02 July 2008

Gizmo5 Offers Free Instant Messaging
w/o Downloads Via WAP

One of the biggest instant messaging and presence applications and services is Gizmo5 from SIPphone. Gizmo5's client is available on S60 3rd Edition, as well as Windows Mobile, RIM, Java, Windows desktop, Linux desktop, Maemo, and Mac OSX platforms. In fact, S60 3rd Edition has 2 separate versions! There's the official Gizmo5 Symbian client and the special creation available only from Nokia Beta Labs that integrates into the phone's contact list and appears part of the firmware. Needless to say, Gizmo is serious about providing communication and messaging services to all web connected users, mobile or otherwise.

Well, it seems they've now covered all mobiles. Gizmo5's services are now available on any WAP-enabled device with a data connection. And not just it's multiformat messaging service! You can even initiate SIP based VOIP calls with US caller ID functionality, unavailable from most messaging service based VOIP providers.

To get started, simply browse to giz5.com from your WAP browser. If you don't already have a Gizmo5 account, you must first register, which is absolutely free. Once you've registered, just log in. If it doesn't already show your friends list, click the Add Buddies link, and set up your messaging accounts. Gizmo support all of the major chat protocols, and some lesser known ones as well.

Login screen	Setup messaging accounts

The WAP version is straight forward, and the interface is pretty boring, but it works well. New chat replies are indicated at the top of all pages with an asterisk next to the open chats indicator. For those with WAP connections that block instant messaging apps from working, this is a more than serviceable solution. I was able to carry on 4 conversations with decent speed via my basic EDGE connection. Now, instant messaging is turky available to anyone on a modern mobilephone.

Contacts and settings	Chat page

For those still unaware of Gizmo5, download their official S60 client from their main site, www.gizmo5.com or the link atop the mobile messaging site, giz5.com.

The Nokia Beta Labs Gizmo5 client can be downloaded from the Beta Labs site at http://www.nokia.com/A4403822 But if you don't want to install an application, or are using someone else's handset, you'll always still be a click away from all your friends with the WAP version.

When it comes to instant messaging applications, S60 has a veritable bouquet of options. There are a few that have a large user base, and some that standout above the others, but no true leader has separated themselves from the pack. Basically, users select an application or two, and become used to using them because of familiarity to their interfaces, and hardly use any others.

Evidently, getting users to try a messaging application seems to be the easiest way to gain regular users. If you haven't yet begun to use instant messaging from your device, perhaps this could be a simple introduction.