A s a gadget nerd and an IT Professional, I enjoy playing different phones and other tech items. I began carrying two phones with me primarily for their novelty; however, I have come to depend on using two devices for everyday things. My clients routinely call me, and I find it super helpful to be able to talk on one phone and then on the other, bring up my notes app, task manager, or calendar. In my line of work, rarely does anyone call to say ‘hi’ or anything like that. I have been out of town, conferences, etc., where I’ve had one phone die and still have the other that has gotten me through the day. I have come to depend on this setup that I have, and I want to make sure that I always have access to services like Uber, public transportation apps, local law enforcement apps, mapping tools, and the ability to call someone are crucial.
So when I saw this tweet from Casey Neistat, I thought it would be a good time to explain how to go about this, as I did a few years ago.
The first step is to de-tether yourself from your cell carrier by porting your number to a 3rd party Voice Over IP carrier that offers an excellent mobile app. Google Voice is the obvious choice. It works well on both Android and iOS phones and is free. Other good choices are Dialpad, Openphone, Line2 or iPlum. These services all have SMS and MMS capabilities. I have no vested interest in recommending any of these services. I will say that I use both Openphone and Dialpad daily on both mobile and my desktop and laptop.
Once you’ve done this, there’s no going back. Your number will now appear as green bubble, which is completely fine. You can still interact with everyone you usually would via SMS. The experience is nowhere near as good as iMessage, so enter Telegram. Casey talks about iMessage and Facetime as the norm, but there’s no such thing. People get into habits. Habits are hard to break. However, it just requires some re-educating and forming new habits.
There’s nothing ‘standard’ about any particular apps, services, devices, or platforms; everything is a matter of taste.
I went through this very thing years ago. You just explain to your friends and family that you’re switching to another app. Assuming your circle wants to stay in touch with you, they’ll go for it. Some do it quicker than others, but they’ll do it since it’s so easy. Trust me.
Telegram is probably the best overall messaging service in existence today. This article sums it all up. I use Telegram and recommend it to anyone, regardless of their mobile device; however, apps such as Google Hangouts, Skype, Wickr are all good options to replace iMessage and Facetime since they’re free and cross-platform. Telegram, which is also free, is super easy to use, and if your number is in their address book, there’s no extra configuration needed. It does video calls, group video calls, texting, etc. It’s actually easier to use than iMessage and Facetime since it’s all contained in a single app, very similar to Whatsapp, only the data stays on the server. Casey will be surprised that most of his circle will give it a try initially.
I have both my phones set up nearly identically, as you can see from the screenshot. I have three VoIP services, all that can text and call, and Telegram.
I’ve been using this system for many years, and it works well for me. I don’t depend on any particular carrier or device. I also can use either device interchangeably. I can recall several times that I have either been at a conference or had a hectic day traveling. Where one of my phones died, and having a ready spare was a lifesaver. Like I said earlier, the ability to make a call on one device and use the other to take notes or Google search something, among many other multitasking things, is super helpful.
Of course, some things aren’t ideal. When either device is connected to Bluetooth, you can’t interact easily with the digital assistant. So you usually might say ‘hey Google’ or ‘hey Siri” call so and so. Mainly, on iOS, this is impossible.
There’s a liberating feeling to not being restricted to any particular handset manufacturer or limited to specific software or service. I can pick up either or both devices whenever I want and not worry about missing anything. All in all, I can live with a few nuances. I gain the flexibility to have two fully functional devices at all times. If someone calls, both phones ring, same with texting, etc. I recommend this system for any technically inclined person who relies on their mobile device to conduct business. As far as techies such as Casey, this is a killer setup that allows you to play with various devices. If you’re reading Casey, I just swapped out a Pixel for the Galaxy Z Flip, which is super fun to use.
