Hello all,
I have been a devoted user of Handcent for more years than I can recall back - decades. However, they have not responded to my support requests, their Play Store page is gone, and their website links to the Play Store page that is gone.
Recently I was driven to seek advice on what the community is using after Google Play Protect flagged Handcent (Next SMS) as "fake," which I know not to be true, but support is a huge factor for me in what I use.
So, let's hear it, what are all of you using and what do you recommend / not recommend?
Thanks for consideration!
I'd recommend Signal. It combines SMS and WhatsApp functionality into one app. That is just my personal choice, but there are a lot of other apps out there
I remember ditching Handcent for Textra almost a decade ago. If you like the features, check out SMS Messenger (orange icon) and QKSMS. Otherwise, +1 for Signal.
google messages, especially if you also want to have a window on your computer open to send messages
I'm trying to move all my conversations to google messages just because of the RCS feature. As the other member mentioned, you can also continue conversations on the computer
Another vote for Signal here, love it. They also have a desktop app but of course the desktop app will not include SMS/non-Signal inbound/outbound text. If you would like to have full control of text threads on the computer, you can look into the Windows 10 "phone link" feature.
Eternally grateful we're on a platform where we can actually remove the native text app and use whatever we want.
Related
Does windows phone OS support group texting? Mostly concerned with iPhone users sending a group text to me and I want to reply all back and keep a single thread of chat/text going between the other users.
Currently the best option on Android is using GOsmspro or handcent and enabling group MMS threading. Problem is this is TERRIBLY slow even on my S3 because it has to convert each message to MMS and send and upon receiving a reply back from any party member it is received as MMS and then converted and then placed into the group thread. Extremely laggy if multiple texts are sent at in a short amount of time. Just wondering how Windows Phone 7 or 8 might handle this. It's making me really consider going back to iPhone since I like to keep tabs on my bro n sis via this group texting.
I am using groupme at the moment but it's a third party system and only supports sms if using the sms push, or else MMS via 3rd party app, which requires each sender to have the app and use this separate app to communicate.
Yes, Windows Phone 7 already supports this. It works via MMS on all platforms, but that's transparent when it's built in. The WP7 implementation is pretty good; I can't imagine they'd drop it in WP8.
bkaul said:
Yes, Windows Phone 7 already supports this. It works via MMS on all platforms, but that's transparent when it's built in. The WP7 implementation is pretty good; I can't imagine they'd drop it in WP8.
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Thank you. Is it pretty seemless? As in sending and receiving is pretty smooth as if sending an sms to a single user? I assume that's what you mean as in it's transparent. If so, this is great news.
Most of my family have iPhone and use group message. Was using gosms but it slow like the OP said. I use wp7 for 2 weeks and their group message is fast. I return wp7 and will wait for wp8.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
By transparent, I mean you don't really notice the difference between SMS and MMS when there's no image attached, since in Windows Phone the UI is identical - they're both messages in the same messaging app. But any "group text" is a MMS rather than an SMS, as far as how it's sent on the back end. It is very seamless - Microsoft's Messaging app handles both types of messages very well.
You'll see a message to/from some number of recipients with the individual recipients listed as screen space allows (you can tap to pop up the full list if it runs off the edge of the screen), and on each incoming message, the sender is listed near the timestamp so you can tell who sent it. Everything in that conversation, from any of the recipients, shows up in the same conversation thread no matter how many people you're texting. When you create a new text, you can add multiple recipients just like you would for an e-mail, etc.
bkaul said:
By transparent, I mean you don't really notice the difference between SMS and MMS when there's no image attached, since in Windows Phone the UI is identical - they're both messages in the same messaging app. But any "group text" is a MMS rather than an SMS, as far as how it's sent on the back end. It is very seamless - Microsoft's Messaging app handles both types of messages very well.
You'll see a message to/from some number of recipients with the individual recipients listed as screen space allows (you can tap to pop up the full list if it runs off the edge of the screen), and on each incoming message, the sender is listed near the timestamp so you can tell who sent it. Everything in that conversation, from any of the recipients, shows up in the same conversation thread no matter how many people you're texting. When you create a new text, you can add multiple recipients just like you would for an e-mail, etc.
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I've been having trouble getting this to work. The group text I was a part of on my iPhone isn't coming through on my Lumia 920 at all. iMessage is stuck authorizing my phone number, so that may be a part of it, but as of yet I haven't found out what the issue is. Anyone else having this issue?
Apple has never been big on interoperability, but you can easily do group texts natively without worrying about iMessage.
Kindrex said:
I've been having trouble getting this to work. The group text I was a part of on my iPhone isn't coming through on my Lumia 920 at all. iMessage is stuck authorizing my phone number, so that may be a part of it, but as of yet I haven't found out what the issue is. Anyone else having this issue?
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Click to collapse
You will have to turn off iMessage on your iPhone. You probably don't have your iPhone anymore, but what needs to happen is to unlink your phone number from iMessage. Did you do that? If not I think you can unregister your phone here:
http://holgr.com/blog/2011/12/howto-deactivating-imessage-on-lost-or-sold-iphones/
Also turn on group chat in your messaging settings. I saw this while messing with a WP8 in store.
Just two simple questions:
Why there is not Facebook Messenger for Windows Phone? Android has it, iphone has it and even Black Berry. Why Windows doesn't?
Why all Facebook apps have serious problems catching and showing notifications? The only one that atm works well is JTD for Facebook, and so I suppose is it possible to make it working.
Am I missing something?
First of all, Facebook messaging is built into the OS. You don't need a separate app at all.
Second, there is a Facebook IM/Chat app ("fim chat"), at least on WP7. I admit that I don't see it in the WP8 store yet.
Third, there are a number of other apps (IM+ being probably the most popular) that implement Facebook messaging.
GoodDayToDie said:
First of all, Facebook messaging is built into the OS. You don't need a separate app at all.
Second, there is a Facebook IM/Chat app ("fim chat"), at least on WP7. I admit that I don't see it in the WP8 store yet.
Third, there are a number of other apps (IM+ being probably the most popular) that implement Facebook messaging.
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Click to collapse
Hi!
thank you for your answer!
The built in Facebook messaging system works really bad: (correct me if I' m not right) it works only if you decide to stay online (so offline msg doesnt work properly) and it doesn't work in receving messages from people that are not in your friend list
The same happens for IM+, you can't chat while you are offline and neither you can chat with people not in your friend list.
For these things I asked "why?"
I' m really interested in knowing if there is something that I missing (like maybe something that afflict Facebook chat that makes it difficult in being developed in third part apps)
I really like wp 8, it has great potential and stuff but it's hard for me to figure out why it misses some must-working apps
FB Chat in IM+ is, I believe, just implemented using Jabber/XMPP (I think that's the underlying transport of FB IMs, at least). Support for receiving offline messages (which I believe Fim has) probably requires deeper integration with the service. Mind you, I see no reason to sign out of FB on the phone, and you can get messages even when the app isn't running (IM+ push notifications work fine for me, though the app in general is a bit slow and clunky).
My biggest issue with any of the facebook apps, is that there is always an issue where notifications never come in promptly when I have my status set to appear offline. On the os end, the closest I can get while being able to see friends online is having it set to Away.
I'm looking for a Windows Phone 8 Facebook app that will allow me to view and send photos in the chat window - Does such an app even exist
And I don't want one that just sends a link to a photo for someone to click on
For SMS and the like, do you use the official/stock messaging app or Google Hangouts?
Nether, I use YAATA. There is quite a bit to choose from.
I use Chomp or Textra, many more options to configure including delayed sending(if you notice you are sending to wrong person) & ability to choose multiple recipients(group text) simply
I used hangouts on my LG g2 for ages, but I haven't missed it yet on the z3c yet..... But I've only had the z3c a week haha.
Anything you guys don't like about the stock msg app in particular? Or is it mainly that the others have more options to tweak?
Was just randomly inquiring.
I'm currently using the stock messaging app and have no issues.
ajgftw said:
... Anything you guys don't like about the stock msg app in particular? Or is it mainly that the others have more options to tweak?
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I do like having a few more options but mainly I like dark themes and third party messaging apps offer those.
I use Textra myself, been quite happy with it thus far, enjoy the customization options in terms of LED and notification bubbles and sounds that you can customize per contact.
Calvinthesneak said:
I use Textra myself, been quite happy with it thus far, enjoy the customization options in terms of LED and notification bubbles and sounds that you can customize per contact.
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I was a fan of Textra early on. However, I don't understand why they continue to use their own database for sent messages. They used to only keep sent messages in their database thus preventing you from doing backups. They now copy sent messages from their database to the Android database so backups and restores work fine. If you don't mind the extra space used it is a good app. I guess they do it for performance though I don't see any difference between their app and other messaging apps.
I have a group of 50 people, and sometimes i need to send an sms to all of them.
Stock sms app cannot fulfil the job and does not have an option to keep contacts in groups after sending messages.
I have to use handcent instead.
By the way, if anyone knows a decent sms app that can overcome android sms/hour limitation please give me an advice.
Thx in advance!
Ecou81 said:
...By the way, if anyone knows a decent sms app that can overcome android sms/hour limitation please give me an advice.
Thx in advance!
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What ROM are you running? I have seen that setting in CM12. I don't believe it's an Android limitation but rather a ROM setting.
Stock 4.4.4.
I don't have the courage to install a custom rom
And why? ?
I'm using Facebook messenger app. Crazy, I know.
The Why: Because I already have it for the occasional FB message, so I thought I would give it a try. It's not bad, and I like the chat heads. I don't share anything too personal over it, so I'm not concerned. One day I might stop being lazy and try some others out.
Google Messages works a treat for my usage...
Textra ftw. No other texting app better, none as customizable. I also use WhatsApp for friends out of the USA and for sending video and photos to my most talked to friends
Eric214 said:
Textra ftw. No other texting app better, none as customizable. I also use WhatsApp for friends out of the USA and for sending video and photos to my most talked to friends
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Exactly the same... ?
Eric214 said:
Textra ftw. No other texting app better, none as customizable. I also use WhatsApp for friends out of the USA and for sending video and photos to my most talked to friends
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I use Google Messages right now but I do miss the customization that Textra offered and how fast and smooth it is but the one major thing that prevents me from using it every time is the lack of archiving message threads feature that text apps like pulse and messages have. It keeps me away cause sometimes I want to delete a message thread but often times I just want to archive it cause there may be images, information, or just the fact that I want to see my text history with that person. Which Textra would add this feature instead of just the deleting the whole thread.
Textra here too
Fast and simple and heavily customisable
Whats app, facebook messenger.
TacoTuco said:
I use Google Messages right now but I do miss the customization that Textra offered and how fast and smooth it is but the one major thing that prevents me from using it every time is the lack of archiving message threads feature that text apps like pulse and messages have. It keeps me away cause sometimes I want to delete a message thread but often times I just want to archive it cause there may be images, information, or just the fact that I want to see my text history with that person. Which Textra would add this feature instead of just the deleting the whole thread.
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Yes I agree I gave it 3 stars and mentioned this in my review to the developer. I told them it would be a 5 star if there was a way to backup and restore or archive them as to not lose them from phone to phone or in cases you need to data reset your phone. They responded to me and said they would look into it and nothing... this was about 2 years ago.
Textra is love, Textra is life, no other compromise.
Google messages. I have used textra alot before. But just switched to Google and it's been smooth and exactly what I need.
Google Messages for me.
Smooth, useful features, and web messaging from other devices.
As a non US résident, I don't have access to those fancy text apps nevermind to a supercharged network !
Hence, where I am from, texting is a thing of the past!
I use Telegram which is, in my opinion, light years ahead it's competition in terms of features and one of the last really secure platform there is! (Among with signal)
+ Channels
Google messages, Whatsapps and Telegram.
Used to use textra, then chompsms, now pulse.
I got tired of backing up my messages when changing phones (I switch between 3 at least once a week.)
Pulse auto syncs messages and restores automatically upon a new login.
Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk
You guys use text messaging? Damn...
It's 2019, use Signal.
Using Google messages, simple, works for me and has a web client for the rare time I don't have my phone next to me
Textra
Great app no issues
Using the stock messaging app for the time being but considering moving to google messaging app because of the web client, which was very convenient back when I had my Nokia 6.1
Textra , it's awesome!
通过我的 GM1910 上的 Tapatalk发言
I've seen some threads asking about the google messages apk. but my question is:
My s21 ultra came with google messages by default as SMS app, I also have the Samsung messages app installed (I set it as default instead of the google messages app).
Is there a reason for the google messages app to have come as default? Are there any advantages to it?
p.s. I didn't really find the exact answer around the forum, if there is such answer, can you please point me to it and close this thread?
Regards
joancolmenares said:
I've seen some threads asking about the google messages apk. but my question is:
My s21 ultra came with google messages by default as SMS app, I also have the Samsung messages app installed (I set it as default instead of the google messages app).
Is there a reason for the google messages app to have come as default? Are there any advantages to it?
p.s. I didn't really find the exact answer around the forum, if there is such answer, can you please point me to it and close this thread?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like google messages mainly for the good integration of RCS and also because it has a web app. The UI is fine, darkmode is cool, so if I had to choose I'd go for Google.
Now on why it's google messages by default, I have no clue...
Personally, I like Google Messages, but Samsung Messages now has RCS too I believe. It just got it recently. But from what I've seen and used, Google Messages is probably the way to go. It's just a better experience overall. It can verify business senders, help you report spam messages, and also just a couple of different things that are convenient, like what Raiz mentioned above. I'd go back to Google if you want something that works better overall.
Thanks mates!
Will switch back to Google/Android Messages and test it out a bit more
I use Messages, the only AT&T bloatware app I use.
Edit, it's Samsung not AT&T
Here I am still using Textra lol
Google messages far superior easier to use, much easier adding gifs, emojis and attachments.
I use Google Messages it's really nice and simple to use.
Wish you could uninstall the samsung contacts, calendar, calc, clock, messages, phone etc.... it's the one thing that irritates me with samsung that they spend all this effort replicating what google already does a perfectly good job of.
highlightshadow said:
Wish you could uninstall the samsung contacts, calendar, calc, clock, messages, phone etc.... it's the one thing that irritates me with samsung that they spend all this effort replicating what google already does a perfectly good job of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can remove using the adb commands. You can find the package name by using the apk analyzer app.
I was using Google Messages on my previous device, but with the S21 I couldn't set conversations to be mute (roaming messages i receive daily on my 2nd sim).
I can only make the notification silent for that conversation, but I don't even want the notification, which I cannot do.
Samsung Messages have this ability
I use signal. Better than both, has everything plus security and privacy.
S10Plus said:
You can remove using the adb commands. You can find the package name by using the apk analyzer app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been out of the game for a long time. You can do this without root?
thacounty said:
Been out of the game for a long time. You can do this without root?
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Click to collapse
Well you can hide apps from the main user (you) with this trick but you can't actually delete the apk file from /system unless you have root.
I personally prefer Samsung messaging app, mainly because of the its UI.
However, the main advantage of Google messages is the availability of RCS by default, no matter where you live or which carrier you have. You can have RCS with Samsung messages but only if your carrier supports it.
mcbyte_it said:
I was using Google Messages on my previous device, but with the S21 I couldn't set conversations to be mute (roaming messages i receive daily on my 2nd sim).
I can only make the notification silent for that conversation, but I don't even want the notification, which I cannot do.
Samsung Messages have this ability
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Click to collapse
Ah, really? I haven't had that problem with my S21U whilst using Google Messages. How were you trying to mute them?
NippleSauce said:
Ah, really? I haven't had that problem with my S21U whilst using Google Messages. How were you trying to mute them?
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In Samsung Messenger the no notifications option (bell icon with a bar on it) will not even show a notification in the Android notifications area (When I open Messages I will see there is unread messages in the silent conversation), while Google Messages it will still show a notification but without sound.
I use Google Messages because for some reason, MMS won't send or receive in Samsung Messeges.
If anyone has a fix for this....
highlightshadow said:
Wish you could uninstall the samsung contacts, calendar, calc, clock, messages, phone etc.... it's the one thing that irritates me with samsung that they spend all this effort replicating what google already does a perfectly good job of.
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Click to collapse
IMO... Google doesn't really do a good job with most things other than its search algorithms, ad monopoly and data rape....
whitehawk66 said:
IMO... Google doesn't really do a good job with most things other than its search algorithms, ad monopoly and data rape....
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Exactly, especially their UI. I have a pixel phone and many years after the launch of material design Google still doesn't use it in all its apps. The apps feels completely separate, each has it's ow design and colors. Some apps have dark mode with full black background (setting app) while others have dark gray background (contacts, messages,...). Let's not talk about YouTube, which still doesn't follow MD 2...
I like how samsung use the same design language for all its apps and they pay particular attention to small details just like IOS