The co-founder of the worlds first major free email service, Hotmail.com, has been busy, developing a free cross-platform texting application called JaxtrSMS. The free to use app, which is supposedly compatible with iOS, BlackBerry, Android, Symbian and Java-based devices, was developed by Jaxtr Inc, a Bangalore-based company founded by Sabeer Bhatia and Yogesh Patel.
According to the Mr. Bhatia, the JaxtrSMS app stands apart from other cross-platform, instant messaging applications (such as WhatsApp) in a few ways – JaxtrSMS will send regular SMSes; it therefore does not require the app installed to receive SMSes; it will supposedly stay free for life; and, it supports a rather wide variety of platforms (WP7 compatibilty arriving shortly) if one includes Java-based devices. The service, which allows you to use your own phone number, will be both local and international, and works on both Wi-Fi and 3G. It also support tablets, with users able to request a global telephone number.
These all seem to be rather distinct advantages for the app, however, some minor details stand to get in the way of JaxtrSMS in India – the Do Not Call Registry, and, the recent TRAI regulations concerning bulk SMSes. As the company uses SMS aggregator services to operate, it falls under these laws, with customers who have subscribed to the Do Not Call Registry (theoretically) unable to receive SMSes, and the JaxtrSMS aggregators limited to certain number of SMSes per day, risking hefty fines.
Commenting on the obstacle, Mr. Bhatia says this is a “big problem only in India,” and intends to work with telecom operators to find a workaround. When asked just how the company will be able to offer the service for free, with such potential costs, Mr. Bhatia said the service will probably charge a small fee for value-added services, such as a online message and image archive, and MMS type messages, with multimedia. As expected, the SMSes themselves will be complete with advertisements.
Visit JaxtrSMS’ home page for more information, as well as links to download the apps for the various platforms.
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