The following text message transcript is not real. Any similarities between it and an actual text message are purely coincidental. No letters or punctuation marks were hurt during the making of this transcript.

- Management.

“Hey. I just got my new Centro! :-)”
“LOL. That’s great!!!”

Y’know…I hadn’t STARTED out texting much. Occasionally I’d have to reply “Stop” to an unwanted solicitor, or “Ha ha. That’s a good one Rusty” to another. But after my daughters, and several friends continued sending me messages,
I found myself texting more and more.
And then, when I saw the number of text messages on my bill….

“Hello. My name is Perry Gonzalez, and I text”
“A lot”

So I slowly began to use the terms LOL, BTW, TTYL and Smileys when sending messages. That seemed to work for the most part. But I learned, like many, that while texting was a fun way to communicate, SMS’s character limit sometimes crimped my ability to get across my actual feelings. Did the recipient truly get my point? For instance, did the reply above convey laughter or sarcasm?

In late 2005 two guys, Greg Woock and Joe Sipher gave this some serious thought and decided to take messaging to another level. They co-founded Pinger.

What is Pinger? Their site reads this way:

“Pinger is instant voice messaging for your mobile phone.
With Pinger you send voice messages directly to someone instantly—
no ringing, no greetings, no lengthy prompts.
Pinger is fast and efficient like email, but with your voice.
It’s mobile like text messaging, but with more personality.
It’s a new communication tool for your crazy life.”

Yep. They’re right. You can send messages of up to five minutes to your friends and family, with your actual voice, utilizing the text messaging system on your mobile phone. It’s wild! After the initial call (to get the “conversation” started), all continuing voice reply notifications by both parties can be transmitted through text messaging only. I tried it several times with Alli, duck, and one of my daughters. It worked great! Different at first, but don’t be surprised at how quickly you’ll get accustomed to it. The cost? Just your regular local call rates. No long distance. Pinger itself is free.

Here’s how you get started. In the US call 1-858 2 PINGER (1-858-274-6437).
Across the pond it’s 0203 051 0982.

You’ll be recognized as a new user.

“Looks like you’re new to Pinger.
Learn how to send voice messages from
your mobile phone, directly to someone else’s.
You’ll want to save the number you just called.
Call whenever you want to send a Pinger Message.
Before you send a message, let me get your name.”

You’ll be prompted to spell your first name. Speak clearly.

“Say the letters of your first name now!”

(Example only) “A..B..C..D..E” After a couple of seconds you’ll hear:

“I heard A. B. C. D. E. If I got the name wrong press star. To confirm, pound.

Press pound if correct.

“Great! Now you’re ready to send a message.”

You’ll hear a musical prompt. Then:

“Please say, or enter the mobile number of the person you want to message.”

Enter the number.
(Example only) “0123456789”
Now the first time I did this I entered the area code. That worked for that entry. My second entry didn’t seem to recognize the area code I entered until after three tries. On my last entry I didn’t use the area code at all, but it was recognized.

“I got 0123456789. To change that number press star.

If the number is correct do nothing.

Now tell me that person’s name so I can remember it the next time.”

Say that person’s name.
(Example only) “Milton TM.”

“Please say it again so I can make sure I heard you right.”

Repeat the name.

“Got it! Next time you call, just say “Milton TM”.

Send this person a Pinger Message. To add another recipient, just say it.
If you’re done adding names, press pound.”

Say nothing and you’ll start your first message.

After you’ve completed your message, you’ll soon get a text message from Pinger labeled
info@pinger.com
Welcome! Pinger lets u send free voice msgs directly to any mobile phone.
Call (the local number you’re assigned) anytime u want to send. Save it now.

The next time you want to start a “conversation” with another friend, call your assigned number. You’ll hear a musical tone, then:

“Who do you want to message?”

Unless you’ve become a Pinger Phiend, (pronounced fiend) and you’ve got a ton of entries it might be easier to go to the last entry of a previous text “conversation”, click on your assigned local phone number, dial it, and just start speaking.
BTW You can also say multiple names to send a group message.

As a courtesy to your friends, do what I did and text or call them to let them know what you’re doing, and to let them know they’ll be receiving another text shortly.

An added feature, but not necessary, is going to pinger.com, registering, and seeing your “conversation” logs and details. You can also add to your Pinger Contacts there.

And finally there’s a little bonus provided by Pinger for all Treo/Centro users.
You’ll have to see that for yourself.
Enjoy.

Related Links

Pinger

Skymail

Simulscribe

PhoneFavs

Filed under: Software reviews