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Why do they give you the option to send a text message to someone's email address?

Devices like iPods, iPads, and computers that support iMessage (the instant messenger thing, so to speak) do not have a phone number. So, if you are trying to message someone who doesn't have a device with a phone number, you can put their email address, instead of their phone number, in the "To" section when writing a message. The email address serves as a phone number for devices that don't have a phone number.

Additionally, having an email address alternative for your iPhone is pretty useful. If you are sending messages to a friend in another country, you should create an iMessage conversation with their email address instead of their phone number. The reason for this is because sometimes messages get sent as texts if they fail to deliver, and it could cost you a lot with international rates.
 
TH55 said:
No, it's an annoying confusion that happens several times a day. I shouldn't have to, majority should rule.
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I'm sorry. My iPad continues to use the option I selected until I change it. Sounds like your doesn't. I'm running iOS 6.1.3

Hope you find a solution soon.

Cheers
 
TH55 said:
No, it's an annoying confusion that happens several times a day. I shouldn't have to, majority should rule.
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I would bet the majority likes imessage and the way it works!

It seems you are a constant complainer, 8 pages of started threads and most of them are complaints about one thing or another. Maybe you should not use a cell phone or computer. I think you would be much happier.

:apple:
 
TH55 said:
I'm saying the majority use the messages app for sending texts, not emails.
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It's NOT an email!

That's been explained to you more than once in this thread. It's an iMessage that happens to use an email address and not a phone number as an identifier. But just because it uses an email address instead of a phone number as an identifier does not make it an email.

Does using an email address in iChat or the Messages app (on a Mac) as your identifier mean you are sending emails and not instant messages?!
 
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TH55 said:
I'm saying the majority use the messages app for sending texts, not emails.
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As has been repeated to you multiple times in this thread in clear fashion - it's not an email.

Repeating that it IS an email will not make it one.
 
TH55 said:
I'm saying the majority use the messages app for sending texts, not emails.
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Please re-read the explanations in this very thread to understand what you are misunderstanding about iMessage (which has nothing to do with sending emails).
 
TH55 said:
I'm saying the majority use the messages app for sending texts, not emails.
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The majority uses the Messages app for sending messages. These messages may be SMS, MMS or iMessage type.

iMessages ARE NOT EMAILS. This has been explained several times, in several ways, by several different people. There is also information about iMessage on the Apple website. There is a ton of information out there and it's available for free, you just need to read and comprehend it.
 
Guys, TH55 starts these threads and loves to argue his singular point into the ground. No point in wasting anymore bandwidth. Apple sucks and TH55 should be running the company.
 
I honestly think the OP is taking the piss, it's been explained several times but he still keeps repeating the same nonsense about emails...
 
T5BRICK said:
The majority uses the Messages app for sending messages. These messages may be SMS, MMS or iMessage type.

iMessages ARE NOT EMAILS. This has been explained several times, in several ways, by several different people. There is also information about iMessage on the Apple website. There is a ton of information out there and it's available for free, you just need to read and comprehend it.
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I understand, I'm sorry I think I misspoke. What I meant to say was that the vast majority of people use the messages app for sending text messages to other cell phones numbers, not email addresses.

Therefore, I think it's cumbersome and a bit of a hassle to have to carefully select the right one every single time when most people use the persons number, not their email address. I have accidentally clicked their email address multiple times and therefore it slows down the process having to pay particular attention to a step that should be quick and efficient. As a result, I have removed all of the email addresses from each and every contact.

I saw someone mentioned somewhere in this thread that iOS 6 has remedied this issue and now remembers your preferred method. If so, then I apologize as I am still on iOS 5.01 until a jailbreak has been written for iOS 7.

Sorry for any frustration I have caused with this or any other thread, I know you guys are only trying to help me. I do not come here simply to complain about Apple, I like to find relief and information as to why certain things are the way they are with the software and hardware. I do admittedly get frustrated at times with some of Apple's business practices and design choices.
 
TH55 said:
I understand, I'm sorry I think I misspoke. What I meant to say was that the vast majority of people use the messages app for sending text messages to other cell phones numbers, not email addresses.
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iMessage does not send messages to email addresses, nor does it send emails. It sends iMessages to other iMessage users. The email address, just like your phone number on your phone, your user name on this forum, or your social security number for tax purposes, is simply a way to identify you.

I really don't get how you're not understanding this. Don't you know other people with iPhones/iPads/Macs? When you message them, do the message bubbles show up in blue sometimes instead of green? That is iMessage.

I don't know how else to explain it to you. I certainly hope that Apple doesn't remove the ability to send iMessages, I use it all the time and I know I'm not the minority.
 
T5BRICK said:
iMessage does not send messages to email addresses, nor does it send emails. It sends iMessages to other iMessage users. The email address, just like your phone number on your phone, your user name on this forum, or your social security number for tax purposes, is simply a way to identify you.

I really don't get how you're not understanding this. Don't you know other people with iPhones/iPads/Macs? When you message them, do the message bubbles show up in blue sometimes instead of green? That is iMessage.

I don't know how else to explain it to you. I certainly hope that Apple doesn't remove the ability to send iMessages, I use it all the time and I know I'm not the minority.
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Oh ok I see what you're saying now. Yes, I know what iMessage is. So you're saying iPod touches and iPads have the messages app?? I had no idea.
 
TH55 said:
Oh ok I see what you're saying now. Yes, I know what iMessage is. So you're saying iPod touches and iPads have the messages app?? I had no idea.
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Even Macs too! (As reply after reply earlier in this thread have repeatedly been pointing out.)
 
TH55 said:
No, it's an annoying confusion that happens several times a day. I shouldn't have to, majority should rule.
Click to expand...

On IOS 7 I see phone numbers sorted first then email at the bottom of the list when composing a new message. Seems pretty logical.
 
I love the option of having iMessage. Like most said, it's great to have especially when sending a text overseas. And too it doesn't clog up your email acct.


I don't send a lot of text messages and not buying into $20 per month unlimited text. That's $240 per yer. In two years I could have saved that money and purchased another gadget or buy tires for my car. lol

That option to send a text to someone's email has been there for atleast 10yrs or so. I remember sending text to emails because some phones couldn't receive emails. Truly sending text and emails are the same. The difference is the address. A text is to a number ex. 123-4567 an email is ex 1234567@vtext.com Both go through the same channels. I think someone mentioned it. This I don't think is on Apple but more on the carriers?
 
TH55 said:
I hate this....when you start a new text and search contacts, both their phone number and email address pop up. I constantly accidentally click the wrong one. The contacts that don't have an email stored are much easier, only one option.

Why on earth would I ever want to send a text to someone's email address?
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You would send a text to someone's emails address if they have an iPad/iPod device only.
 
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