read reports for text messages

bordercars

we are in a poor signal area and rather than keep trying to contact a group of 3 by calls, want to go down the text route. but we need to know the message has been seen. BBM looks great as from what i have seen when sent it gets a "tick" when delivered a D appears and when read a R.

2 phones are really only used for incoming and therefore are on a PAYG.

I have an iphone3, another has an android and the 3rd is an old rubbish phone, i thought about us all having blackberrys (basic 2nd hand ones) but as 2 are on a PAYG it would be £5 month for the bb data.

is there any system we could use whilst keeping 2 phones on an almost free sim, and get reports that the message has been read.

grumbler

I think, unlike BBM that uses data connection, traditional text message services support only delivery reports, not read reports.

bordercars

I can see the difference between sms and mms , i think we have to look at mms, but how and where?

Buzby

MMS starts at 35p per message, and the last time I used it did not support Read reports in any meaningful way. Since a DElivery Report confirms the message left you successfully, wouldn;t it be easier to ensure the recipients checked their handsets regularly (as you know they'be got it?). A phone call might do the trick! ;-)

bordercars

just in time..

Apple today announced iMessage, a new messaging service for iOS 5 users called. The service promises unlimited SMS-esque messaging between iOS users on iPod touch devices, iPhones and iPads. iMessages can be text, photos, videos, locations or include contact data. If it sounds like BBM, RIM's BlackBerry Messaging service, that's because, well, it sounds a lot like BBM actually -- and increases device lock-in as well. Users of iPads and iPod touch devices will get built-in text and picture messaging, unlimited and free, which is nice for parents who don't want to splurge on an iPhone for little Timmy, but still want him to be able to keep in touch with friends.

For iPhone users, iMessage will be built in to the standard text message window, so using it should be pretty seamless. Other features include group messaging, delivery and read receipts, typing notification and secure encryption. Of course, keeping with the sync via iCloud theme, users will be able to start a conversation on one device and finish it on another. No word yet if iMessage will be included in iChat for OS X Lion as well, but I wouldn't be surprised if it makes an appearance there as well.