WhatsApp Messenger 0.2.1880

Send and receive unlimited text, image, video and audio messages with this multi-platform smartphone messaging app.

Since the introduction of the smartphone, sending and receiving messages, text, MMS, video, etc., has become BIG business.  Apple recently introduced Message and iMessage, apps that allow you to send and receive all types of messages on your iDevice as well as your Mac Desktop.  Now available for those that don't subscribe to the Mac and Apple way of life WhatsApp Messenger allows you to send different types of messages to users all over the world, and all you need is a smartphone with an internet connection.

WhatsApp Messenger is a multi-platform mobile messaging app allowing you to send and receive messages without having to pay standard carrier messaging rates. The app is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia Symbian devices.  One of the best things about WhatsApp Messenger, is that you can send and receive messages – audio, video, picture as well as text – to any app user, regardless of what OS they're using.  WhatsApp Messenger uses your internet connection and therefore you're charged on your Data Plan instead of the often higher SMS.TXT messaging rates from your mobile carrier.

You can send and receive messages to individuals as well as groups.  More importantly, there's no limit on the type of messages you can send and receive.  You're only limited by the size and type of mobile data plan you have.  You can also send and receive data through your device's Wi-Fi connection.

App Pro’s: Works on every major smartphone platform, easy to use, free

App Con’s: Consumes cellular data plan allotment

Conclusion: For those that don't have an Apple iDevice, finding a way to send messages without being charged outrageous – read additional – charges is now difficult. Messaging charges are a premium for mobile carriers as you are actually charged double to send and receive SMS/MMS message, once for your data plan and then, individually for the messages you send.  WhatsApp Messenger bypasses your messaging plan and allows you to send and receive messages of all types through your data plan.  The app is available for all major device types and OS' and is a no brainer.  If you don't have it, get it.  You'll thank Soft32 later...