Bridging the Communication Gap: An Overview of Cross-Platform Messengers

Although smartphones are clearly dominating the mobile market, there are more makes and models than we know what to do with. Since it is highly unlikely that you and your extended network all have the same device, a number of apps have emerged that enable multi-platform smartphone messaging, eliminating the cost of texts, and bridging the communication gaps between phones of differing kinds and service providers. Here are the four leading smartphone-to-smartphone messengers:

WhatsApp Messenger ($0.99): Available for all iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Nokia smartphones, WhatsApp enables users to send and receive text, picture, audio, and video messages to each other at no cost. You can also engage in group chats, set statuses, take advantage of a number of customizable options, share locations, and rely on push notifications to get your messages to you even when the app is not activated (no log in/log off required). Furthermore, when push is off or internet connection is not available, WhatsApp saves all incoming messages so that you can access them when the capabilities are re-enabled. Also, there is automatic Address Book integration, so you have access to all your contacts, and the app will inform you of which are WhatsApp users. The app boasts no hidden fees, no international costs, and no need to remember additional usernames and passwords. Users have given WhatsApp an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, saying that it can be a bit slow at times but that it really has become the standard for smartphone-to-smartphone messaging.

Kik Messenger (Free): Like WhatsApp, Kik claims to replace text messaging by being a "fully cross-platform" messenger for smartphones. Kik boasts real time messaging, turning text messages into real-time conversations, notifying you when your messages have been sent, delivered, and read, as well as when the other person is typing and sending a response. Kik also provides push notifications, many customizable options, and the ability to upload profile pictures and "find friends." With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars, users have noted their qualms with the fact that profile pictures can only be taken with the camera (and not uploaded from the camera roll) and that they wish that there was the ability to send picture and video messages, but have also praised Kik for its very fast and smooth operations.

Beluga Messenger (Free): Beluga takes a slightly different spin from the previously mentioned apps by enabling you to create "pods" of friends, with whom you can share updates, keep in touch, and coordinate plans. You can send and receive updates, locations, and photos from your various pods (all information is kept private) so that you can stay in sync with your groups while on-the-go. Push notifications ensure that all information is received even when you're not actively using Beluga, and the app enables you to access messages either from your phone or from the web. Beluga claims to work with ANY type of phone, with native apps for the iPhone and Android, by letting you invite and share with any of your contacts who have e-mail or a mobile phone. Through its emphasis on the pods, Beluga allows you to keep in contact with many groups and circles at once and customize options and settings for each individual pod. However, everyone in a pod does see every update, so if you're looking for more of a replacement for individual-to-individual SMS, this app may not be for you. Beluga's users have given it an average of 4.5 starts out of 5, saying that it actually seems to be limited to droids and iPhones, despite what the description says, and that some features like web browsing and video messages would be desired additions, but the app itself works wonderfully and is great for group chatting.

PingChat! (Free): PingChat! is for all iDevices, Blackberries, and Androids, providing real-time chats, group messaging, and media sharing. It requires you to create a Ping! ID, which you then share with other PingChat! users and begin your live conversations. Like the other apps, it operates over WiFi or your phone's service plan, meaning no text fees or international costs. Furthermore, it claims to be "always on" so that you're always reachable, but if your phone is for some reason unable to receive messages, incoming messages will be stored offline until you are reachable once more. PingChat! enables users to share text, voice, video, and geo-locations within the conversations and also lets users create social profiles to share with PingChat! contacts. While it seems to combine the best elements of a cross-platform messaging app, users have given PingChat! only an average of 3.5 stars out of 5, citing lots of bugs and issues with speed performance. However, users agree that the app does have a lot of potential, particularly once more users join, as it enables an easier way to text.