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02 May 2011
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Texting's great, but it can get fairly expensive, especially if you start sending international texts. But texting isn't the only way to send messages instantly - There are heaps of computer alternatives out there. eBuddy is an instant messaging application for iPhone that brings instant messaging and supports a bucket load of different messaging systems. Read on for more.
So let me guess, some of your friends are on AIM, some have MSN, and others have ICQ. Or perhaps they're on Yahoo, Facebook Chat, GTalk, Myspace, or Hyves. eBuddy covers it all, letting you add all your friends using your one eBuddy account. You set this up when you first open the app, and it's super simple. Just choose a username and password, put in your email address, and you're done. Super simple, and it only takes a couple of minutes to complete, at the most.
The homescreen of the app is straight forward, showing you your online buddies only, to save space. You can choose to show offline buddies too, but that's not enabled by default. Recent chats also show up on the homescreen, so you can carry on a conversation from where you left off. The other options include Chats, Accounts (see below), Settings, and More. More is just a link to some recommended apps, some FAQ's, or the option to review eBuddy.
Accounts lets you add extra accounts to your eBuddy account, meaning you can import all your contacts from your various accounts without a problem. I had a bit of trouble trying to add accounts though, occasionally they wouldn't register, or the app would crash. After a couple of attempts it worked, but it did get a bit frustrating. Actually, crashing is something this app struggles wth quite a bit, to be honest. It's crashed on me 8 times during a conversation, and a few times on start up. This may be just my phone, or I may have had too many apps backgrounding at once, but still, it is a problem they need to address.
The layout is simple, but the awkward placing of the Send button can be a problem
As far as typing messages go, you have the option of the standard vertical or horizontal keyboards, both of which work great. The horizontal keyboard is only available in the paid version of the app, and it does definitely increase typing speed. Unfortunately, the Send "key" is located down the bottom right of the screen, right next to backspace, so you may find yourself accidentally sending messages before you are finished typing them - I know I've done this more than once.
Other options for sending messages include sending pictures, either from the camera roll or one you take from inside the app. You can send a "Buzzer" by shaking your phone, and also start a group chat. All those options work well, and you can bring them up by hitting a small arrow on the screen.
Overall, it's a good up, even if it is slightly marred with crashing issues and a slightly obscure placing of the Send button. For me, those two faults aren't enough to knock eBuddy off the pedestal it's established itself on. It's still the best instant messaging app I've tried out on the iPhone, and it's definitely one of the most used apps I've got. The option of either a free or paid version make it a must-try, and a probable-buy. You really won't be dissapointed with this fantastic app.
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