Good news for the social networking addicts. Cellphone users not having access to mobile data connection, could still access Twitter using U2opia Mobile’s app.
Twitter without Internet Connection
Singapore-based mobile solutions provider U2opia has developed an app called Fonetwish, a USSD-based solution that works on any mobile phone without an Internet connection. USSD technology is primarily used by telecom operators to send alerts to the users. Now the same technology can be harnessed for accessing social networking sites. Mobile users who do not have 2G, 3G, GPRS, etc on their handsets just have to dial a standard code through which they can have access to Twitter feed,
USSD as a vehicle for Twitter is almost hand in glove because Twitter has by design a character limit, it’s a very text-driven social network. Chief Executive and Co-founder of U2opia Mobiles, Sumesh Menon said.
Popular services like Facebook and Google Talk are already using the application. The service of the app would be extended to Twitter in January-March next year. The Unstructured Supplementary Data as USSD is known would allow cell phone users to dial a special number that would permit them to receive updates in manner when an internet connection is not available. Of course, users wouldn’t be able to tweet images or video, but they could certainly send text updates using the service.
Besides India, Menon expects the service to capture userbase in countries in emerging markets like Paraguay, Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nigeria, Ghana, etc. We all know, tweeting can be best done when there is an internet connection but in countries like India where people still have little access to Wi-Fi spots at public places, the service proves beneficial. So, stay up-to-date with your feed, share your updates, and discover new friends and faces to follow.