Messaging Apps - WhatsApp - Voxer - Signal etc vs just regular text? (3 Viewers)

[gianmarco]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

 

[Joe Bryant]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

I mean for me. I've gotten some excellent answers here and it's been a great thread.

I saw it more like @DA RAIDERS

And was simply trying to see what others saw. Which is why I asked.

 

[waiver wire]

whatsapp
everywhere

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

totally agree and will add
Many countries , whatsapp is included with the data package so it doenst count against your data usage
Whatsapp is used around the world but hasnt really caught in in US and Canada
Most business's can be contacted via whatsapp except again in US and Canada

i barely use text or messenger now

 

[Joe Bryant]

whatsapp
everywhere

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

totally agree and will add
Many countries , whatsapp is included with the data package so it doenst count against your data usage
Whatsapp is used around the world but hasnt really caught in in US and Canada
Most business's can be contacted via whatsapp except again in US and Canada

i barely use text or messenger now

Thanks.

What's your process when say you have a contact and you want to send a text message?

If you have their phone number in your contacts, is there an easy way to see if they're on whatsapp? Or how does that go?

 

[Major]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted

it seems to be popular amongst street pharmacists

 

[waiver wire]

whatsapp
everywhere

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

totally agree and will add
Many countries , whatsapp is included with the data package so it doenst count against your data usage
Whatsapp is used around the world but hasnt really caught in in US and Canada
Most business's can be contacted via whatsapp except again in US and Canada

i barely use text or messenger now

Thanks.

What's your process when say you have a contact and you want to send a text message?

If you have their phone number in your contacts, is there an easy way to see if they're on whatsapp? Or how does that go?

with WhatsApp you sign up with 1 number and you can keep the number for life so you can switch out sims and still be able to chat

if they are in your contacts and have WhatsApp , they show up
if they are not in your contacts, you just add them to your contacts and start messaging them

I have my notifications off for whatsapp and texts , so i just check it
all my sports groups use it and my ff leagues plus i chat and call my friends around the world for free if on wifi

I hope North America companies catch up and start using it

I do get spam messages on it, just like texts and i just block them

 

[Joe Bryant]

whatsapp
everywhere

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

totally agree and will add
Many countries , whatsapp is included with the data package so it doenst count against your data usage
Whatsapp is used around the world but hasnt really caught in in US and Canada
Most business's can be contacted via whatsapp except again in US and Canada

i barely use text or messenger now

Thanks.

What's your process when say you have a contact and you want to send a text message?

If you have their phone number in your contacts, is there an easy way to see if they're on whatsapp? Or how does that go?

with WhatsApp you sign up with 1 number and you can keep the number for life so you can switch out sims and still be able to chat

if they are in your contacts and have WhatsApp , they show up
if they are not in your contacts, you just add them to your contacts and start messaging them

I have my notifications off for whatsapp and texts , so i just check it
all my sports groups use it and my ff leagues plus i chat and call my friends around the world for free if on wifi

I hope North America companies catch up and start using it

I do get spam messages on it, just like texts and i just block them

Thanks. That's helpful.

 

[soothsayer]

I am a consistent high-volume user of Voxer. I'll do my best to explain how/why - and this may go in a different direction than is anticipated:

- While Voxer has text functionality, that is clunky at best and would be a very poor reason to use the app.

- Voxer allows users to send/share both pictures and video. I think videos need to be under one (1) minute or else they need to be sent via a cloud link instead.

- I think I've been using the app for over a decade (it was originally released in 2011) and I have NO idea about, nor am I concerned with, its security. I imagine it could be used to send/receive illicit or sensitive material but my gut says there would be far better and more secure options for those purposes.

- Voxer bills itself as a walkie-talkie application and it can be used that way. If you keep the app open on your phone, you can talk back and forth live with the touch of a button. Where Voxer shines, however, is as an ongoing voice conversation. My friends and I - six of us located in various states around the country - leave a series of messages for each other in a big long string.

The easiest way to think about it is like a series of "voice-mails" that everyone on the string can listen to and respond to at their convenience. When you listen to the first new message, it just flows into the next message and beyond to create one long message for the listener. These voice recordings can be as long or short as you like although we've landed on 45 seconds as the unofficial max length of a single Vox.

Example - this morning I left a series of 16 messages (Voxes). They total approx. 8 minutes of actual talking. These messages were in response to a series messages a couple of my friends left in the last day or so. Theirs totaled over 100 Voxes in the last 24 hours totaling probably close to an hour's worth of content - a busier than average day. So what we've created over time is a decade-long, ongoing dialogue that we all just record when we feel like it, listen to when we feel like it, and broadcast only to ourselves. I listen primarily when I'm in the car or the shower or when I'm just sitting around as the mood strikes me - though I typically only Vox when I'm in the car.

As freinds we've grown significantly closer than any other relationships I have outside of family. The app has allowed us to have constant access to one another (on everyone's own schedule) as our personal "board of directors" and I honestly think that's how we all now view each other. I don't see how communicating over text would have had the power to accomplish this, but by actually speaking to each and hearing our voices, it's an app that has fundamentally changed the depth of our freindships. Realistically I don't see any way we'd all type out all the things we say to each other...it's the fact that we can talk to each other on our own time, sort of like being on a therapist's couch or behind a podcast microphone that works for us. It has time-shifted our conversation among friends in the same way that Tivo time-shifted watching TV back in the day. It may not be for everyone, but for six of us, it has literally been life-changing.

There may be other apps that would allow for the same use-case.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I am a consistent high-volume user of Voxer. I'll do my best to explain how/why - and this may go in a different direction than is anticipated:

- While Voxer has text functionality, that is clunky at best and would be a very poor reason to use the app.

- Voxer allows users to send/share both pictures and video. I think videos need to be under one (1) minute or else they need to be sent via a cloud link instead.

- I think I've been using the app for over a decade (it was originally released in 2011) and I have NO idea about, nor am I concerned with, its security. I imagine it could be used to send/receive illicit or sensitive material but my gut says there would be far better and more secure options for those purposes.

- Voxer bills itself as a walkie-talkie application and it can be used that way. If you keep the app open on your phone, you can talk back and forth live with the touch of a button. Where Voxer shines, however, is as an ongoing voice conversation. My friends and I - six of us located in various states around the country - leave a series of messages for each other in a big long string.

The easiest way to think about it is like a series of "voice-mails" that everyone on the string can listen to and respond to at their convenience. When you listen to the first new message, it just flows into the next message and beyond to create one long message for the listener. These voice recordings can be as long or short as you like although we've landed on 45 seconds as the unofficial max length of a single Vox.

Example - this morning I left a series of 16 messages (Voxes). They total approx. 8 minutes of actual talking. These messages were in response to a series messages a couple of my friends left in the last day or so. Theirs totaled over 100 Voxes in the last 24 hours totaling probably close to an hour's worth of content - a busier than average day. So what we've created over time is a decade-long, ongoing dialogue that we all just record when we feel like it, listen to when we feel like it, and broadcast only to ourselves. I listen primarily when I'm in the car or the shower or when I'm just sitting around as the mood strikes me - though I typically only Vox when I'm in the car.

As freinds we've grown significantly closer than any other relationships I have outside of family. The app has allowed us to have constant access to one another (on everyone's own schedule) as our personal "board of directors" and I honestly think that's how we all now view each other. I don't see how communicating over text would have had the power to accomplish this, but by actually speaking to each and hearing our voices, it's an app that has fundamentally changed the depth of our freindships. Realistically I don't see any way we'd all type out all the things we say to each other...it's the fact that we can talk to each other on our own time, sort of like being on a therapist's couch or behind a podcast microphone that works for us. It has time-shifted our conversation among friends in the same way that Tivo time-shifted watching TV back in the day. It may not be for everyone, but for six of us, it has literally been life-changing.

There may be other apps that would allow for the same use-case.

Thank you. Some friends that love voxer and use it a ton is what got me started on this.

I also think this is a good illustration of how people are different. I will always prefer a text over a voice mail. But obviously other people like voice mail better.

 

[soothsayer]

I also think this is a good illustration of how people are different. I will always prefer a text over a voice mail. But obviously other people like voice mail better.

I actually hesitated to call it like voice-mail because I HATE voice-mail and I don't like being on the phone. This doesn't feel like that at all. Voxer has somehow created a space that allows for such ease and comfort of use without it feeling like being on a call or checking VM. I can see that I have messages waiting, open up Voxer and with one press of a button I'm listening to whatever has been left with no interruptions or breaks between them. It's like hitting play on a podcast and then pausing whenever I feel like it. Or hitting record on a podcast whenever I feel like responding, asking a question or riffing off the current conversation. It's probably not for everyone but I bet there are lots of fanatical users.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I also think this is a good illustration of how people are different. I will always prefer a text over a voice mail. But obviously other people like voice mail better.

I actually hesitated to call it like voice-mail because I HATE voice-mail and I don't like being on the phone. This doesn't feel like that at all. Voxer has somehow created a space that allows for such ease and comfort of use without it feeling like being on a call or checking VM. I can see that I have messages waiting, open up Voxer and with one press of a button I'm listening to whatever has been left with no interruptions or breaks between them. It's like hitting play on a podcast and then pausing whenever I feel like it. Or hitting record on a podcast whenever I feel like responding, asking a question or riffing off the current conversation. It's probably not for everyone but I bet there are lots of fanatical users.

Hmm. I'm going to think on that as it sounds to me exactly like voice mail. I'll have to play around with it.

My friends that love voxer are super smart so I know there must be more to it. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Major]

I also think this is a good illustration of how people are different. I will always prefer a text over a voice mail. But obviously other people like voice mail better.

I actually hesitated to call it like voice-mail because I HATE voice-mail and I don't like being on the phone. This doesn't feel like that at all. Voxer has somehow created a space that allows for such ease and comfort of use without it feeling like being on a call or checking VM. I can see that I have messages waiting, open up Voxer and with one press of a button I'm listening to whatever has been left with no interruptions or breaks between them. It's like hitting play on a podcast and then pausing whenever I feel like it. Or hitting record on a podcast whenever I feel like responding, asking a question or riffing off the current conversation. It's probably not for everyone but I bet there are lots of fanatical users.

Hmm. I'm going to think on that as it sounds to me exactly like voice mail. I'll have to play around with it.

My friends that love voxer are super smart so I know there must be more to it. Thanks for sharing.

I haven't used Voxer but this sounds more like a voice text on apple phones

 

[titusbramble]

Whatsapp for groups, texts for individuals

 

[Sand]

I have a cheap phone plan that doesn't do international. So on those occasions I buy a cheap sim card overseas and use Whatsapp to contact family. Works great.

Never even heard of Voxx. Signal seems uber cool, but that's the 8 year old in me thinking "so nobody can read my messages!". In reality I have no idea what to do with it and never tried it.

 

[Tick]

Is the cost of SMS that expensive?

I don't think this is still a thing is it? Is anyone still paying for individual texts?

That was my thought too. I was just trying to think of why anyone would use it over regular SMS texting that is so easy.

Some college friends and I use Discord. It's nice to have channels - same group of people has some sub-groups, like a Cocktails group that shares pictures of what they're drinking (that I avoid) and a Games channel where the people who do Wordle and Connections chat about it without irritating those who don't. It works well for us.

 

[Tick]

Also, iPhone doesn't let you mark texts unread. That's stinky. Discord does, I assume the other apps do as well.

 

[Tick]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

To not turn this too political, I'll bet there are people on both sides of the political spectrum who have concerns about the other side going on a witch hunt, doing something basic like searching for people complaining about them and then targeting those people for audits or whatever. My friends and I complain about whichever side is in charge (though it's gotten slanted to one side pretty heavily in the past decade).

 

[CGRdrJoe]

we are required to use signal to text about business due to people having a mix of apple and android. There is no encryption across the operating systems and for now DHS believes signal to have a level of encryption At this point I just do what I’m told.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

One of the biggest things for me for the other messaging apps like Whatsapp etc is you can use them via a desktop app on your PC, or even in a browser.

I work on a laptop all day so it's much easier to just get a ding on my PC and respond there rather than pulling out my phone and typing stuff on the phone keyboard.

On Android I can access my texts via the web too, but it's somewhat wonky if there are iphone users in the group. And I think iPhone users can access their texts on their computer, but again if Android users are in the group it either gets wonky or I think may not even work at all. Even on the phone itself, text groups act weird when users from both platforms are involved. Whatsapp etc don't have any of those issues.

Other advantages to the apps:

• They store history forever, even if you get a new phone. In my business we require clients use whatsapp or messenger for this specific reason, so we always have an audit trail of things they agreed to or asked us to do if they deny it later.
• There aren't limits on media size like there are for texting. Particularly for video. In my main friend group we send vids of our kids, golfing vids, etc all the time and they're not compressed or shortened like they often are via text (again, even worse if there's a mix of iOS/Android users)
• Works internationally

 

[shuke]

It just seems easier and seems to generate more discussion.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I also think this is a good illustration of how people are different. I will always prefer a text over a voice mail. But obviously other people like voice mail better.

I actually hesitated to call it like voice-mail because I HATE voice-mail and I don't like being on the phone. This doesn't feel like that at all. Voxer has somehow created a space that allows for such ease and comfort of use without it feeling like being on a call or checking VM. I can see that I have messages waiting, open up Voxer and with one press of a button I'm listening to whatever has been left with no interruptions or breaks between them. It's like hitting play on a podcast and then pausing whenever I feel like it. Or hitting record on a podcast whenever I feel like responding, asking a question or riffing off the current conversation. It's probably not for everyone but I bet there are lots of fanatical users.

Hmm. I'm going to think on that as it sounds to me exactly like voice mail. I'll have to play around with it.

My friends that love voxer are super smart so I know there must be more to it. Thanks for sharing.

I haven't used Voxer but this sounds more like a voice text on apple phones

That's what I thought. iPhone has a simple and clean way to leave a voice text. But I rarely use it. With voice recognition typing so good, it's super easy to "write" a text message by speaking it and hit send. If you use Siri, you don't even have to press send.

But that's another point for my question. It seems to me like Apple has this dialed in. Yet tons of people use alternatives and that got my attention.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It just seems easier and seems to generate more discussion.

Sorry but I don't understand. What seems easier?

 

[jhib]

I feel like I'm missing something as I can't see why people would do anything other than the easiest and most inclusive thing and go with text.

This is what it comes down to for me. I think what you're saying is that everyone has texting on their phone, so that must be the most inclusive option. But not everybody's standard phone texting app works the same way and they are not all fully compatible with each other (like what gianmarco noted about texting video clips), and there's not much they can do about it. That makes using an app like WhatsApp more inclusive, not less, especially with larger groups.

Also, a lot of people are already used to using more than one app for messaging - whether its something like standard texting, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, etc - so having everything in one place isn't as important to them. Personally, most of my own messages are with my wife and kids, and they are split between texting and Snapchat. Then I use WhatsApp for my extended family group, where it just works best for the most people for sharing photos, videos, and regular old text texts together in one place.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I feel like I'm missing something as I can't see why people would do anything other than the easiest and most inclusive thing and go with text.

This is what it comes down to for me. I think what you're saying is that everyone has texting on their phone, so that must be the most inclusive option. But not everybody's standard phone texting app works the same way and they are not all fully compatible with each other (like what gianmarco noted about texting video clips), and there's not much they can do about it. That makes using an app like WhatsApp more inclusive, not less, especially with larger groups.

Also, a lot of people are already used to using more than one app for messaging - whether its something like standard texting, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, etc - so having everything in one place isn't as important to them. Personally, most of my own messages are with my wife and kids, and they are split between texting and Snapchat. Then I use WhatsApp for my extended family group, where it just works best for the most people for sharing photos, videos, and regular old text texts together in one place.

Thanks. I can see that. I think it's also for me personally, my text groups are 99% iphone users so for me, it is more inclusive. But I can see your point of how it wouldn't be if I had a lot of Android phone friends in the groups. Although, with them, I"m not sure why but my Android friends aren't experiencing the negative experience gianmarco described.

 

[shuke]

It just seems easier and seems to generate more discussion.

Sorry but I don't understand. What seems easier?

The ability to generate/maintain discussion. I know it doesn't seem to make sense. But it does to me.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It just seems easier and seems to generate more discussion.

Sorry but I don't understand. What seems easier?

The ability to generate/maintain discussion. I know it doesn't seem to make sense. But it does to me.

Do you mean the apps like WhatsApp and Voxer make generating discussion easier than texts?

 

[Terminalxylem]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

Stupid question, but this is only while on WiFi, correct?

 

[Joe Bryant]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

Stupid question, but this is only while on WiFi, correct?

That's not stupid at all. I didn't even think of that.

 

[gianmarco]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

Stupid question, but this is only while on WiFi, correct?

Nope. Any data, mobile or Wi-Fi. Here in the US, obviously, that data is free with your mobile device plan (for most everyone). You can message or call anyone anywhere in the world with Whatsapp at no cost.

If you're actually outside of the US, the same applies. If you're traveling, then you can get a sim for mobile data, then again, Whatsapp is "free". Or you can connect to Wi-Fi. Doesn't matter.

Whatsapp uses data, however you get it.

 

[jhib]

I feel like I'm missing something as I can't see why people would do anything other than the easiest and most inclusive thing and go with text.

This is what it comes down to for me. I think what you're saying is that everyone has texting on their phone, so that must be the most inclusive option. But not everybody's standard phone texting app works the same way and they are not all fully compatible with each other (like what gianmarco noted about texting video clips), and there's not much they can do about it. That makes using an app like WhatsApp more inclusive, not less, especially with larger groups.

Also, a lot of people are already used to using more than one app for messaging - whether its something like standard texting, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, etc - so having everything in one place isn't as important to them. Personally, most of my own messages are with my wife and kids, and they are split between texting and Snapchat. Then I use WhatsApp for my extended family group, where it just works best for the most people for sharing photos, videos, and regular old text texts together in one place.

Thanks. I can see that. I think it's also for me personally, my text groups are 99% iphone users so for me, it is more inclusive. But I can see your point of how it wouldn't be if I had a lot of Android phone friends in the groups. Although, with them, I"m not sure why but my Android friends aren't experiencing the negative experience gianmarco described.

Yeah, if normal texting works well for you and the group, there's probably no reason to switch, IMO. I don't think you're missing much if anything. Most people I know in the States who I know use WhatsApp only really use it to text people internationally (who pretty much exclusively use that) or for larger group texts with a bigger variety of people/situations and a decent amount of videos/photos involved.

As far as the Android guys, it could be true (I don't know if you've explicitly asked them) or it could be that they just don't complain . I know I have a long-time regular text thread with some of my brothers. Two of us on Android, one on iOS, and one I think must switch back and forth every time he gets a new phone lol. Every once in a while the iOS bro sends a garbage-looking video, but nobody makes it an issue bc it really doesn't matter much, mostly because it's usually just a stupid joke video anyway. If it happened more often and we cared about the quality of the videos sent back and forth, we'd probably move that thread over to WhatsApp along with our bigger family thread.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I feel like I'm missing something as I can't see why people would do anything other than the easiest and most inclusive thing and go with text.

This is what it comes down to for me. I think what you're saying is that everyone has texting on their phone, so that must be the most inclusive option. But not everybody's standard phone texting app works the same way and they are not all fully compatible with each other (like what gianmarco noted about texting video clips), and there's not much they can do about it. That makes using an app like WhatsApp more inclusive, not less, especially with larger groups.

Also, a lot of people are already used to using more than one app for messaging - whether its something like standard texting, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, etc - so having everything in one place isn't as important to them. Personally, most of my own messages are with my wife and kids, and they are split between texting and Snapchat. Then I use WhatsApp for my extended family group, where it just works best for the most people for sharing photos, videos, and regular old text texts together in one place.

Thanks. I can see that. I think it's also for me personally, my text groups are 99% iphone users so for me, it is more inclusive. But I can see your point of how it wouldn't be if I had a lot of Android phone friends in the groups. Although, with them, I"m not sure why but my Android friends aren't experiencing the negative experience gianmarco described.

Yeah, if normal texting works well for you and the group, there's probably no reason to switch, IMO. I don't think you're missing much if anything. Most people I know in the States who I know use WhatsApp only really use it to text people internationally (who pretty much exclusively use that) or for larger group texts with a bigger variety of people/situations and a decent amount of videos/photos involved.

As far as the Android guys, it could be true (I don't know if you've explicitly asked them) or it could be that they just don't complain . I know I have a long-time regular text thread with some of my brothers. Two of us on Android, one on iOS, and one I think must switch back and forth every time he gets a new phone lol. Every once in a while the iOS bro sends a garbage-looking video, but nobody makes it an issue bc it really doesn't matter much, mostly because it's usually just a stupid joke video anyway. If it happened more often and we cared about the quality of the videos sent back and forth, we'd probably move that thread over to WhatsApp along with our bigger family thread.

Thanks. I do want to give them a try though and see. This thread has been helpful with all the different insights.

 

[Joe Bryant]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

Stupid question, but this is only while on WiFi, correct?

Nope. Any data, mobile or Wi-Fi. Here in the US, obviously, that data is free with your mobile device plan (for most everyone). You can message or call anyone anywhere in the world with Whatsapp at no cost.

If you're actually outside of the US, the same applies. If you're traveling, then you can get a sim for mobile data, then again, Whatsapp is "free". Or you can connect to Wi-Fi. Doesn't matter.

Whatsapp uses data, however you get it.

Thanks. To make sure I'm clear, you can be camping in an area with no wi fi but if you do have cellular service, you can send a WhatsApp message?

 

[gianmarco]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You asked the question and you've gotten a couple legitimate answers and you're still saying you don't see a reason?

The BIG one is being able to text/call internationally for no charge. It's used globally. Go to Europe and many businesses list their Whatsapp number.

Another big reason I mentioned above is to connect Android and iPhone much better than through SMS.

You may not have those needs, but many others do.

Stupid question, but this is only while on WiFi, correct?

Nope. Any data, mobile or Wi-Fi. Here in the US, obviously, that data is free with your mobile device plan (for most everyone). You can message or call anyone anywhere in the world with Whatsapp at no cost.

If you're actually outside of the US, the same applies. If you're traveling, then you can get a sim for mobile data, then again, Whatsapp is "free". Or you can connect to Wi-Fi. Doesn't matter.

Whatsapp uses data, however you get it.

Thanks. To make sure I'm clear, you can be camping in an area with no wi fi but if you do have cellular service, you can send a WhatsApp message?

If you have cellular DATA service, yes. For the most part, any place you have cellular signal, you'll have mobile data service.

Bars of service -- Cellular phone service, ability to make a phone call.
Mobile data service -- 3g/4g/5g/5gUW -- Your ability to connect to the internet, browse, send pictures, etc.

WhatsApp uses data service. Nowadays, if there's cellular signal, then data is also almost certainly going to be there, but speeds may vary.

 

[shuke]

It just seems easier and seems to generate more discussion.

Sorry but I don't understand. What seems easier?

The ability to generate/maintain discussion. I know it doesn't seem to make sense. But it does to me.

Do you mean the apps like WhatsApp and Voxer make generating discussion easier than texts?

Yes, they seem to for whatever reason.

 

[The Z Machine]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You're not listening. People have outlined at least 3 reasons why Whatsapp is better than SMS.

Maybe those aren't compelling to you but there are reasons.

 

[Joe Bryant]

A friend replied to same question:

they're all end to end encrypted. No one is seeing messages on those platforms ever other than you and the people you’re messaging. It’s all about security and privacy.

SMS is easily hacked, tracked, or subpoenaed.

That sound right?

What are people texting that needs to be encrypted?

I'm guessing it's things they want to keep private. Maybe they're talking about sensitive stuff or maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

I just don’t get it. Cheating on their wives? Dirty pics? Tax evasion? Planning a coup? Trade secrets? Talking **** about the boss?

Makes no sense that the average person is concerned with security and getting their text messages subpoenaed. I wonder how many Fbg’s have been subpoenaed

That was my question. I don't get it either.

I don't see any reason to go outside of regular text chat. It's so easy and everyone has it. The friction of getting everyone to add another app so you can do the same thing you can already do on text chat didn't make sense. Yet I know tons of people use and love them. So I asked.

You're not listening. People have outlined at least 3 reasons why Whatsapp is better than SMS.

Maybe those aren't compelling to you but there are reasons.

Please don't confuse accusing me of not listening with not agreeing. I'm absolutely listening.

Because I don't agree with the reasons or they're not compelling for me doesn't mean I'm not listening.

This thread has been super helpful.

It's why I wrote above, "Thanks. I do want to give them a try though and see. This thread has been helpful with all the different insights."

 

[Joe Bryant]

It just seems easier and seems to generate more discussion.

Sorry but I don't understand. What seems easier?

The ability to generate/maintain discussion. I know it doesn't seem to make sense. But it does to me.

Do you mean the apps like WhatsApp and Voxer make generating discussion easier than texts?

Yes, they seem to for whatever reason.

Thanks. That's interesting.

 

[Nemesis]

Interesting discussion - I too have noticed that having both Iphone & Android in a SMS group text can be a challenge............. especially if trying to add or remove a user as well as NAMING the SMS group text. I think it's gotten a little better in the last yr or 2, but i still see some issues.

But another Question for this group that is in the same ballpark:
What about GROUP SHARED NOTES ?

When we go on group vacation, I like to start a group Iphone shared Note.
This note could hold a rough Daily Agenda. it could mention some restaurants that we might eat at, or something like the different flights & times.
It's a great way to share the vacation planning load & also gives people an easy place to follow along so that they aren't 100% dependent on 1 person.
It's a good way to avoid arguments or for people to know what to wear for tomorrow. ▶ "The info is in the Group Note"
And since things don't always go to plan, it is 100% editable by anyone with Read/Write Access........so anyone can move things around & everyone can get a notification & see the changes.

The above is great IF....everyone has an iphone.
What I've found is that if I try to add or share the Note with an Android user, the Android user only gets the info in static like text while the Iphone users can still make edits/updates.

Do any of the other apps mentioned in this thread also include the SHARED NOTE functionality ?
I do use WhatsApp...........and I don't think they include this (i wish that they did)

 

[Cricket]

Check out the Atlantic article about Trump administration using signal for an active military mission… if true, that should be national news.

 

[Cricket]

https://archive.is/JEYep
https://www.theatlantic.com/politic...-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/

 

[Josh Hines-Ward-Alan-Carr]

Did Andoid change something in their default text app recently? I seem to get the check when I send a message now and two checks when it's gone through - very similar to Whatsapp and this is happening regardless of whether I'm sending to another Android and iPhone user.

It makes sense if they have, with the rest of the world so heavily on Whatsapp, it seems like it would only be a matter of time before Android would incorporate its features or some cross functionality. No idea if Apple would be doing similar though based on their general ethos, I'd assume not.

 

[gianmarco]

Did Andoid change something in their default text app recently? I seem to get the check when I send a message now and two checks when it's gone through - very similar to Whatsapp and this is happening regardless of whether I'm sending to another Android and iPhone user.

It makes sense if they have, with the rest of the world so heavily on Whatsapp, it seems like it would only be a matter of time before Android would incorporate its features or some cross functionality. No idea if Apple would be doing similar though based on their general ethos, I'd assume not.

Yes. It's called RCS.

 

[3C's]

Check out the Atlantic article about Trump administration using signal for an active military mission… if true, that should be national news.

Would comment but it would get me a TO.

 

[3C's]

Did Andoid change something in their default text app recently? I seem to get the check when I send a message now and two checks when it's gone through - very similar to Whatsapp and this is happening regardless of whether I'm sending to another Android and iPhone user.

It makes sense if they have, with the rest of the world so heavily on Whatsapp, it seems like it would only be a matter of time before Android would incorporate its features or some cross functionality. No idea if Apple would be doing similar though based on their general ethos, I'd assume not.

Yes. It's called RCS.

And it's spectacular

 

[belljr]

Did Andoid change something in their default text app recently? I seem to get the check when I send a message now and two checks when it's gone through - very similar to Whatsapp and this is happening regardless of whether I'm sending to another Android and iPhone user.

It makes sense if they have, with the rest of the world so heavily on Whatsapp, it seems like it would only be a matter of time before Android would incorporate its features or some cross functionality. No idea if Apple would be doing similar though based on their general ethos, I'd assume not.

Yes. It's called RCS.

And it's spectacular

Been rolling with RCS for years.

 

[belljr]

Turn on RCS for your MMS/sms

 

[beer 30]

Thanks. I do want to give them a try though and see.

If you really want to kick the tires on these apps, post your contact info here and see how it goes

 

[eighsse2]

Regular texts for me, don't need any special apps.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

what is weird is I now get the ... from my android friends when they are replying to my texts (I have an iphone), this is something that has only happened over the last few months.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Regular texts for me, don't need any special apps.

I wish this was still the case for me, mandatory signal for all work-related texts due to people owning different platform personal phones.