The Mobile Marketing Blog - TellMyCell

Single App Voice & Text Messaging Just Got a Bit Better

 

The Consumer Electronics Show took place in Las Vegas earlier this month. Scores of innovations, from smart homes to smart phones, were unveiled by designers from around the world. 

Text messaging took center stage. Six15 demonstrated their SMS glasses, which transmit text messages from your mobile device straight to the lens, without the need for using hands.  

But perhaps the most exciting new text message-related product was a new dual-purpose messaging app for both Android and iOS devices. UbiSpeak was developed by Unified Computer Intelligence Corporation (UCIC), the people behind The Ubi, a voice-controlled computer.

Using voice recognition software, it generates both a voice message and a text message. If the recipient also has the app, they’ll get both versions of the message; if they don’t have the app, they’ll get the SMS along with a link to the audio version. 

UbiSpeak isn’t the first of its kind - both Android and Apple have their own versions of something similar - but it is faster and more reliable. The makers say two mediums transmitting the same content gives users ‘a lot more confidence when… sending a quick message.’ 

Like a number of messaging apps, it automatically populates your contact list with the people who you text most often. Other features include a VIP contact option, which will automatically play messages from people you designate - even if the phone is locked.

The app marks a new chapter for UCIC. The Toronto-based startup made their name with The Ubi, a WiFi connected, voice operated computer that uses Android to process spoken commands. You can operate your lighting, for instance, so you can always get that basement light to go on when you’ve got your arms full. Their technology is pretty smart - and it gets better at understanding you over time. 

UbiSpeak (and it’s forbear) is far from perfect, because speech recognition technology is proving one of the hardest nuts to crack. Progress is slow, and it may be decades before truly accurate voice recognition hardware is available. But that’s why it’s even more important that pioneers like UCIC keep pushing boundaries. The more consumers use voice recognition apps and home computers, the more data we can draw on to find out how people use them. In the long run, that will expedite the slow progression towards flawless, 100% accurate voice recognition technology.

 

Text Messaging Glasses Unveiled at CES

 

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) always throws up some exciting new innovations. One of the most talked about gadgets at this year’s event was a pair of glasses that displays incoming text messages without the recipient having to even look at their phone, let alone touch it. 

Unveiled to the public for the first time at CES in Las Vegas earlier this month, Six15’s concept is simple: a Bluetooth connection links a mobile device to the glasses, tracking the head and eye movements to navigate incoming or stored text messages, which are displayed on the lens. 

One battery cycle holds out for 1500 text messages, but Six15 promise future versions with greater capacity and extra features like thermal imaging. The final consumer product is not expected to market anytime soon, but judging by the reaction at CES, hopes are high.

The technology is pretty clever. A built-in head tracker allows augmented reality apps to communicate with the glasses, and patented ODIN see-through optics puts the lenses at around 6mm in thickness (around half that of the much-maligned Google Glass), capable of delivering a wider field of view and bona fide transparency. 

Iterations of the glasses could come with optional thermal and visible cameras for other business applications, and Six15 have announced their intention to devise features specifically for individual applications.

Most importantly in marketability terms, the device represents the first see-through display that’s compatible with existing operating systems. By doing away with an additional OS built into the glasses, a major stumbling block to a viable consumer product has been eliminated. 

The uses are obvious. Any situation that calls for a person to retrieve data whilst maintaining awareness of their environment - such as walking down the street - is ideal for the glasses. The makers say their device could improve warehouse safety, or be used to display GPS locations for first responders in medical emergencies. 

This is not Six15’s first foray into smart glass tech. They’ve been providing similar devices for the military, a pedigree that will stand them in good stead when it comes to winning over consumers. They’ve successfully merged the technology used for defense with some of the key demands made by the consumer market.

In a thinly-veiled slight on the aforementioned Google Glass, the makers say their glasses are ‘a more realistic and less obtrusive application to wearable tech and head-mounted displays, unlike other devices currently in the market…’ 

Six15’s product remains (intriguingly) nameless. But it was the talk of the town in Las Vegas, a genuine leap forward in terms of performance and wearability. We await the final consumer-ready version with excitement.

 

The Best LTE Phones on the Market

In the cell phone world, ‘LTE’ refers to Long Term Evolution, and is widely considered the heir to the current “generation” of UMTS 3G technology, based on WCDMA, HSDPA, HSUPA, and HSPA. 4G LTE is essentially the smartphone standard, but which LTE phones are the best? Let’s check out a few of today’s frontrunners: 

Samsung Galaxy S4

A very popular device following its launch, the Samsung Galaxy S4 remains a top LTE choice. While not as fast as other models, its speed is still comparable, and it also supports HD voice. HD voice is carried over 3G/4G networks depending on your provider, meaning you’ll always enjoy the best clarity. 

Moto X

Advertised with 4G LTE, the Moto X features a variety of “clever” Motorola apps and enhancements, as well as all day battery and stock Android experience. However, its camera has been reviewed as “inconsistent,” and the phone does not include a 64GB option or removable storage. Several updates have improved the phone’s speed among other things. 

iPhone 5S

A fast phone with a fingertip reader and a new camera, additional features include 10-hour battery talk time, excellent screen resolution, 64 GB built-in memory, and dual-core. An expensive smartphone, the battery has been described as occasionally “suspect.” 

Motorola Droid Maxx

The Motorola Droid Maxx features efficient connectivity, as Verizon 4G LTE speeds are “pretty decent.” Celebrated for its “huge” battery, the smartphone also includes touchless control and hands-free features. The display isn’t terribly sharp, however, and the phone only works through Verizon.  

Nokia Lumia 1020 

Known for its sizable 41MP shooter, the Nokia Lumia 1020’s LTE speeds are decent, which includes browsing the web. The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC and LTE bands 2, 4, 5 and 17, and the camera is utterly fantastic. 

HTC Droid DNA

Another smartphone exclusive to Verizon Wireless, the HTC Droid DNA features a sharp screen reviewed as the “perfect complement” to Verizon’s lightning-quick LTE network. Download speeds are crazy-fast, as are upload speeds. It’s also a good price and includes an ah-mazing camera. 

iPhone 5 

The iPhone 5 LTE from AT&T is as “fast as advertised,” with downloads described as “blazingly” quick. Believed to be the best iPhone so far, it features a high-quality camera and interesting UI features. It’s also quite expensive and includes an aging OS. 

Blackberry Z10 

The Blackberry Z10’s “modest” 4.2-inch display makes it one of the more portable modern smartphones, and it includes NFC features, which makes it easy to wirelessly transfer content between handsets and other enabled devices without the need for a network connection.

How to Text Audio Clips on Android

 

If you’ve ever wanted to say more than a text but less than a call, you’re hardly alone. Luckily it’s now possible to send audio clips through Android phones, allowing you to say what you need to say without typing it out or ending up on the phone for hours.  

Android has made the process quite straightforward, as you either install a third-party app or perform the needed steps through the default Messaging app, with the latter capable of sending and receiving audio clips. 

Let’s take a look at how to text audio clips on Android.

 

Reset

Should Google Hangouts function as your SMS client, you’ll need to reset your Android device to default. Simply open Google Hangouts on your device, swipe right from the left edge on the main window to open the sidebar, and tap Settings. Next tap SMS, then SMS enabled, and finally the Default SMS app. Select Messaging from the clips, and voila! You’re now ready to send audio clips. 

Attach

Attaching audio clips varies a wee bit depending on your device, the Android version you’re using, and which third-party audio recording apps you’ve installed. However, the process is essentially the same. First you’ll open Messaging, then create a new message to a contact. Tap the Paperclip icon, then Record audio (which may say ‘Record voice’ depending on your device), and tap the Record button to record your message. Hit the Stop button when you’ve finished recording your message. 

What happens next, again, depends on your device. For example, the Moto X requires tapping ‘Done’ so the voice message is automatically attached to the SMS message. If using another device, such as the LG G3, you’ll see a list of all the messages you’ve recorded. Select the recording you want to add to your message, then tap the Paperclip button, found to the right of the Play button. This attaches your message. Tap the Send button to send your message on its merry way. 

Wrap-Up

Audio clips are ideal for whenever you want to send a little more than a standard text message but don’t have time for an actual phone call. Simply attach an audio clip to an SMS message, but remember how draining recordings are on your data. If you find your audio clip is really long, do the old-fashioned phone call thing.

The Most Famous Texts Ever Sent

Figures from 2010 put the estimated number of active SMS users at 3.5 billion. No other app even comes close to reaching half the world’s population, which is why stories and screenshots of funny, moving or just downright bizarre text messages abound on social media. 

Add a dose of celebrity into the mix and even the most ordinary of text messages can take on new significance. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the most famous - and infamous - SMS messages ever sent, from Day 1 of the entire texting phenomenon.

Date: December 3 1992
Message: ‘Merry Christmas’ 

A little over twenty-two years ago, Neil Papworth sent the world’s very first SMS message. Those two words sparked a communications revolution, laying down the 160-character blueprint for short form messaging to come in the shape of Twitter and other social networking sites. 

Date: August 23 2008
Message: ‘Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee’

Nearly 3 million supporters received this text message from Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The fact that such important news was announced this way made it clear that Obama was setting out his stall as the tech-savvy, forward-looking candidate opposite John McCain, the very picture of the old guard. Prior to that campaign, VPs were announced at televised campaign rallies; using SMS sent a very clear signal to the electorate: you use this technology, we use this technology, ergo we’re the same. By contrast, one of John Adams’ first moves as VP was to propose to the Senate that the newly-elected (and title-less) George Washington be dubbed “His Highness, the President of the United States, and Protector of the Rights of the Same” - not easy to announce in a text message.

Date: November 13 2009
Message: ‘Thatcher has died’

Canadian Transport Minister John Baird sparked a diplomatic panic when his alarming news - texted initially to a couple of friends - spread among high-ranking politicians and military officials. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was on the cusp of issuing an official statement to mourn the death of the Iron Lady. Except she wasn’t dead. ‘Thatcher’ was the name of Baird’s tabby cat. The press pounced and the faces of Canada’s political establishment went Maple Red.

Date: January 2010
Message: ‘LOL’

In stark contrast to his American counterpart, British Prime Minister David Cameron has shown himself to be a bit dense when it comes to text-speak. He famously signed off texts to former News International boss Rebekah Brooks with ‘LOL’ - thinking it meant ‘lots of love’. And people call him out of touch?

Date: April 25 2014
Message: ‘The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus & Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human’

This bizarre random fact (which sounds like a morsel of banality from E.L. Wisty) was typed in 17 seconds by Marcel Fernandes Filho as a way of demonstrating the speed of the Fleksy keyboard app. It worked, and the company retained it’s Guinness World Record title as the world’s fastest keyboard. The phrase has been used to set small-screen speed-typing records for years, and earns itself a place in the SMS lexicon as one of the oddest commonly-typed series of words.

SMS Helping Kids Get Vaccinated for Flu

  

A new study has proven SMS messaging to be an effective way of ensuring young patients get protected against influenza. 

The research was undertaken at Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University, under the auspices of a team led by Dr. Melissa Stockwell. They studied 660 children aged between 6 months and 8 years old, an age range that requires two doses of the flu vaccine, administered 28 days apart. The first dose primes the immune system; the second dose protects it. Kids who fail to get both doses are not fully protected against the virus, a fact which prompted researchers to find ways of increasing follow-up appointments. 

The team sent text message alerts to remind parents of young patients to bring them in for the second dose. They began by splitting the participants into three groups:

• Group 1 received an educational SMS containing information on the importance receiving two doses of the vaccine.
• Group 2 received a conventional reminder SMS, simply alerting them to the time and date of the second appointment.
• Group 3 received a written reminder only.

The results showed that kids who received the educational text message were much more likely to attend their second appointment. Nearly three quarters of Group 1 showed up for the second dose, compared with less than a third of Group 2. Of Group 3, 57% attended for the second shot.

Feedback from the families was positive, with nearly 61% of parents citing the text message alert as either the primary reason or part of the reason they attended the second appointment.  

The findings could ultimately improve flu vaccine coverage, which is low among young children. Dr. Stockwell equates failure to receive both doses to ‘wearing half a bicycle helmet’ and says many kids are ‘unprotected when the virus begins circulating.’

Previous studies have shown that appointment reminders issued by mail or telephone are ineffective, especially among low-income, urban families - precisely the demographic most at risk for under-vaccination.  

Mortality rates are hard to accurately gauge, but CDC estimates anywhere from 3,000 to 49,000 flu-related deaths occurred in the United States between 1976 and 2007. The most at-risk groups are the elderly and the very young, but because seasonal influenza often leads to death from other causes, the virus is rarely listed on death certificates. Experts agree that counting only those deaths where flu is listed on the death certificate would constitute a gross underestimation of the true impact of the virus.

Dr. Stockwell’s controlled trial provides the medical community with valuable information for establishing best practices for influenza vaccine reminders. It seems that text messaging is a highly effective method, one that is already being used with increasing frequency in other areas of medicine.