Flickr/Jrmyst

Twitter is know not for keeping people connected but hyper-connected. And this can happen only if it can go along with the user everywhere. Unlike other Web services that need smart phones and Internet connectivity, Twitter does it very well by allowing seamless integration with cell phones through text messages or SMSes.

Twitter allows you to associate a cell number with your account. This can be done from the “settings” page, and then navigating to the “devices” tab. If you are in India and wish to integrate your cell phone with number xxxxx-xxxxx, type +91xxxxxxxxxx. You will be asked to SMS a verification code to the Twitter number from the number being registered. Once active, you can send and receive tweets on your cell phone using basic text facility. [Currently, Twitter users in some countries will only be able to tweet but not be able to receive updates.] And you don't need to pay a single penny other than the regular SMS charges that you pay. It's the same as sending and recieving messages from a friend.

What is Twitter's number? If you are in India, send your tweets to 5566511 from your cell phone. If this number isn't functioning then you will have to use the international number (+44 762 4801423).

• US: 40404
• Canada: 21212
• Germany: +49 17 6888 50505
• Sweden: +46 737 494222
• India: 5566511
• Other countries: +44 762 4801423

You can use all the Twitter codes used with Web version on phone as well. You can get a detailed explanation of the common codes in "Learning the language of Twitter". To post an update, compose the tweet and send it to the Twitter number.

Follow some user: follow [space] username
Replying someone: @username [space] message
Direct message or private message: d [space] username [space] message
Get latest updates: get [space] username

Twitter can also be used without ever registering on the Web. Just send a text to the Twitter number and you will be asked to choose a username. You can then ask others to follow you by that username. If you ever wish to go online as well, integrate a web account with your cell number by going to Twitter.com.

Securing your privacy: Before I conclude this series on Twitter, one last word. You can keep your tweets private and people will be able to follow you only after your approval. Just go to the settings page and select the “Protect my updates” option on the account page. You can use this feature to create own private groups.

Twitter series:
Part1: Birds of same feather tweet together
Part2: Learning the language of Twitter
Part3: Twittering? Get clients for latest updates
Part4: Be highly mobile with Twitter