Why some iMessage texts are blue and some are green

Why some iMessage texts are blue and some are green

And why you may prefer to stick with one color or the other.

Blue = iMessage. Green = SMS. But why does that matter?Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET

If you own an iPhone, you may have noticed something odd in the Messages app: some messages are blue and some are green. What's the deal with that?

Short answer: blue ones have been sent or received using Apple's iMessage technology, while green ones are "traditional" text messages exchanged via Short Messaging Service, or SMS.

Does this matter? In the grand texting scheme of things, should you care whether your messages are blue or green?

Maybe yes, maybe no. Let's start by making sure you have all the necessary information. A standard SMS text message is delivered over the same voice networks used for phone calls. Back in the bad old days, carriers charged by the message (often 10-25 cents per!). Then they bundled a fixed number of messages into your calling plan, and now most of them offer unlimited messaging.

In the interim, Apple unveiled iMessage, which looks and acts like standard SMS but actually relies on data networks (cellular or Wi-Fi, whatever you're connected to). That affords two benefits: freedom from carrier rates for SMS (assuming you're paying extra for it or have a capped plan) and a wider set of messaging features.

Indeed, iMessage allows you to do things standard SMS can't, like share your location, send walkie-talkie-style voice messages, check message delivery, and even see if someone's in the process of writing you back (indicated by three dots that appear below your last message).

Ah, but here's the rub: iMessage works only with other iDevice owners. If you have an iPhone and you use the Messages app to contact an Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phone user, iOS recognizes there's no iMessage at the other end and switches (downshifts?) into SMS mode. Your indication that has happened? Green word bubbles instead of blue.

However, you may end up seeing green even if you're corresponding with another iPhone. There are three possible causes:

Make sure iMessage is activated.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET

• iMessage isn't activated on your device. (Tap Settings, Messages, then check to see if the feature is switched on. If it is, you should also activate "Send as SMS." Note that you may need to perform a one-time sign-in using your Apple ID.)
• iMessage isn't activated on the recipient's device.
• There's no data network available. But if your phone can still connect to a voice tower, it will default back to SMS.

So, are there times when you should opt for one messaging method over the other? Although text messages are very small, picture messages can consume a fair bit of data -- and if your service plan offers unlimited texting but limited data, you may prefer to switch off iMessage in favor of SMS.

On the flip side, if you're corresponding with fellow iPhone users but still seeing only green messages, ask them to enable iMessage at their end so you can enjoy the various benefits of the service. Many users have no idea iMessage is even a thing, and don't realize it's not enabled.

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How to report a suicidal post on Facebook

How to report a suicidal post on Facebook

Facebook has launched a new feature aimed directly at helping those who may be going through hard times.

Facebook

It's safe to say we've all seen at least one Facebook post from a friend who is going through a hard time that made us pause, and maybe even ask if the person was OK.

Over the next few weeks, Facebook will start giving its users access to a new tool it hopes, and frankly I hope as well, will make a difference in someone's life.

Once you have access to the tool you can flag a post as troubling, after which a dedicated team at Facebook will review the post and reach out to the individual. As the person who reported the post, you're also given suggestions on how to best help a person in need or receive support for the emotional distress of encountering a friend or loved one who is suicidal.

The process of flagging a post is simple, taking only a few taps on your smartphone's screen. It's so simple, actually, there's no excuse for not using it when it's warranted.

• You start by flagging a post by clicking or tapping on the arrow in the top-right corner of the post.
• Select "I think it shouldn't be on Facebook."
• Select "It's hurtful, threatening or suicidal."
• Select "I think they might hurt themselves."

Read through the "What You Can Do" screen, which offers advice on how you can help a friend in need. At the bottom of this screen is the option to request Facebook look at the post. Alternatively, you can send a message to the friend, or a mutual friend in an effort to help the person. There's even the option of chatting with a trained helper for advice on how best to move forward.

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Galaxy S6, S6 Edge revealed in new leaked image

Galaxy S6, S6 Edge revealed in new leaked image

An image posted by a purported Sprint employee touts two versions of Samsung's next flagship phone.

Samsung will launch two new Galaxy S6 phones, according to this latest image.iamdenden | Reddit

Another clue has surfaced that Samsung will unveil two models of its Galaxy S6, one with a standard front display and the other with a curved edge.

Posted on Reddit by a user tagged as a "verified employee" of Sprint, a link dubbed "A better teaser" calls up an image asking people to preregister for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.

The image also reveals shots of both phones. As expected, the S6 is shown with the standard front display and the usual frame, or bezel, surrounding the display. The S6 Edge sports a slight curved edge on the right side and apparently on the left side as well.

Other alleged screenshots and reports have already surfaced claiming that Samsung will unveil two new S6 phones, most notably one with a curved edge. But the new screenshot comes from a user named iamdenden, who's apparently been verified by Reddit moderators as a Sprint employee. The new image also uses Samsung's same "Six Appeal" tagline that appears on an official T-Mobile signup page for the new phone.

Samsung needs a hit with the next version of its flagship smartphone. The Galaxy S5 was criticized for being too similar to its predecessor, the S4. And the company has seen its sales and market share drop in the wake of competition from low-cost phones made by Chinese vendors such as Xiaomi and from the big-screened iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from Apple. The current Galaxy Note Edge already offers a curved display, but just on one side. The new Galaxy S6 phones will also reportedly sport a metal frame as a step up from Samsung's usual plastic body.

But will a Galaxy S phone with a curved display and metal frame give Samsung the edge it needs to win back customers and regain lost market share? We'll find out over the coming quarters. The company is expected to unveil its new Galaxy lineup on Sunday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

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