image460492971.jpgiRealSMS is what Apple should have included in the iPhone to begin with. When you get a text message, it pops up and allows you to respond without leaving your current application. If you need to contact someone while you are playing a game or something, you can’t launch the app with the volume up button. It searches your contacts as you start typing their name. Once you select one, you can choose to either send them a message or call them. It even counts down your remaining characters as you type out a message.

iRealSMS has its own message database that allows for searches and storage of messages in folders (including drafts and templates) as well as landscape mode. It also allows you to save a sender to your contacts. You can also select to use the default Apple app for messages if you prefer. An unread message count can be displayed in the status bar as well as the app icon. If you don’t need all the features of iRealSMS, there us a iRealQuickSMS version that just contains the QuickSend and QuickReply features. I’ve used both and believe both belong in the Must Have category. If I had one suggestion, it would be to add the character count to the QuickReply box like it is on the QuickSend box. I believe that to be scheduled in the next release though.

Both iRealSMS and iRealQuickSMS require a jailbroken phone. They are 9.99€ and 3.99€ respectively and are available via Cydia. The program also work in a demo mode. A full feature list and community forum can be found at irealsms.com.