Technology Blog

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Blackberry messenger (referred to as BBM by those that use it) provides a free messaging service for all Blackberry users, regardless of your country of residence. If you don’t own a Blackberry, do not fear! You can still utilize tools similar to Blackberry Messaging to stay in contact with your friends abroad. Some of these tools can also help you talk or message buddies, rather than solely engage in impersonal email messages. Stay in touch with friends and family at an affordable price or for free with the following tools!

WhatsApp

The WhatsApp is an application which is similar to the Blackberry Messenger system. It basically allows application users to communicate freely without charge. It offers an extra bonus however, as it can be used as a communication medium for those with any of the following phones: iPhone, Android, Nokia, or Blackberry. The best part about the application is you can text anyone with the application (regardless of phone type). IPhone users can text a Nokia phone holder through the WhatsApp service for free! Of course, you do have to use your normal internet service to access the application, which is already included in most iPhone plans abroad!

Windows Live Messenger for iPhone

The Windows Live Messenger is a great way to stay in touch with your friends as well. It can also act as a messenger/text service for your friends who have constant access to internet, or better yet, a Smartphone. My mom, who doesn’t have a Smartphone, would use it to keep in touch with me abroad. I would send her an instant message on Windows Messenger to let her know when I arrived safely at my apartment or in a new city/destination. It is quicker than email and some would argue (including me), way more personal!

Twitter Direct Messaging

Tweeting may be impersonal at times, but the direct messenger tool within Twitter can provide an alternate to email or texting abroad. You can set up your account to vibrate or send you a text message every time you receive a new direct message from your Twitter account. Use the tool to send your friends great articles, videos, and any funny messages you read off your twitter (or any other information). Distance shouldn’t keep you from staying in touch with your good friends and family!

Skype Without a Smartphone Internet Plan

For those of you who choose not to use your Smartphone abroad, you can still use your Skype account to talk to your family and friends from your Skype iPhone application. You can actually log into your Skype account from any internet café or location with wireless access! If your friend and you are logged onto Skype at the same time, you can actually hold a real conversation (similar to a telephone call) for free, from any place with wireless internet access. If not, you can purchase Skype credits to call friends and family abroad. Log onto your account, and place a call at your own convenience!