INTERACTIVE SMS DISPLAYS

April 29, 2009 11:11 AM

Does anyone know of an affordable solution to display SMS messages on an installation to the general public? Ideally a turn key lcd screen solution or similar. Appreciate any help! Adam.
posted by ashepp to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

I don't know of any turnkey solution, but it may help to have a better understanding of what it is that you're looking for. Is the idea to have a SMS number that people can text to, and those texts would then be displayed on the display?
If so, this might help you:

Basically, there are 3 ways to receive SMS messages using your computer.

1. Connect a mobile phone or GSM modem to a PC, and then program the PC to send AT commands to instruct the mobile phone or GSM modem to receive SMS. You can also use some third-party software or libraries/SDKs.
2. Receive SMS messages using the service of an SMS gateway provider.
3. Get access to the SMS center (SMSC) or SMS gateway of a mobile network operator through a leased line or the Internet, and receive SMS using a specific protocol supported by the SMSC or SMS gateway.
posted by forforf at 12:32 PM on April 29, 2009 [1 favorite]

Brightkite has something that sounds close to what you're looking for. It's called BrightKite Wall, and lets people send a message to them that shows up on the wall. It practically sets itself up, but it'll need a PC (or some other gizmo that runs Flash content) and Internet connection behind it.
posted by ConstantineXVI at 12:36 PM on April 29, 2009

I've not used it, but was at an event where FireText had a booth. Sounds similar to, if not exactly, what you want.
posted by misskaz at 1:12 PM on April 29, 2009

a computer monitor and a way to display an RSS feed in large font? Then, just SMS things to twitter, and feed the RSS feed of your updates into the computer.
posted by deezil at 5:45 PM on April 29, 2009

As a result of my recent askme, I've found Bluephone Elite, which will happily display your SMS's on a screen. You'd need a bluetooth enabled mac and compatible phone.
posted by pompomtom at 7:27 PM on April 29, 2009