Q: Why is Texxa not responding to me or showing some other error?
A: Texxa is in early beta, so please report issues with the ‘!bug’ command. Thank you!
Q: How is this different from ChatGPT?
A: Almost all chat apps, AI or not, use TCP/IP ‘data’ to communicate. SMS is a different, ancient protocol predating mobile data. As far as I can tell, Texxa is the first personal AI agent where you interact primarily via SMS and other messaging services.
Q: How is RCS different from SMS?
A: RCS is basically SMS 2.0, and will fall back to SMS if TCP/IP is not available.
Q: Why can’t I use iMessage?
A: Nobody other than Apple is permitted to use iMessage protocol.
Q: Why can’t I group message SMS/MMS?
A: For boring reasons, this isn’t possible without a relay system. I can make it if people really want it.
Q: Would this work anywhere in the world, or just a specific country?
A: In theory there is compatible satellite coverage elsewhere, but practically speaking, I am only aware of two options currently for actually connecting to a cell phone, and they are both limited to the US and/or Canada AFAIK.
If you want to use 2G SMS in someplace like Africa or India, let’s talk about adding an in-country phone number.
Q: Does it work on planes with free messaging?
A: It will, once WhatsApp is approved. Airlines don’t typically offer free SMS.
Q: Is this for emergency use?
A: No! Please don’t rely on this for an emergency! Apple has free emergency satellite messaging, for example.
Q: How can I get my GPS coordinates?
A: Google Maps, Apple Maps, compass apps, etc. usually can provide coarse coordinates without any data connection.
Q: Can I add an external antenna to improve data rate or make positioning easier?
A: I’ve played around with this – let’s talk if you want to try it out!
Q: Are my messages encrypted?
A: In the database, yes! However, be aware that SMS is plaintext (unencrypted) and is like sending a postcard: anyone handling it can read it. Other channels like Telegram and WhatsApp do typically have some form of end-to-end encryption.
