Pinger has flown relatively under the radar for an app developer that has launched 14 apps that have all reached the top 100 iPhone apps in the App store. The startup’s Textfree app has surpassed more than 1 Billion text messages sent in less than 9 months. The app allows owners to send free text messages to any US mobile phone, including replies. The app has a free version which allows users 15 messages daily at no cost, and an unlimited version which is priced at $5.99 per year. Textfree has seen 5 million downloads since its launch last year.
Pinger also says it has achieved profitability though the startup won’t reveal actual revenue numbers. Pinger generates revenue through 4 main channels, including advertising within its apps, affiliate fees to Apple, in-app ads and purchases. And Pinger has more than 15 million downloads across all of its apps.
The numbers aren’t to shabby; but Pinger certainly is placing all its eggs in one basket by only developing iPhone apps. Other applications in the Pinger family include Doodle Buddy, Stickwars, and Picfree. Pinger’s Textfree faces competition from Textplus.