The Good
- Clean interface
- Supports group texting
- Free
The Bad
- No assigned phone number
- Not all carriers supported
Textie Messaging (Free) is another option for texting from the iPod touch if you don’t like textPlus or TextFree Unlimited. Although it has some downsides compared to other texting apps, Textie Messaging does have a terrific interface that is a lot less cluttered than its competitors.
Read More: Best Texting Apps for the iPod touch
No assigned phone number
Unlike other texting apps I’ve tested, Textie Messaging doesn’t assign you a phone number that you can use to send and receive messages. Rather, it uses your email address to replicate the texting process. When your recipient receives a text, it displays your email address in the ‘from’ line and your message. Underneath the text, a signature is automatically added that says the text was sent from Textie Messaging (you can opt for an ad-free version for US$1.99). Fortunately, your recipient doesn’t need to have the Textie Messaging app installed in order to view or reply to your text.
Like textPlus, Textie Messaging supports group texting so you can send one message to multiple recipients. Push notifications also keep you updated on when you have a new text. You can send a text message to a phone number or email address, which gives you some added flexibility. However, I missed having an assigned phone number to give to friends and acquaintances -- especially if I didn’t want to share my personal email address.
Another downside is that not all wireless carriers are supported. T-Mobile and Sprint, for example, are notable exceptions. If your recipient doesn’t have a supported phone number, you can always use email instead. However, I don’t know what carrier all of my contacts use, so that method is hit or miss.
Great interface
One thing I love about Textie Messaging is its simple interface. Texting apps have a tendency to be “cutesy” with lots of bright colors, cartoonish animations, and pictures. That may appeal to some, but I like simplicity when it comes to texting apps. Textie Messaging has a plain interface with no unnecessary embellishments, so it is easy to read your texts without distractions.
The Bottom Line
Textie Messaging has some real downsides -- not all carriers are supported and you don’t get an assigned phone number -- but I really do love the interface. Compared to those texting apps with bright colors and cartoonish graphics, Textie Messaging’s clean lines and uncluttered interface are very refreshing. This app is obviously not for everyone, especially if you want your own phone number for texting. Overall rating: 3 stars out of 5.
What You’ll Need
Textie Messaging is compatible with the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad. It requires iPhone OS 3.1 or later.