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The Samsung Intercept has a very basic selection of messaging options, even for a phone running a standard Android OS. Google is obviously the preferred service provider. There's a Gmail app and a Google Talk app. If you want to use a different e-mail provider, there's a general Email app for everything else. That includes POP, IMAP and Exchange e-mail accounts. If you want to use a different instant messaging service, you'll have to find third party software. The Intercept only comes with Gtalk on board.

There's also SMS support with the standard Android Messaging app. Messaging works just fine, and it displays messages in a threaded, conversational format, similar to instant message chatting. I was able to attach photos and short video files with no trouble and send them as MMS messages. Picture messages did not come through perfectly. Incoming pictures would show up as a slideshow button, though outgoing pictures displayed neatly within the message conversation text.

For social networking fans, the Samsung Intercept is preloaded with official Facebook and Twitter apps. Each comes with an accompanying widget for the multi-panel home screen. As I mentioned, you can also link your contacts to your social networks. Android does a nice job integrating social networking and other online services into the phone's features. So, from the camera app, for instance, you can easily take a shot and then upload it immediately to your favorite network.

The onboard social networking apps work well. Beyond Facebook and Twitter, you'll have to find an app from the Market to support other social networks. The Facebook app did a poor job notifying me of incoming messages and new wall posts. The Twitter app does a better job with notifications, and it's packed full of features. Social networking remains one of Android's strong suits, so if you're thinking of stepping up to the Intercept because you're looking for a simple social device, you'll find plenty to suit your needs here.

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