One of the announcements we missed in our wrap-up from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2012) was news from T-Mobile on the latest feature for its Bobsled portfolio, now offering expanded messaging and enhanced calling functionality. Expanding upon the Bobsled Calling service introduced earlier this year, the latest addition of Bobsled Messaging provides a cloud-based messaging application that allows consumers to send and receive individual and group messages with friends and family from any Android-powered smartphone or tablet, and almost any Web-connected, browser-enabled device.
MORE: T-Mobile launches VoIP services for iPhone
T-Mobile also enhanced its Bobsled Calling service, allowing users to make free phone calls over their data connection from their mobile and Wi-Fi-enabled devices using Android-powered smartphones and tablets as well as iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices. As is the case with Bobsled Calling using the Internet, the latest mobile application now offers free outgoing calls to numbers in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico over an open data connection; however, data rates may apply. The updated Bobsled Calling application is available for download through the Android Market and the iTunes App Store.
The Bobsled Messaging service allows users to send free, rich media messages — including photos, videos and locations — to Bobsled users anywhere over an open data connection. Bobsled Messaging features also include Group Messaging and Cloud Synchronization. Bobsled-to-Bobsled messaging is free, and no messaging plan is required to text a number over the data connection.
“With Bobsled, we continue to leverage and embrace the power of IP communications to bring seamless, cost-effective connections to consumers across networks, devices, countries and carriers,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president, T-Mobile USA. “With Bobsled, people can now make free voice calls from an iPad or tablet, send free one-to-one and group messages anywhere in the world, and access their phone’s contacts and text messages from their tablet or computer.”
Bobsled Messaging is powered by HDmessaging using cloud-based contact and message storage and synchronization technologies, while Bobsled Calling is powered by Vivox’s VoiceEverywhere technology.
