Short electronic messages have roots in the early days of 19th-century telegraphy. Texting as we understand it began to form in the 1980s.
German engineer Friedhelm Hillebrand was the trailblazer of texting in 1984. He suggested sending brief messages through the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Then, Hillebrand worked at the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
He created a 160 characters limit for messages, enough to send significant information. His plan unknowingly paved the way for future communication.
Texting Takes Over
Texting, or Short Message Service (SMS), was launched globally in 1992. A software engineer, Neil Papworth, sent the first SMS on December 3, 1992. The message was a simple ‘Merry Christmas.’
Initially, people saw SMS as a bonus feature, not a main communication mode. But, as cell phones became affordable and widespread, texting’s popularity shot up.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, texting was a worldwide sensation. Folks from all walks of life used it to connect with others. The simplicity and swiftness of texting won over other communication methods, especially with the youth.
T9 and Predictive Text: A Game Changer
As folks got the hang of texting, phone makers rolled out features to up the user game. T9, short for Text on 9 keys, came in handy. It’s a
predictive text tool that simplified typing messages on a numeric keypad.
Thanks to T9, we could speedily text by having it guess words from key combinations pressed. No more time spent on hitting each key several times to pick a letter!
T9 further widened the texting world. Folks who initially shied away from texting met this user-friendly method with appreciation. T9 made typing on a numeric keypad a breeze, boosting efficiency.
Enter Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
SMS was great for sending plain text messages. Then came Multimedia Messaging Service, or MMS. It broke the SMS mold by letting users send text, images, videos, and audio files too.
The early 2000s saw MMS opening up a universe of mobile communication potential. It meant memorable moments could be shared via photos and videos, sparking vivid, lively chats.
Modern Texting
Texting has evolved big-time. In the age of smartphones and mobile apps, platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage have skyrocketed in popularity.
These services sport a bunch of cool tools. Think group chats, sounds, visuals, emojis, and more. It’s like adding art to your messages.
Plus, the internet exchange service can save your wallet. Your Wi-Fi or mobile data can take over on texting; no need for a costly cell network.
