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Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Blue Versus Green

I found a link to a podcast in my Facebook feed and it was about the iPhone and blue versus green message bubbles. (Why'd You Press that Button) I'd heard a story a while back about a guy who changed to the iPhone because he was embarrassed to show up as a green bubble, so I was intrigued enough to download the podcast and find out if this really is a thing.

The hosts interviewed people who talked about actual technological reasons for their dislike of the green bubble. Things like one person who had issues texting Android users and couldn't be sure they got her texts. Security because the iMessage system is more secure (Blue bubbles). And more like this.

They also talked to people who would have a group chat and the one Android user would be excluded because it was a pain for them to deal with.They talked to Android users who'd switched to the iPhone so they'd be able to communicate with their friends.

All of the people interviewed were probably in their twenties. Maybe thirties, but I don't think any of them were that old.

The hosts were 1) surprised because of how many people cited tech reasons for their dislike and 2) maybe color theory played a role--people prefer blue over green--and asked if Apple had done it deliberately.

They then brought on a tech guy to discuss what was going on and he explained texting versus iMessage and why he thought Apple wanted to differentiate between Apple and other users. It all has to do with texting versus iMessage.

I can't see not messaging with someone who has a green bubble--some of my best friends use Android phones--but I do prefer blue bubbles. :-) I get an indication that a message was delivered. I get an indication when my message was read. But the biggest reason is my dad. He had an iPad without cell service and he can only message people who use an iPhone (or another iPad user). It's easier for my dad to text than send emails and that's the biggest reason why I like the blue bubble people--it lets my dad stay connected to the world in a way that works better for him.