The essence of good Shakespearean acting is an ability to speak the text.

WSJ: Word Craft: Sir Antony Sher on Acting Shakespeare

In addition, it allows your PC to speak the text as you scan it, and can also read hand-written numerals.

CNN: Pen scanner reads, translates

But the Egyptian text messages speak to a more serious quandary mobile operators might face under similar circumstances.

WSJ: Egypt Intrudes on Mobile Operators

Sporting plain white vestments and a cross, and opting for plain dark shoes rather than red ones, Pope Francis spoke in Italian during Friday's meeting, occasionally breaking off from the prepared text to speak off the cuff.

BBC: Pope Francis calls for evangelism drive

And if I can speak to them and I have time, I always text back.

CNN: Flo Rida answers the call

For the deaf and hearing impaired, an app called SpeechTrans Ultimate lets them communicate with hearing people, who speak out loud into the user's mobile device, and the translated text automatically appears.

BBC: Speeding up work for people with disabilities

On the phone I can hear nuances in a voice that a text message totally lacks like (I lived in LA in the late 70s so can speak some Valley Girl).

FORBES: Young People, Stop Just Texting Me and Give Me a Call Once in a While PLZ! Part Deux