Over the past few days, I have been testing out many different solutions for making status updates to various social networking sites whether on a BlackBerry, laptop, or desktop.
Overall, the most effective method in my opinion has been using an instant messenger client called Google Talk and sending an instant message status update to a service HelloTxt (im@hellotxt.com). Using this method, one can simultaneously update your status messages on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Regardless of whether you are using a computer or blackberry, one can certainly go to the website hellotxt.com and update your status through there if you prefer that over instant messaging. For me, I like the google talk option because it is quicker on the blackberry and simple enough to use on a computer. Hellotxt also can make updates to additional sites such as Flickr for photos and Delicious for link-sharing. One can also email updates to Hellotxt, however, the problem I ran into there is that I use an email signature that I don’t want going into every status update. Some people may desire that for promotional purposes.
There were other services such as Ping.fm that accomplish this task as well, however, they seemed to have a significant lag time when updating your twitter status. Still, not a bad option, if needed.
If you take MySpace and Blackberry usage out of the equation, there are other options equally as good if not better. The first thought that comes to mind is using Tweetdeck. Tweetdeck is an Adobe Air application for use on computers, not blackberry. Adobe AIR is a little-known application bundled with the latest version of Adobe Reader 9. They have an application gallery available with Adobe AIR which has some great applications. I have tested a few so far…Accuweather by Stratus, DeskTube, eBay Desktop, MePing, Ping on AIR, Tweetdeck, Thwirl, and Seesmic Desktop to name a few of them. Out of all of these, I think Tweetdeck is the greatest application. With TweetDeck, it is simple to update your facebook and twitter statuses, as well as view all your friends status updates on both networks. The interface is sweet and it is definitely cool to be able to monitor both networks in one application.
One other option that has great potential is Digsby. Digsby is an all-in-one connector meaning you can get all your instant messenger clients into one application, as well as connecting the application to Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. This could be a great application with all that functionality in one program, the major drawback is the interface is pretty low-tech. Some people may really like that part of the application, and it is certainly a simple option for pulling all your social networking and instant messaging into one application. I definitely recommend giving it a try to see for yourself.
The questions remaining in the research:
When will this functionality be available for Facebook Profile Pages for Organizations, Businesses, Fan Pages, or groups?
Are there are any limitations to MySpace pages for Artists, Musicians, Comedians, etc. using the same functionality as individual profiles?
Will there be the ability to configure more than one account twitter/facebook/myspace on these solutions?
Is there a hellotxt application available through Adobe AIR?
