Twttr: Social networking by mobile phone?
July 20, 2006 by Jayvee Fernandez
Filed under Apps, Mobile Monitor
Is this really possible? Of course it is! But why would one want a social networking program for the small screen and SMS? This has nothing to do with necessity being the motherhood of all inventions. It’s more like a pet project from the guys who made Odeo to see how viral this can get.
To use twttr, dial the short code 40404, after registering your status is set by simply sending a message to the short code. Your friends can choose to follow your updates live (they will get a message when you change status) or only when they want to know what you’re up to. Users can choose to follow all their friends live or pick and choose. There is a list of keywords used to control the service app entirely through SMS.
Am I gonna try it out? Well, maybe. But anything that makes me pay for SMS and GPRS network costs is a big turn off. And besides, I’ve got several (much easier to use) social networking services already.
I think the future of social networking is going to be written on mobile devices. But, there is an inherent problem with the present cell phone interface – they’re clumsy, display is limited, and network operators are having a hard time monetizing content, as it’s difficult to navigate.