MessageNow approved. FREE app for iPhone-iPhone messaging

[derek13]

Update 11/13/2009
MessageNow has been approved in the App Store.
Get it for FREE in the App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/messagenow/id335927877?mt=8)



http://enflick.com/msgnow_screenshots/0.png http://enflick.com/msgnow_screenshots/1.png
http://enflick.com/msgnow_screenshots/2.png http://enflick.com/msgnow_screenshots/4.png
http://enflick.com/msgnow_screenshots/3.png


All messages sent using MessageNow are FREE and INSTANT (just like BBM).

Features:
-Your own unique Screen Name
-Push notifications (be notified of new messages)
-Contact photo integration with your Address Book
-Selectable ringtones
-Set different ringtones for different contacts
-Personalize app with different themes and backgrounds
-Send messages to any iPhone and iPod Touch WORLDWIDE

I will do my best to answer any questions you may have!

[kicko]

wow!! you aim to please, this looks incredible.

[Eminemdrdre00]

Wow looks great...and its FREE?! Nice job! I'll stick to Textnow, just because I dont have a lot of friends that are iPhone users, but this is a great option for those who do!

[IronLogik]

Why not just integrate this with the USMS app?

Actually. Why even have a separate app at all? I mean... uh... yea... this is sorta pointless.

Especially with like what... 6 different apps trying to do the same thing here. Ping, Whatsapp, this, and I've seen others. None of them are able to work with another. Not impressed.

[mebx86]

Can I follow your progress on Twitter?

[derek13]

Can I follow your progress on Twitter?

Follow us on Twitter @enflick :)

[derek13]

Why not just integrate this with the USMS app?

Actually. Why even have a separate app at all? I mean... uh... yea... this is sorta pointless.

Especially with like what... 6 different apps trying to do the same thing here. Ping, Whatsapp, this, and I've seen others. None of them are able to work with another. Not impressed.

We are in discussions now as to whether or not we should integrate this into the U SMS app. We value your suggestions are will do what we can to maximize user experience.

[Eminemdrdre00]

I think you might the right decision by making them 2 separate apps. U SMS kind of already has a similar feature built in if you enabled the U SMS Network option.

[nburwell]

I know there are some free messaging apps out there that have ads within the app. Since messagenow will be free and stay free, will there be any ads within the app? Or will it be free of them?

[OriginalFormula]

What does Messagenow offer beyond alternatives like Ping? And for your screen name, is it user defined, or is a mix of letters and numbers like Blackberry PIN numbers?

[mebx86]

Is it gonna have message read notification? That would really set it apart

[SWISSHAT]

Yeah right it is free...but where is it?:mad:

[PBF]

Yeah right it is free...but where is it?:mad:
Sneak peek?

OP, you might as well correct your title. ;)

[efp1]

Wow, this app looks great!

[andylyon]

Didn't like this app, lack of landscape mode made it useless for me.

[efp1]

Didn't like this app, lack of landscape mode made it useless for me.

The app isn't out yet. Besides, there's clearly a picture of landscape mode in the first post. I think you're mistaken with another app.

[andylyon]

The app isn't out yet. Besides, there's clearly a picture of landscape mode in the first post. I think you're mistaken with another app.

Thank you efp1! I had multiple windows open for reading a few threads and replied to completely the wrong one!

AnDy

[efp1]

Thank you efp1! I had multiple windows open for reading a few threads and replied to completely the wrong one!

AnDy

No worries :)

[Ntombi]

What about sending photos?

[mrzeve]

Looks great, better than the alternatives. However, I have to beg that you include the following before this even launches:
- Offline reading of messages (as in i dont need a internet connection to read my messages - an annoying part of WhatsApp for me)
- ************* Read/Delivered/Typing status ************* this is key

[derek13]

I know there are some free messaging apps out there that have ads within the app. Since messagenow will be free and stay free, will there be any ads within the app? Or will it be free of them?

We will do our best to keep Messagenow completely ad-free.

[yalag]

We will do our best to keep Messagenow completely ad-free.

so what is your revenue model?

[derek13]

What does Messagenow offer beyond alternatives like Ping? And for your screen name, is it user defined, or is a mix of letters and numbers like Blackberry PIN numbers?

It will be a user selected screen name. There will also be a buddy list.

[derek13]

Is it gonna have message read notification? That would really set it apart

The first version will not have it. However, we are working on this feature for the next version and will come as an update.

[derek13]

What about sending photos?

Photo sending will not be available in the first version, but it is currently in development.

[derek13]

Looks great, better than the alternatives. However, I have to beg that you include the following before this even launches:
- Offline reading of messages (as in i dont need a internet connection to read my messages - an annoying part of WhatsApp for me)
- ************* Read/Delivered/Typing status ************* this is key

You will be able to read messages offline.

Read/Delivered/Typing status isn't in the 1st version, but we will add it as updates for future versions.

[derek13]

so what is your revenue model?

We won't be profiting from this app.

By offering this app for free, we are anticipating more users will use our other non-free services such as Unlimited SMS and Mail Notifier.

[PBF]

Why so many developers are obsessed with Beejive type of text input filed??? I've always hated it, plus it looks ugly. Is there any way to mirror the native Messages app in this regard? Please?

[sidewinder]

so what is your revenue model?

It appears to be from people like me that paid for Unlimited SMS! Intead of putting the money made from that app into making it better and more feature rich, and to maintain and increase the carriers supported for SMS, they come out with a free iPhone to iPhone app that has no revenue. Thanks guys....

S-

[derek13]

Why so many developers are obsessed with Beejive type of text input filed??? I've always hated it, plus it looks ugly. Is there any way to mirror the native Messages app in this regard? Please?

The problem is that if we mirror the native Messages app, Apple will reject the app because there isn't enough "differentiation".

[sidewinder]

We won't be profiting from this app.

By offering this app for free, we are anticipating more users will use our other non-free services such as Unlimited SMS and Mail Notifier.

Why would people buy an app if the free one does what they want???????? If they need something the free app doesn't offer, they wouldn't use it in the first place.

What you need is good word of mouth from satisfied customers that have friends using iPhones. I was satisfied....now I am not so sure.

S-

[PBF]

The problem is that if we mirror the native Messages app, Apple will reject the app because there isn't enough "differentiation".
Who said that? So many other messaging apps have similar chat bubbles, text input fields, fonts, etc. Please, reconsider!

[sidewinder]

We won't be profiting from this app.

By offering this app for free, we are anticipating more users will use our other non-free services such as Unlimited SMS and Mail Notifier.

Will Unlimited SMS users be able to send messages to the free app? It better or there is no upgrade path which would kill the idea of users upgrading.

S-

[yalag]

Will Unlimited SMS users be able to send messages to the free app? It better or there is no upgrade path which would kill the idea of users upgrading.

S-

I agree. This sounds like such a bulls hit mess, you should concentrate in improving unlimited sms and stop messing round with new app

[derek13]

Who said that? So many other messaging apps have similar chat bubbles, text input fields, fonts, etc. Please, reconsider!

Our initial version of Unlimited SMS had the similar text input field like the default Messages app.

After numerous times of Apple rejecting the app because it looked too similar to the default Messages app, we decided to change it.

Apple's review process is known to be inconsistent, which is why we were also pretty upset with the rejection.

We will look into making the text input more elegant, but also approvable by Apple.

[derek13]

It appears to be from people like me that paid for Unlimited SMS! Intead of putting the money made from that app into making it better and more feature rich, and to maintain and increase the carriers supported for SMS, they come out with a free iPhone to iPhone app that has no revenue. Thanks guys....

S-

The introduction of Messagenow does not take away any of the R&D budget of Unlimited SMS.

We will continue to reinvest our R&D efforts into Unlimited SMS. Unlimited SMS users will see plenty of new updates to come in the future.

[kicko]

Why would people buy an app if the free one does what they want???????? If they need something the free app doesn't offer, they wouldn't use it in the first place.

What you need is good word of mouth from satisfied customers that have friends using iPhones. I was satisfied....now I am not so sure.

S-



This FREE app has limited use much like the other iphone to iphone apps already. It's basically a "lite" version of USMS. People can try it out and if they enjoy it and wish to text other contacts that do not have iphones they can buy USMS. How does that unsatisify anyone?

[zingzangzola]

Is this going to be available in the uk?

[sidewinder]

The introduction of Messagenow does not take away any of the R&D budget of Unlimited SMS.

We will continue to reinvest our R&D efforts into Unlimited SMS. Unlimited SMS users will see plenty of new updates to come in the future.

How can the free Messagenow not take resources away from Unlimited SMS?

Will Unlimited SMS users be able to communicate with Messagenow users and vice versa?

S-

[derek13]

Is this going to be available in the uk?

Messagenow will be available in the UK.

[nburwell]

Do you have any images of the app logo? Or is that still being worked on?

[derek13]

http://enflick.com/msgnow_screenshots/home.png

This is what the icon looks like

[sidewinder]

One more time....

Will Unlimited SMS users be able to communicate with Messagenow users and vice versa?

S-

[yalag]

One more time....

Will Unlimited SMS users be able to communicate with Messagenow users and vice versa?

S-

NO it's already answered and this app is a friggin waste of time because of it

[mrzeve]

You will be able to read messages offline.

Read/Delivered/Typing status isn't in the 1st version, but we will add it as updates for future versions.

Do your self, and everyone else, a favor and include this in the first release if you want to get ahead of the game. Otherwise, iMessenger it is.

[bbplayer5]

Messagenow looks kinda weird... wish it was maybe iPush or something.

[derek13]

One more time....

Will Unlimited SMS users be able to communicate with Messagenow users and vice versa?

S-

We will add that functionality in Unlimited SMS.

[derek13]

Do your self, and everyone else, a favor and include this in the first release if you want to get ahead of the game. Otherwise, iMessenger it is.

The first release has already been submitted to Apple. We are currently working on the 2nd release and it will have this feature.

[henryzhao]

So will it be like Ping in the way it doesn't require a password?
Also, align the bubble to the right as usually the texts your type are on the right and the friend of the left.
Is it possible to link a user ID to the address book?
Great application, I'm looking forward to it and it will be replacing my Ping because of the price...NOTHING! Which helps me recommend friends to use the app:)
Assuming its available in Australia...Will it be available internationally? Or just in the US? (Don't be like Photoshop.com)

[taimur]

does it do voice messages like BBM?

[derek13]

So will it be like Ping in the way it doesn't require a password?
Also, align the bubble to the right as usually the texts your type are on the right and the friend of the left.
Is it possible to link a user ID to the address book?
Great application, I'm looking forward to it and it will be replacing my Ping because of the price...NOTHING! Which helps me recommend friends to use the app:)
Assuming its available in Australia...Will it be available internationally? Or just in the US? (Don't be like Photoshop.com)

It does not require a password. As for the screen names, they are all kept in your buddy list (in app) and it doesn't use the Address Book.

It will be available worldwide.

[derek13]

does it do voice messages like BBM?

The 1st version will not have voice messages, but we will continue to add features to make it better.

[derek13]

Just an update: The app got rejected by Apple last week because the app was calling private APIs. The app was resubmitted and it should be out shortly granted there are no further rejections.

[PBF]

Will the first release have the text input box similar to the native Messages app?

[derek13]

Will the first release have the text input box similar to the native Messages app?

No, but 1.1 will have a text input box similar to Textnow as shown here:http://blog.enflick.com/?p=59

[derek13]

Update 11/13/2009
MessageNow has been approved in the App Store.
Get it for FREE in the App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/messagenow/id335927877?mt=8)

[erasat]

Hi Derek.

Just downloaded the App and I'm setting it, but there is a bug, as soon as I go to Options and select Default Ringtone, it crashes, everything else seem to be working fine except this one.

**Edit** - Also, while testing it between my 3Gs and my wife's 2nd gen iPod Touch, while in a conversation it is crashing constantly, I still can't figure out what's causing it. I will keep trying to see if I find the reason. It even crashes my 3GS after sending the Buddy invitation to her.

[TonyL08]

Just downloaded the App and I'm setting it, but there is a bug, as soon as I go to Options and select Default Ringtone, it crashes, everything else seem to be working fine except this one.

Same for me.

[PBF]

Incoming time stamps are way off. Anyone else?

[david77]

I'm trying to send a message to a phone number, but the send button will not become active. Am I doing something wrong?

[derek13]

I'm trying to send a message to a phone number, but the send button will not become active. Am I doing something wrong?

You have to select someone in your buddy list. This app does not send to phone numbers. Our Textnow app does though.

[derek13]

Hi Derek.

Just downloaded the App and I'm setting it, but there is a bug, as soon as I go to Options and select Default Ringtone, it crashes, everything else seem to be working fine except this one.

**Edit** - Also, while testing it between my 3Gs and my wife's 2nd gen iPod Touch, while in a conversation it is crashing constantly, I still can't figure out what's causing it. I will keep trying to see if I find the reason. It even crashes my 3GS after sending the Buddy invitation to her.

Thanks for reporting the bug. We will try to reproduce it and get it fixed for the next update.

[erasat]

Thanks for reporting the bug. We will try to reproduce it and get it fixed for the next update.

To be honest, I needed to uninstalled it, I couldn't complete a chat with my wife, after I posted this I tried about 3 more times, and while in a Chat, I could receive 1 or 2 messages and then suddenly it just crashed, I'm taking both of my 3GS and the Touch. I tried setting everything as default, to try to filter the possible cause out, but even with everything as default it was still doing the same.

Let me know if you find the issue, so I can give it a try later.

[TonyL08]

To be honest, I needed to uninstalled it, I couldn't complete a chat with my wife, after I posted this I tried about 3 more times, and while in a Chat, I could receive 1 or 2 messages and then suddenly it just crashed, I'm taking both of my 3GS and the Touch. I tried setting everything as default, to try to filter the possible cause out, but even with everything as default it was still doing the same.

Let me know if you find the issue, so I can give it a try later.

I had pretty much the same experience. Messages were very slow to arrive or didn't show up at all, and it crashed after 2 or 3 of them. The app shows promise, but I obviously need more stability and am sticking to Whatsapp for the time being.

Also, when I uninstalled Messagenow and reinstalled it, I had to pick my username again and it said it was available. Can people have the same username, how does that work?

[derek13]

I had pretty much the same experience. Messages were very slow to arrive or didn't show up at all, and it crashed after 2 or 3 of them. The app shows promise, but I obviously need more stability and am sticking to Whatsapp for the time being.

Also, when I uninstalled Messagenow and reinstalled it, I had to pick my username again and it said it was available. Can people have the same username, how does that work?

You can pick the same username again with the same device, but not if you are using a different one.

[david77]

You have to select someone in your buddy list. This app does not send to phone numbers. Our Textnow app does though.

Thank you for responding. The reason I ask about phone numbers is because when you create a new message, the instructions in the text field are "Enter name or phone number". That's why I assumed you can input a phone number. Am I misunderstanding the instructions?

[derek13]

Thank you for responding. The reason I ask about phone numbers is because when you create a new message, the instructions in the text field are "Enter name or phone number". That's why I assumed you can input a phone number. Am I misunderstanding the instructions?

That is a bug. Thanks for pointing it out. We will get that fixed for the next update asap.

[PBF]

Derek, please, make the landscape mode optional. Thanks.

[derek13]

If anyone wants to add me on MessageNow, my screen name is derek. If anyone is bored and wants to chat, feel free to share your screen name here :)

[henryzhao]

I'm having a similar problem with the ringtones. I didn't for a few hours after downloading the product, but now, it always happens. I also find that its really difficult to send a long message without the app crashing. I hope you can replicate these bugs and fix them ASAP before bringing any new features to the table...

I'm looking to the 1.1 imput bar and I hope that you'll move the send button to the right instead of on the keyboard so that you can send when the keyboard is closed.

Now that in-app purchases for free apps are enabled, are you going to be providing a ringtone and background store? I would buy the scenery one available in Textnow and I would pay premium to be able to choose my own.
Hope that you'll have file sending in another version or two to catch up to Ping which has the update under review.

This will kill Ping...It just needs a few bug fixes. I wouldn't mind if you stuck a few ads in it if it meant you devoted more time to the project, just make a in-app purchase to remove it...($1)

But yeah...Great app, good work!

[derek13]

A new update has been released that fixes the bugs and crash issues that the previous version has.

[PBF]

Still no option to disable landscape mode and emoticons??? How long does it take?

[derek13]

Still no option to disable landscape mode and emoticons??? How long does it take?

We'll keep that in mind for future releases.

If you don't like landscape mode, can't you just keep the device in the portrait orientation? I find it very rare that the device goes into landscape when I am looking at it in a portrait position.

[PBF]

I find it very rare that the device goes into landscape when I am looking at it in a portrait position.
Maybe YOU find it very rare. Not me. Also, I hope your application is meant for your customers and not just you yourself. :rolleyes:

[henryzhao]

So are you going to enable file sending? I would pay $1-$2 for that feature alone. I would also pay for some of the Textnow backgrounds and I hope you make them available for purchase now that it is possible with free apps. Any chance of message read notification?

I hope you get your Android version finished soon and consider starting a Blackberry to dominate the smartphone messaging market. Also, 1.1 seems to have fixed all the bugs that I had with 1.0

[derek13]

So are you going to enable file sending? I would pay $1-$2 for that feature alone. I would also pay for some of the Textnow backgrounds and I hope you make them available for purchase now that it is possible with free apps. Any chance of message read notification?

I hope you get your Android version finished soon and consider starting a Blackberry to dominate the smartphone messaging market. Also, 1.1 seems to have fixed all the bugs that I had with 1.0

Picturing sending and read/delivery indication is coming soon. We are still deciding whether or not we would charge for picture sending.

As for backgrounds/ringtones it will be available in MessageNow like it is in TextNow for the next version since In-App purchases is now available in free apps.

Sneak peak of the Android screenshots are coming soon :)

[derek13]

Here are some screenshots of the Android version of MessageNow
http://blog.enflick.com/?p=78

http://blog.enflick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Main.png

http://blog.enflick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Conv.png

http://blog.enflick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Buddies.png

It will be a free download just like MessageNow on the iPhone.

[pbkiller]

Is it going to be strictly iPhone to iPhone/Android to Android messaging? Or we'll be able to chat with iPhone and Android contacts as well?

[derek13]

Is it going to be strictly iPhone to iPhone/Android to Android messaging? Or we'll be able to chat with iPhone and Android contacts as well?

Android phones, iPhones, and iPods will all be able to communicate with each other.

[pbkiller]

Android phones, iPhones, and iPods will all be able to communicate with each other.

Awesome!!

Are you guys planning on having a Blackberry version as well?

[derek13]

Awesome!!

Are you guys planning on having a Blackberry version as well?

Its being worked on at the moment. Pre support is being worked on as well.

[uncleSmurf]

I downloaded this app today but I can't create a screenname, It does not respond to any keyboard input.

edit: I guess it takes a few time to delete and reinstall the app but please make not of it in case it reoccurs.

[jon8]

MessageNow for Android is now published in the Android Market. Spread the word to your Android buddies :)

[henryzhao]

How is the development of picture sending going? Any word on price? When are we going to see another update with more backgrounds, moved send button?

This app is so good that if more effort was put into development, I would pay for it...I saw somewhere some recommend you ditch this as it doesn't earn money and is a waste of resources now that you have a lite version of Textnow, but if you are considering going that route, please, just make it a paid app and justify the price with features Whatsapp and Ping! don't have...

[andy8782]

i wanna check why after few msg sent my buddy list become so funny.... got few buddy full name become the same..... and how can i link my buddy list to my contact list?

[andy8782]

and another question is,the buddy list seems like auto link to my contact list,and some of it have the same picture with my contact list,and some of it will not link at all~ why?? hope to hear from u soon derek~ thx~~:rolleyes:

[Neebee]

Is MessageNow on Cydia? I cant find it on iTunes.