Smart yesterday launched a new PC and mobile IM app called Smart Uzzap (probably a Web 2.0 play on the Tagalog term “usap” or talk). The app/service seems to aim into the PC-to-mobile (and vice versa) messaging market.
The app can be downloaded/installed directly into your mobile phone and will run via a 3G connection to initiate the mobile messaging (can’t seem to make it work via WiFi of the phone). The catch — there’s no connection/browsing/3G charges at all, just a one-off time-based package pricing.
Smart Uzzap has a chat, email and SMS component and from now until July 20th, users can send 10 free SMS each day. Uzzap can also connect to your contacts on other popular messengers. It does not say which ones but I’m guessing Yahoo! Messenger.
After the promo period, you can top-up Php25 for 1 whole day of free service (plus 100 SMS), Php150 for 1 week (with 500 SMS) and Php400 for 1 month (with 2,000 SMS). All free SMS usage will have to come thru Uzzap though.
Update: Jim Ayson, Smart Product Manager for Platforms & Internet Services, adds that Uzzap can connect to your YM and MSN messengers as well a supports up to 4 clients (Nokia S60 2nd ed, Nokia S60 3rd ed, J2ME, and Windows XP/Vista. You can also login via your mobile phone’s wifi connection. And no, Uzzap wasn’t made to replace Chikka. See comment #20 below.)
Disclosure: Smart is an advertiser on this blog and several other blogs authored by me. Just click on the Uzzap flash banners (or text “UZZAP” to 7272) to download a copy of the app.
Loading ...
Finally, but there are other mobile IM that works for all networks (not only SMART) and can login Yahoo, MSN, AIM, ICQ, GTALK you can also send photo and make free call and SMS.
Finally, but there are other mobile IM that works for all networks (not only SMART) and can login Yahoo, MSN, AIM, ICQ, GTALK you can also send photo and make free call and SMS. Honestly, Graphics and Usability is very poor. Is this the best our number 1 telco can offer us?
They launched this bcoz they are going to kill Chikka? Hehe
I think the Smart-Chikka exclusive contract has expired. Unless Chikka was also the one who developed the Uzzap software for Smart.
(I’m probably biased, so take my words with a grain of salt =P)
IMHO, I think this app is NOT at par with the current FREE offerings of WEB 2.0 Mobile platforms that are coming out today. It’s huge, it’s hard to download (had a hard time downloading over gprs & wifi), it’s hard to use and it’s very limited.
@Yuga I don’t think Chikka developed this. I heard rumors about ANOTHER company developing this a few months back.
A hack for UZZAP
http://tinyurl.com/6mt26y
@ godie Gotcha! Good job! Whaoooa a jabber server? and their jid is on a demo domain. Well, at least they are using a very a tried and tested XMPP jabber protocol. try to use other jabber apps that are more reliable compared to this one.
I can’t run the application on mobile for 3 different phones it crashes everytime.SMART Simply Amazing!
Uzzap seems to work on Globe for me. I like it!
@BigBird
I use AgileMessenger, im not sure if they still allow beta signups. I got mine 1-2 years back. UZZAP also works on it. Btw the developer is Kolipri — guess who they used to be. hehe.
@James
I’m not sure if you’re being sarcastic.
I highly doubt that it’ll work since it requires an sms and the IP seems to be closed to IPs that are not Smart’s.
@James
I don’t think so. But u can add a GLOBE number with the jid of @chikkatalk.com thats for sure. and also try the workaround for the unlimited texting.
@godie
I use a different one that uses less bytes. and more functionality also a jabber and interoperable between IM networks. Yes UZZAP will work for sure its a jabber right you can use any jabber apps with your protocol to log in UZZAP. Hmmm? I have no idea who? What I see right now is like a work of a college students.
Too bad I switched to globe hahaha
@Dusty
nope works on globe postpaid na lang - but my friends dont seem to be able to send me sms with it - that bit must just be in smart.
@Dusty - Well actually it’s not locked to SMART’s network, hence you can access it on Wi-Fi if your handset supports it. You can use while roaming. You can use it on Globe. You can use it on Cure, you can use it on Sun.
SMS is of course restricted to the SMART network. And SMS is the reason why an operator chooses to run a mobile IM. Sure you can use Fring, IM+, eBuddy, or what have you. But this product allows replies to and from SMS if you go offline. There is email to SMS too.
The important thing is that you have a mobile number that can be charged when the flat rate subscription rate kicks in. So for now that is a Smart number.
Roger Filomeno can use any client he wants, but in the end his SMART number will be charged for transactions since the business rules are on the server. Thanks for the ARPU, Roger.
Here’s my take on the service, a first in a series: http://ping.fm/vqLff
Yes, the developer is Kolipri. They are an outfit run by two Finns (one ex-Nokia) and the company is based in Alabang and they have an all-pinoy dev team. They’re doing great VOIP work too.
Hey Yuga,
would you know if Smart or Globe have an unlimited 3G data plan for mobile phones or mobile gadgets ala EVDO?
another question, do you have plans of going to CES this coming january 2009 at Las Vegas?
Thanks!
My opinion as a marketing graduate, Smart made their own software instead of buying other companies’ software.
@Jan Alvin - The developer Kolipri is a separate company. But the backend of the service is integrated into Smart’s billing systems and network. That’s how telcos work, by integrating vendor supplied platforms.
@Jim - can you confirm is Chikka’s contract with Smart has really expired (Uzzap being a replacement)?
@Yuga - Heck, no! I wonder how these rumors get started?
Chikka still has a content partner (CP) contract with Smart. We’re still very much friends with those guys and they provide Smart plenty of services apart from messaging.
It’s hard to top Chikka’s community base, especially with their overseas exposure - so hats off to them! Anyway, with IM services, the more the manyer, as Jimmy Santos once said (or might have said). Yahoo Messenger via SMS always existed along Chikka. We also have other partners like Moblabber which is sort of like an IM-to-SMS service as well.
@jimayson, thanks for clearing up that rumor.
*hehe*
@Yuga
Can you make a review of UZZAP so that i can share you mine. Looking forward!
hayss… ok na sana kaso ang bagal ng chatroom tapos di pa dumadating iba ko message? bat ganun?
where can i get uzzap client pls help
If you want to try out as simple as sending instant message (IM) to your online buddies, Just use Sun iMessenger instead. This is an sms-based service only, can work even if your phone is low-end. No more application download or whatsoever.
SUNIM to 2746
Uzzap also supports SMS to IM which you can use even if the client is off.
But if you want to try something neat, uzzap users can send email from their PCs to another uzzap user - it arrives in the Uzzap client as an IM message. Beat that Sun IM, hehe
Drat. I may have to switch mobile providers. Again.
mucha gracia
ako rin nagpapalit ng sim card from globe to smart pag nag chat ako. minsan hassle, kung pde lng ako bili ng bagong fone ko, waaahhh… tapos nagaaway kami gf ko kasi delay messages… huhuhu….
its hard to register.whew.
panalo pa din ang chikka… imagine lahat ng carriers (sun,smart and globe) pede ka makipagchat at pede mo ilog in ung other IM messenger mo dito.. panalo pa din ang chikka.. eto talaga ang totoong free messenger sa pinas… hahahah!! supot ang uzzap!!!
Sa chikka parin ako. Hirap makaconnect sa ym, ska di applicable sa S40 na mga cellpone, di pede ma minimize application.
@dakilang buraot and ckikkamo, Uzzap comes with a free text package. During the trial period, you get 10 free texts. After that period, subscribers will be given 100 free texts for 25 only. Chat and SMS all in ONE.
@chikkamo - It was never intended that Uzzap compete with/replace/surpass chikka. I haven’t heard SMART bragging that Uzzap will. Your “S” word description of Uzzap was uncalled-for.
besides that,
besides that, does chikka have a mobile client?
Uzzap free trial now extended to September 2008
Thats great news that UZZAP is EXTENDED and free! because until now its just Initializing… my connection.
actually smart Uzzap was a great innovation in the telecommunication network but the only problem was the SPAM(flooding of messages.)
It so at the same time when you are not connected or signed in the network, the flooding of massages in a cellular phone is quite devastating.
I strongly suggest that the provider must create a solution against it.
Thanks
Have u heard of Globes unlichat? Just log on to http://www.unlichat.com. Its also free of charge and seems to have the legal connection to yahoo messenger