free texting between iPhone iOS5 users

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Just recently, Apple released a free software update for your iPhone called iOS 5. 

http://www.apple.com/ios/features.html

There are many new features but the one I was most excited about was called iMessage.* 

Once installed (as part of the regular Messages app), you can send unlimited text messages via Wi-Fi or 3G from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to anyone with one of those devices. If the person you are sending a text is not on iOS 5, the message will be sent through the regular text plan method. Everything is automatic and works great.

You will need to download the iOS 5 update (about 700MB) on your computer then install the update on your iPhone through iTunes. The update takes about 20 mins to install on your iPhone, and afterward you may have to re-sync your music/movies/apps/etc. back to your iPhone, so plan to leave plenty of time for the whole process.

Let me know if you need any help.

Fred

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*The reason why I like this free text option is because AT&T eliminated all of their tiered text messaging plans and will only offer a $20/month unlimited text plan for new customers. If customers choose not to select the unlimited plan, they will pay $.20/ text message. 

The unlimited plan is a great deal if you regularly send/receive 1000+ texts per month but I usually average around 300 per month and chose an ill-fitting tiered plan from the few options that were offered at the time. Existing customers are 'grandfathered-in' & can stay with their current text plan but if you make a change you can't change back. Hopefully iMessage will make a significant impact to how text messages are treated by mobile phone carriers and realistic options are returned to customers.