NEW YORK - Critics call it text messaging for cheating spouses. But its creator says it's for anyone who wants to keep their private messages private.
The application is called "Tigertext", for those who want to see their text messages self-destruct.
When Tiger Woods was texting his alleged mistresses he never imagined his messages would one day end up being animated for all to see.
"Quietly and secretly we will always be together," said his text.
But now the "quietly and secretly" part stands a chance. Introducing "Tigertext" - their slogan, "to cover your tracks."
"I said wouldn't it be great if you could send a text and it would self destruct in 30 seconds," says Jeffrey Evans, the founder of Tigertext.
If that idea sounds familiar, you may have seen it on TV. Remember how the 'Mission Impossible' team used to get their secret Assignments?
"This disc will self destruct in 5 sec. Good luck Jim. "
The makers of Tigertext say their iPhone app allows you to automatically delete text messages from the sender's phone and the receiver's phone.
You set the time, from delete on readin - the message disappears a minute after it's read - to a month later. And, it also vanishes from the tigertext server.
"When it's gone, it's gone," says Evans.
In the tigertext demo someone messages "how did the job interview go?" the reply "I told you don't send me stuff like that".
"Don't worry. I set it on delete on read." There's a countdown until the message vanishes, replaced by tiger paws.
"I don't know, Tigertexting? Maybe we should call it something else," said one woman.
The creators of Tigertext say they're not referring to Tiger Woods, they mean the ones with 4 legs.
Supposedly because they're hard to track, PC World called it the app for spies and cheaters.
"It's not about salaciousness, it's about privacy," said Evans. "…how many times did you send message and close with delete after reading?"
And it's not just for the iPhone. Tigertext is coming soon to a Blackberry near you.
"Truthfully I think it's very sketchy," said one man who saw it.
"It's very sneaky," said another woman.
"Ah wow I dunno. I kind of like it. People should be able to have their Privacy," said another.
The biggest catch is that both sender and receiver need to have the app for it to work.
Perhaps that's something Tiger could have used.
"Can you please uh take your name off your phone?" Woods asked in a phone message. "My wife went thru my phone and may be calling."
One website called the Tigertext "the morning after pill of messaging."
