Apple has announced that its new iPhone and iPad operating system will include a direct messaging system that will allow users to send text messages to other Apple device users over the Internet. This system, similar to RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger, allows users to bypass the cell carrier network and thus avoid added fees for text messaging and network minutes. The new internet messaging service has become increasingly popular on smartphones over the past few years through 3rd party apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Kik and is seen as a threat to the texting industry that has been a major revenue source for network carriers for years. In the past year, the carriers have seen a decline in texting revenue as users are reducing their use of text messaging due to the added fees. Users have start seeking alternative less expensive methods of messaging friends on their smartphones. The Internet messaging service announced by Apple has received positive feedback from consumers and could help push internet messaging into the mainstream for smartphone users. For more information see The Wall Street Journal.