- SMS stands for Short Message Service. In other words, SMS is another phrase for text messaging. BlackBerry phones in particular tend to refer to texting as "SMS Messaging," as in the instances of "Create New SMS" or "Send SMS".
- SMS messaging allows one cellular device to send a text message to another. BlackBerry phones may transmit these texts to other BlackBerries, as well as other models of phones. Their range may be limited to a particular state, network, continent or area depending on the customer's individual wireless plan.
- SMS was first idealized in 1985; however, modifications and improvements were necessary until it finally became commonplace around 2000. Over time, texting has grown to also participate in television shows, function for business purposes, and communicate mass information. During 2008 alone, over one trillion text messages were sent around the world. The largest market for SMS messaging is Southeast Asia, followed by Europe and then the United States.
- In BlackBerry Pearl devices, SMS texting allows the user to type in SureType format. The SureType software allows the texter to type in a word, without hitting the same button multiple times to select a particular letter, as it anticipates the word being typed. Based on the frequency of use, the cellular device is able to come up with a list of possible words which the user may be trying to text. This creates a quicker, more convenient way to spell out words in SMS messages.
- Be wary, those who SMS message too often may get "SMS Thumb" as a result of repetitive use of the keyboard. This pain or numbness in the thumb occasionally results from the thumb pressing so many times in a way that it is not used to manuveuring. The user should stop texting if they feel any unusual symptoms.
