And they did send SMS messages free. And all was well with the world. Except sometimes the messages didn't arrive. Or sometimes the messages cost money to receive. Or sometimes the site that let you send text messages free didn't work anymore (sometimes they never worked - they were a scam).
Perhaps the most tempting reason to take the device back in your hands is social networking and photo/video sharing. That's because it's the most convenient way for each of us to keep in touch with everyone we know. It's hard to schedule your day to communicate with everyone you want, have a chat, exchange thoughts on the latest news in whatever sphere, remember good old days looking through memorable photos.
What is an App? An App is an application that has to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser. Users visit device-specific portals such as Apple's App Store, and the Android Google Play Market in order to find and download apps for a given operating system. An app provides an interactive engagement with users and works more like a computer program than a website.
If your app is a community based app or an app which is related to specific products or services, consider getting a monthly fee from merchants or vendors to include their information in your app. This method works really well if you have a lot of downloads for your app. If the merchants can get more info see that your app is widely used, it's almost a no-brainer. They're likely to ask you if you can help them!
All Mobile Apps, whether they are for the iPhone, BlackBerry or any other device are never used in a picture perfect environment. There are always distractions that fight for the attention of the mobile users. So, the interactive nature of the app must be designed accordingly. You can't design the app by keeping a certain location, situation, or environment in mind. It needs to be designed by keeping the distractions in mind. Its visuals must be such that they immediately grab the attention of target users. The funny thing is that in most cases, Mobile Apps are used to provide a distraction. So, your design must be able to "distract" a user for a sufficient period of time.
Granted, most app downloads are only good for a few minutes' entertainment. But what of more serious apps, such as the one for your online banking? You're almost certainly going to want to take that with you when you get a new phone! You will probably be able to download it again... but what about all your settings?
Make your mobile marketing campaigns interactive. Draw in your customers and offer them a way to interact with the system or amongst themselves. By engaging mobile users you will be solidifying your customer base as well as setting up future demand for more as each customer will be more likely to recommend your service.
Whether it's messaging apps for your iPhone or iPad, your Blackberry, Android or Symbian phone, or whether your phone uses a windows mobile app - sending free messages via instant messaging software will soon be *the* way to stay in touch for all of us.