undefined | Better HN

0 pointskuboble4y ago0 comments

Yes. That lowest common denominator will be probably being able to send text messages. Maybe a little more.

It's a big thing. And it's a great thing.

Already in email you have some cool features that only work Gmail to Gmail but you can still send basic emails to people outside of Gmail.

Businesses will not need business accounts on 6 different platforms just so thay can have a simple chat with all their customers.

0 comments

8fingerlouie4y ago

> That lowest common denominator will be probably being able to send text messages. Maybe a little more.

It was my understanding that we already have a (fairly old) standard that does just that, which also currently works as a lowest common denominator for texting between at least android and iOS.

andyferris4y ago

There’s a telecom protocol tied to your carrier and phone number that predates both android and iOS, but not a (free to use, free to implement) internet protocol. (EDIT: unless you are talking about email)

8fingerlouie4y ago

Whatever communication method you select, there will always be ties to a carrier.

In GSM it’s a IMEI ID / phone number, in TCP/IP it’s a MAC/IP address. Internet also requires a subscription, subscriber and more.

And how would you implement a messaging service with “anonymous” endpoints ? Can’t send messages without a unique identifier for the recipient.

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 pointskuboble4y ago0 comments

Yes. That lowest common denominator will be probably being able to send text messages. Maybe a little more.

It's a big thing. And it's a great thing.

Already in email you have some cool features that only work Gmail to Gmail but you can still send basic emails to people outside of Gmail.

Businesses will not need business accounts on 6 different platforms just so thay can have a simple chat with all their customers.

0 comments

8fingerlouie4y ago

> That lowest common denominator will be probably being able to send text messages. Maybe a little more.

It was my understanding that we already have a (fairly old) standard that does just that, which also currently works as a lowest common denominator for texting between at least android and iOS.

andyferris4y ago

8fingerlouie4y ago

Whatever communication method you select, there will always be ties to a carrier.

In GSM it’s a IMEI ID / phone number, in TCP/IP it’s a MAC/IP address. Internet also requires a subscription, subscriber and more.

And how would you implement a messaging service with “anonymous” endpoints ? Can’t send messages without a unique identifier for the recipient.

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse