlus members. And because TextPlus connects to traditional PSTN phone systems, users can connect directly to regular phone numbers at rates starting at 99 cents for 40 minutes without a contract or plans. Free trial minutes will be available to users who sign up. Devices like the iPod Touch will now be able to serve as phone replacements through Text Plus Free Calls running over Wi-Fi. There’s some caveats but it’s another sign that Wi-Fi calling is getting bigger and a lot easier for consumers. But it’s not just for Wi-Fi only devices:TextPlus can help cell phone users reduce their voice minutes to the lowest plan while running their calls over Wi-Fi and 3G data. The iOS app, which is separate from the TextPlus Free messaging app, is available now and will be in the Android Market shortly. Users will be able to use one account across multiple devices and will be able to access their call history and voice mail from any device. The move pits TextPlus against a growing number of IP-based communications competitors, dubbed NUVO or Network Unaffiliated Virtual Operators by Sybase.  Many of the group text messaging services fall into this category and a smaller number of providers also offer voice services, some that come with their phone number like Google Voice and Pinger’s TextFree and others like Viber that don’t. By connecting to the PSTN, Text Plus Free Calls can send and receive calls to and from phones that don’t use the app. The rise of these services are forcing traditional carriers to rethink their business models. The messaging apps are helping wean users off SMS text messages by connecting users directly over the Internet. And voice services are increasingly offering direct connections that allow users to forgo highly reliable phone calls and monthly data plans, for pay-as-you-go voice services that can offer free or very cheap calls. It presages a future where voice is just an app on the data Read More

Android version of the popular messaging app textPlus got an important update. There cool features included in this release, like: In related news, textPlus keeps growing like crazy and is now used by more Android than iPhone users. The application kept its status at the 15 Social apps list on the Android Market. It’s free to download and you can grab it (if you already don’t have it running on your smartphone) from a link below… textPlus Free Texting + Groups (FREE) [Android Market link] textPlus Int’l Free Messaging (FREE) [Android Market link] Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis. Read More

Android version of the popular messaging app textPlus got an important update. There cool features included in this release, like: In related news, textPlus keeps growing like crazy and is now used by more Android than iPhone users. The application kept its status at the 15 Social apps list on the Android Market. It’s free to download and you can grab it (if you already don’t have it running on your smartphone) from a link below… textPlus Free Texting + Groups (FREE) [Android Market link] textPlus Int’l Free Messaging (FREE) [Android Market link] Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis. Read More

Popular messaging app textPlus has just been updated in the Android Market. The service allows you to create your own user name to share with other textPlus users and even provides you with your own unique phone number for sending out SMS messages for users who aren’t yet signed up for the service. Today, they’ve added even more features like sending out Voice Notes (helpful when driving) for free to other textPlus users or anyone in the U.S. or Canada. Also added was the ability to link to your Facebook account and get notified when one of your friends signs up for textPlus. With it’s clean, simple interface and newly redesigned navigation, textPlus is a great option for those who don’t have unlimited messaging plans with their carrier. FREE APP to APP* messaging anywhere in the world with textPlus! For Android phones and tablets.Also, text to any 10-digit US or Canadian phone numbe... Read More Downloads >250,000 Read More

...19, 2010 RSS Feeds Profile Privacy Policy About Gear Write for us AppConsumerApp news, reviews, "Top 5 Apps" lists, and social network                    Find apps for your interest, hobby or profession: Loading "Top 5 Apps" ListsApp VideosApp Video DatabaseFunny app videosVideo App ReviewsInvesting in appsNewsAndroid NewsApp NewsAppConsumer NewsApple NewsBlackBerry NewsCody Wi... Read More

Popular SMS service/app textPlus is going one step forward by introducing real phone numbers, allowing users to chat with their buddies that don’t have to run textPlus! You either get an automatically assigned phone number or select a specific area code and number for $1.99/year. At the moment this is a U.S. thing only, but I’m sure it will be expanded to other places in no time. In other words, iPod Touch and iPad WiFi-only owners can now use textPlus along with some VoIP app and effectively turn their devices into full-fledged phones (when in hotspot, that is). International users can use textPlus for free app-to-app messaging anywhere in the world, and Canadians can also text within Canada and to the U.S. using the textPlus short code – 60611. In the other textPlus news, they now have 25 million people using the service which have sent over 4 billion messages! In total, textPlus for iOS and Android devices has been downloaded 10 million times. Impressive! textPlus (FREE) [iTunes link] [Android users will have to search for textPlus in the Android Market] Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis. Read More

Group texting is an activity that, in the past, seemed largely confined to teenagers at sleepovers. But the applications are limitless for adults concerned with life’s important moments. Trash-talking with buddies on game day? Meeting up with your friends and their children for the trick-or-treat circuit? A quick opinion from the ya-ya sisterhood on the dress you’re considering? Group texting is a great tool for these situations, and free smartphone apps like Fast Society (iPhone), textPlus 4 (Apple and Android devices), BrightKite (Apple, Android and BlackBerry) and GroupMe (iPhone and, next month, Android) have emerged to make it easier and smarter. Download one of these apps, invite others to join your group, and fire away. Other members of the group don’t need the app, as long as they have a phone and, presumably, an all-inclusive texting plan. BrightKite and textPlus offer the bonus of free texting, but a new competitor, Fast Society, is particularly valuable for what it doesn’t do: it requires no lengthy registration, and it will not keep a group text active into perpetuity. It also costs nothing, and it lets you easily make free conference calls. Fast Society’s ability to establish a group’s expiration date is a major advantage. Think about it. Groups are fluid things, with members coming and going according to the situation. You may want to connect with 12 people at a concert, or a bachelor party or convention, but after the event, who really wants to receive daily missives from the group member with sharing issues? And who wants to deal with the politics of cutting off the group discussion after a certain member’s last text? With most of the available group-texting apps, you can let a group lay fallow easily enough — and on GroupMe for iPhone, you can delete a group manually. If you don’t go through that trouble, though, you get the credit, and the blame, for the continuing trickle of conversation. Fast Society is simple to use. After downloading, it asks for your iPhone number and sends you a text, to which you respond, “Go.” You then start the app and type your name and ZIP code, and select your team’s expiration point. It can be in three, six or 12 hours, or one, two or three days. The app makes it easy to build a team from your contacts list, although, like GroupMe, Fast Society does not allow you Read More