You get a phone number with the account. SMSs come from/to that number. You can transfer in a number if you want. You get some phone minutes as well. The basic

You get a phone number with the account. SMSs come from/to that number. You can transfer in a number if you want. You get some phone minutes as well. The basic idea is that you only need a data connection to your various devices. It eliminates the annoying need to type on your phone when you want to exchange SMSs with someone while you are on your laptop/desktop. Particularly helpful to people like myself who don't have a smartphone to type on.