iOS 8.1: Text Message Forwarding

One new feature in iOS 8.1 is: Text Message Forwarding
Any text messages sent to a phone number on an iPhone will be forwarded to other iOS devices using the same Apple ID.

Go to: Settings > Messages
Enable Test Message Forwarding for other iOS devices. They have to be logged in to iCloud using the same Apple ID with the iPhone.

One thing I noticed is that at this point I cannot forward text messages to other (service-less) iPhones.

iOS 8.1: Text Message Forwarding

iMessage Spam

A colleague of us received an iMessage spam. We’ve heard about it but this is the firat time we’ve actually seen one in person.

iMessage Spam

Should you received an iMessage Spam, please do the following:

To report unwanted iMessage messages to Apple, please send an email with the following details to: imessage.spam@icloud.com

  • Include a screenshot of the message you have received.
  • Include the full email address or phone number you received the unwanted message from.
  • Include the date and time that you received the message.

In iOS 7, you can block the sender.

iOS 7 Block this Caller

Messages Beta for Lion ends December 14th, 2012.

Apple will be shutting down Messages beta for Lion service on December 14th, 2012.

Email from Apple:

Dear <insert name here>,

The Messages Beta program for Lion will end on Friday, December 14, 2012. We hope you’ve enjoyed the opportunity to preview Messages.
If you’d like to continue using Messages, upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store. Messages is one of many great new apps and features built right into OS X Mountain Lion. Learn More.

Thank you for your participation in the Messages Beta program.

Spending less on wireless phone bill.

Back in 2009, I paid roughly $160 every month for Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Data and 200 Texts on AT&T. Now I paid roughly $85 every month for 450 Anytime Minutes with Rollover, 5000 Night & Weekend Minutes, Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Minutes, Unlimited Data and 1000 Texts. That’s because I have been using Google Voice. With the introductions of FaceTime and iMessage I manage to reduce the usage on my account; with the exception of calling to other mobile phones.

Most people I constantly in contact with are using their mobile phones as their primary phones. That’s when Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Minutes plan becomes really handy. I generally make outgoing calls through Google Voice, which is currently free. I also send text messages through Google Voice, unless the other person is using an iOS device. That’s when iMessage really shines. I have 1000 Texts plan because AT&T made it a requirement. Of course, I’m using FaceTime with certain people.

Most of the time I would be on Wi-Fi network, but I have used more than 2 GB of data with three days left in the billing cycle. This is one reasons why I am keeping the unlimited data plan on AT&T, and I plan to keep it that way.

I have been saving about $75 every month and that ads up to $900 annually. That’s quite a lot.