T-Mobile has just announced a new calling service called T-Mobile Digits, which is basically the Magenta version of the AT&T NumberSync.
With the new T-Mobile Digits, the Uncarrier aims to let customers use a single phone number across all their connected devices. The service will launch in a limited, opt-in beta at first, with a full rollout next year.
In October 2015, T-Mobile boasted that it would top AT&T's NumberSync service and offer something even better, but didn't give any details on what it had in mind. More than one year later, T-Mobile is finally starting to show its hand.
One Number Across Multiple Devices, Multiple Numbers On One Device
With T-Mobile Digits, customers will be able to use their T-Mobile phone number across phones, tablets, wearables, computers — virtually all their connected devices. At the same time, the Uncarrier also allows users to put multiple T-Mobile numbers on the same device so they can use their personal and work number on a single device.
T-Mobile highlights that, while phones have drastically changed in the past decade, the phone number remains the same and so it's time for a change. According to T-Mobile CEO John Legere, Digits works like your regular T-Mobile number, but it's "way more powerful."
Agnostic And Complete Solution
Digits is not only device-agnostic but also carrier-agnostic, as it also works on AT&T, Verizon and other smartphones.
Taken separately, the perks that T-Mobile Digits has to offer are not unheard of. However, Digits aims to serve as a complete solution for the first time, combining all of those perks in a single service.
Phone Over Data
T-Mobile says Digits will prioritize calls over other data to increase reliability and ensure that phone calls get quality HD voice quality, as opposed to over-the-top (OTT) internet calling services that are not as reliable.
"Simply put, Digits is breakthrough technology that won't be replicated any time soon," adds T-Mobile COO Mike Sievert. "This isn't the first time you can add extra numbers to a device, but this IS the first time you can do it all - multiple numbers on one device and one number on multiple devices - and do it with carrier-grade quality. Digits is your real T-Mobile number with every bit of the reliability, call prioritization, services and mobility you expect."
With a single number across multiple devices, users can make or take calls and handle messages on whichever device is closer or more convenient, and all connected devices will have their call history, voicemails and texts.
T-Mobile Digits will be free while it's still in the beta stage, but once it becomes available to everyone, it will require a monthly fee. The Uncarrier offers no information regarding costs at this point, but says that it will be disruptive.
The Downside: No iMessage Support
While it all sounds pretty good so far, T-Mobile Digits has one big drawback: the service doesn't work with iMessage, at least not for now. T-Mobile advises beta testers to turn off iMessage to get the best experience.
How To Enter The T-Mobile Digits Beta
Interested customers who want to participate in the T-Mobile Digita beta can sign up for free if they have a postpaid T-Mobile account. The beta is compatible with devices running iOS 9 and above, Android 5.0 and above, and the Chrome and Firefox browsers on the desktop. Recent Samsung smartphones such as the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 5 already have built-in support for Digits.
