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Mobile Defense not activating on DamageControl 2.1 ROM

Hi,
I'm trying to install Mobile Defense, but I'm not getting the activation email. i checked online on mobile defense's website, and I believe it's b/c now with the DC ROM, it thinks it's a verizon phone, and I don't receive the activation sms.
Anyone else get this working somehow?

I've seen the same thing, so I just switched back to Wave Secure. It has a lot more functionality anyway, but it does send its SMS when you do things and they are from Singapore or something. That can result in charges depending on your plan.
..As long as you sign up by the end of March you get a free lifetime subscription.

crunchybutternut said:
I've seen the same thing, so I just switched back to Wave Secure. It has a lot more functionality anyway, but it does send its SMS when you do things and they are from Singapore or something. That can result in charges depending on your plan.
..As long as you sign up by the end of March you get a free lifetime subscription.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and you were able to activate wave secure on your DC 2.1 ROM?
How did you activate it? via SMS?
EDIT:
Never mind, I just signed up successfully on Wave Secure with my DC 2.1 ROM. Weird though that I can activate Wave Secure, but not mobile defense. It does also bother me that the sms comes from gateway is in singapore, so any command texts I send to it will be an international charge.
I just also found out that international texts are 20 cents each.
http://www.nextel.com/en/services/worldwide/intl_txt_msg_from_us.shtml

I'm having the same issue.
I'm going to e-mail tech support and see what they say. Judging by the forums they seem to be very friendly/helpful.
I've been using wave secure for a while now. Yes, they do charge .20 for texts... small price to pay if you ask me. It has helped me find my phone on more than one occasion.
$500 for a new phone, or a buck or two for some texts...
Besides, you can always complain to sprint and I'm sure they'd refund it. Just play dumb. Sprint is begging to hold on to every customer they have anyways. I however dont mind a few .20 charges from time to time.
I'll keep the thread updated if I get anywhere with Mobile Defense.
There is one big reason I'd love to use mobile secure though. If you are root, mobile defense will turn on GPS if it is off. With wave secure, if you leave GPS off it will only send the location of the tower you're connected to. Not much good really.
EDIT
Here is the post over at Mobile Defense's Forums...
http://support.mobiledefense.com/viewtopic.php?pid=3857#p3857

I use Lookout ...I think its better than wavesecure and mobile defense...
remember that wave secure sends you text messages from Singapore ..Sprint will charge you for those text messages..

I tried Lookout... very buggy. Did not like it at all. That and its bloated with crap I dont need. Antivirus on android???? Yeah... dont think I need that.

poor_red_neck said:
I tried Lookout... very buggy. Did not like it at all. That and its bloated with crap I dont need. Antivirus on android???? Yeah... dont think I need that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know....i leave that off...
it's a simple app though..

ro_bro said:
It does also bother me that the sms comes from gateway is in singapore, so any command texts I send to it will be an international charge.
I just also found out that international texts are 20 cents each.
http://www.nextel.com/en/services/worldwide/intl_txt_msg_from_us.shtml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there we go... I saw texts from Singapore on my bill and was like WTF??? glad I know where they're from now lol

So... there is a workaround but I'm not sure exactly how to do It (reading this from my phone in bed at 1am lol.)
http://support.mobiledefense.com/viewtopic.php?id=996

So here's how all I needed to do running Damage Control...
I pulled the build.prop
(either copy using Root Explorer, or via ADB)
Only thing I changed is:
Code:
ro.cdma.home.operator.numeric [b]310120[/b]
To do this, the steps are:
1 . adb pull /system/build.prop C:\"where ever your sdk is stored" --> example of mine --> adb pull /system/build.prop C:\android-sdk-windows\tools
2. used wordpad (don't use MS notepad) to edit build.prop with the following:
ro.cdma.home.operator.numeric 310120
ro.cdma.home.operator.alpha Sprint (should be this already)
3. save as build.prop in tools folder of sdk
4. adb remount
5. adb push build.prop /system/
6. reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I had to do differently is uninstall the application, then re-install. Open Mobile Defense, re-login with your account, then you should get the activation text.

Need an app developed for the T9193? Anyone interested?

Guys, I'm interested in buying this phone http://negrielectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=9193&order=relevance&dir=desc but my problem is my eyesight and I need something that enlarges everything on the phone. NOT just the font when you write or something.
Less space between icons, utilizing the space better and instead of like the way the iphone was (sample)
John Smith 888-444-555
Have something more like this
John Smith 888-444-555
You know, use the space instead of just wasting it.
I tried years ago with my LG 9800 putting people's pics on there so I could see who was calling and still, they wouldn't let me use the whole screen for the picture but only a small portion in the middle.
With the help of one of the guys here, I found this http://www.touchxperience.com/en/applications/advanced-configuration-tool.html but of course, unless I have the phone, I can't test it.
The same guy suggested I get someone here to help me and write something for me so here I am.
I found this DROID app that says "Font Size globally enlarges text in all apps (Email, SMS, Maps, Home, Weather, Calendar, Widgets, ...)."
That's kinda what I want but possibly even bigger icons to boot.
Now, for my use and where I am, I have been recommended the 9193 so it would be great if someone here that has one could do something and show me how big things can get (if this is possible).
Thanks
George

Hi George and welcome.
I am sure someone on XDA can help you out.
I will move your thread to the Themes and Apps forum where you will probably get a better response.
Good luck with this venture, hope you find what you seek.
WB

Thank you Mr. Banana sir
I hope I can get some help too. Man, I can't believe this should be so hard. I mean, I'm not the only ol' fart around am I?
'preciate it
Oh, and I changed the title since you moved it.
Thanks again
George

There is a global "text size" setting which can be changed in WM. It will change the text for most of the system. Unfortunately some programs do not obey this setting and will default to small fonts - there's not much you can do about those programs though rather than get the developer to rewrite them.

I´m using zoo(o)mer a program that enlarges your sight.
Just try .

Guys, I don't have the actual phone nor do I have access to one.
Is there anyone here that can do this and show me a screen capture or something?
Ideally, putting it on a scanner and scanning it would be great. That way the size of the unit is accurate and I can compare it to other phones.
Thanks
George

Get one and add stuff
I have the T9193 and Zoomer is about your best bet at the moment, it will allow pinching to enlarge in most programs and areas in the phone.
When it comes to the phone calls etc there are some great apps developed on here that enlarge keys etc and use the vast space of the screen so blokes like us can see to do what we need to do without glasses.....mostly.
I use Iconsoft Phonex 2.2 for the dialer app, everything is nice and large!
Zoomer works great.
The phone is brilliant so get one add zoomer and Phonex and you will be very happy.....mostly...there will be the odd spot to annoy you but you will be able to live with it.

Well, I may have to take your word for it and of course, if I don't like it, I can just send the phone to you for a refund, right?
Seriously though, that sounds good.
Don't suppose you're in a position to do some screen captures, video or a scan of the phone so I can see what I'm doing?
Where do I get the zoomer and phoenix and how much are they?
Are you running 6.5 on there and is there anything different in 7?
Thanks guys
George

PhoneEx is good. But when I try to send an email from the contact of PhoneEx, "send from" will be "outlook mail'. Is it possible to change it to "hotmail", if yes, how?
Thanks a lot!

Is outlook mail the only choice?
Mind you, I would probably do it directly from the server like I do now but still, I hate outlook

give it a search... im quite sure there are lots of solutions instead of using outlook.
(p.s. I dont have mobile internet plan so i dont use the email function that often. but im sure you will come up with lots of solutions. the hd2 is great )

Hell, as long as it does the other stuff I want it to do, that's gonna be a minor thing since I tend to do my mail directly from the mail server anyway. I was just curious.
I'm hoping to get a reply on the zoom and phonex questions soon and I might go ahead and buy the phone tomorrow or something.
Thanks guys
George

Guys, while I'm at it, I just realized I should post my "wish" list here for you to comment on it and what's available and not on the 9193.
I actually sent this to Negrielectronics.com and they've been working with me to find the right phone so again, I want to put a plug for them 'cause they've been great!
Anyway, here it is in "kinda" order of importance to me...well, except for the first few, they are just questions I added later.
Cell Phone Wish List
1. Voice recording for PHONE conversations
2. Voice recording for other conversations, as in voice memos with built in mic.
3. Phonebook limited to memory size or are there size limitations?
4. Can I import my information from my Palm PDA?
5. Ability to have LARGE Letters and Numbers
6. LOUD RINGER and ability to put any ring tone on it. I will attach the one you put on the last phone so you can see it.
7. Loud Volume on phone
8. Loud Volume on speaker
9. Function as modem for getting online. NOT a must but would like to.
10. Pop e mail so I can check my mail if I want to.
11. Good browser capabilities (think iPhone)
12. Large clock so I can see it easier. You know, when the phone is in standby mode and you want to check what time it is. I love the clock that’s show in the picture of the HTC Touch HD2 T9193
13. Predictive dialing (I liked this from the HTC Vox that you let me try. Very cool. You dial and it keeps trying to guess which number you want. I’d LIKE this but NOT a requirement.
14. Latest Bluetooth version
15.
16. PREFER Real keyboard but not a requirement. I’ve gotten used to dialing on the screen and I don’t text at all.
17. GSM/3G/Fast Internet speeds. Probably going to use it on AT&T. I was never very happy with Verizon and for me at least, ATT worked better. Note, Ryan recommended T-Mobile and I will probably go with that, if nothing else but for the cost.
18. I don’t need a whole lot of the cool gadgets and features on it. I don’t do music or watch videos or download stuff. If it has a good browser like the iphone, that would be great but I mainly want a good PHONE. Camera is good to have and I do actually use it. Liked the one on the iphone and that the lens wasn’t too damn wide. That always pisses me off.
19. I would like a way to connect a corded headset, preferably without adapters.
20. I don’t care if it’s windows or not as I don’t plan on having letters and spread sheets on it. I have PDA’s for that.
21. At least 500 numbers in the phone book. Maybe predictive
22. I do NOT want a flip phone!
23. If it has keyboard on the front, I need LARGER buttons, NOT like the blueberry. My fingers are too thick for that.
24. Also, I would like the option to return it to you if it doesn’t work with my hands free in the car. Just like I did with the Vox and I would be happy to pay some fee for this if necessary.
25. As a phone, the Vox was superior to the iPhone but two things I didn’t like. Size of everything of course and it sucked at displaying web pages. I would actually like to change my requirement. I WOULD like something that displays web pages as well as the iPhone does. It did a beautiful job and I MAY need this feature in the future so if you guys are going to recommend something with a little larger screen, type HTC or iPhone, then I would like something that displays the web pages properly. Of course, it could be that they all do that now, I don’t know.
26. Ryan, I talked to Kenwood to find out which Bluetooth version it had as the handsfree unit was built in but they had no clue. Big surprise there. THIS is the unit I have from Kenwood (DNX8120) and although they didn’t have a list of compatible phones, there is a page on their site where one can look up the compatibility so I’m sending you that instead so that when the guys find a phone that’s suitable for me, they or I can go online and check it.
http://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/bt/index.php In the first drop down menu on the left, select DNX8. underneath select DNX8120 and under that, select INCLUDE and then on the right, find the phone I’m getting.
Well, I think this is about what I can come up with.
IF I get a laptop with built in wireless that I can use would I have to have an account for that and again, would I be stuck with the higher priced plan or how does that work

I've got a phone, nah nah nah nah nah nah...
Alright boys, I went with the Desire for AT&T from Negri Electronics (and by the way, if someone wants one, they've got 50 of them coming in monday or tuesday) so I need to ramp up the search for apps to make me see things better
Oh, and linky if someone wants it http://negrielectronics.com/htc-desire-a8183-android-att-850-us-na-3g-unlocked.html
They've got other versions if you don't want AT&T by the way.
Later yall
George

[Request] Chrome to phone-like app for finding phone

Hi guys!
I know there is a way to create a Chrome extension which, when clicked, launches an app on the phone that vibrates the phone and plays a sound file at the loudest volume, so I can find it. Like Chrome to phone but with a different purpose.
This would be a great app for those times when you need to go but just can't find your phone even though you know it is somewhere in the home. With just the press of a button you could hear (or feel, if it's very close to you) where it is! No need to use another phone to call yours or run around the apartment getting all tired and angry!
Personally I would have used it like eight times since I came up with the idea, but I don't know Android programming or HTML (for the extension) so I can't create it myself.

where's my droid
and a couple of other apps already do this. They take a sms message and crank up the volume.

arw01 said:
and a couple of other apps already do this. They take a sms message and crank up the volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great for some people (with unlimited SMS), but unfortunately I haven't got unlimited SMS (nor do I always have access to a second phone. If I did though I would probably call my phone instead as this request is for finding the phone when you know it is somewhere near but don't have the patience to run around and search for it)
The app I want doesn't use SMS messages for launching the app but the Cloud-to-device service introduced with Android 2.2 and at the moment only available to a small but growing number of devices.
I use the Chrome to phone app & ext (code dot google dot com/p/chrometophone) on my Nexus and although it doesn't work every time when it does work it feels like magic!
I thought it would feel as much if not even more like magic if you could use this new service to find your phone with ease. I don't need it to have all the (for some) great features like showing where the phone is on a Google map or wiping important data if it's lost, I've got other apps for that.
I want this app to be as simple as it possibly can be, again like Chrome to phone:
Setting up: Download, Register phone, Be logged into Google account, done!
Use: Be logged into Google account, click extension button, wait a sec, phone rings, done!
Now does anyone here know how to create this app or where to request it to increase the chances of it getting past the idea stage and into something usable? It would surely make my day!

[Q] Triumph, Google Voice, and mac basic questions

I've put off getting a smartphone as long as possible, but did enough research that I think the Triumph on Virgin's $35 plan with Google voice is a smart way to go. I still have some questions about this new OS, programs, and environment, and really like the smart people on this forum, and hope you won't mind a few questions.
-What’s the best VOIP app for working with Google Voice? I've come across GrooVe IP, but would like reassurance whether it's the best option. I'd like to make calls over wifi, but I'd also like to know whether Virgin Mobile's 3g coverage is fast enough for voip (generally...). I wouldn't want to do this routinely as I'd be afraid they'd throttle me. But I would like someone who knows to share their opinion.
-How do I find out my wifi signal strength? 3G strength? GPS strength? Or even just where I can learn what the icons on the top bar stand for, and what their range is? There must be a good app for this, and I'd love a recommendation.
-If I wanted the option, how (specifically) would I switch from making a voip/data plan outgoing call to the regular phone cell plan? Would Android be smart enough to do this automatically without a wifi signal? Or would I need to change a setting in Google Voice? Any thoughts most appreciated.
-How do I find what apps are running (in background?)? Percentage of system resources, and how to kill them? I’m guessing there are apps for that. Does Android kill a process when you return to home screen? What are some of the general rules?
-I have a mac. I’m guessing most of the programs that let you manage files, root the phone, install Cyanogen mods, etc, are PC based. I found Android File Transfer, but am not clear on it's limits. Are there better options? What will the AFT program be good for? [Emulating PC’s is a pain I would rather avoid, but I have been thinking of running virtual box to donate some processing time to the Large Hadron Collider, so I might be able to run some of these PC programs]. Any advice most welcome.
-Any skins or options to turn the google apps into light text on dark background? (I'm aware of and have used the option in Gmail). I hate black text on white background. I'm kooky that way.
This Android phone is good looking, the plan costs much less than a thousand a year (which I refuse to pay), and I LOVE the Google voice options to turn your text and calls into computer files which you can archive as you wish. The Google voice activation / text / search is far superior to iAnything, voip/wifi is the balls, and I think a lot people who've been holding off from getting a smartphone will jump on this combo, and this thread may help them. Many thanks...

dcnblues said:
-How do I find out my wifi signal strength? 3G strength? GPS strength? Or even just where I can learn what the icons on the top bar stand for, and what their range is? There must be a good app for this, and I'd love a recommendation.
-How do I find what apps are running (in background?)? Percentage of system resources, and how to kill them? I’m guessing there are apps for that. Does Android kill a process when you return to home screen? What are some of the general rules?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With respect to these questions, I'm not an expert, but I'll provide a list of programs I use.
For WiFi signal strength, I'd recommend Wifi Analyzer from the Market. For 3G strength, I'd recommend Cellumap. For GPS Strength, GPS Status + Toolbox or GPS Test.
The manual for the phone can be found on either the VMUSA or Motorola web site. It will explain some of the icons. Although when using the phone, I often see stuff not explained in the manual.
For examining the phone's processes, I recommend SystemPanel from the Market (paid for version has history), and/or Android Status.
There are people that tell you NOT to kill anything on the Android OS manually. I use 1Tap Cleaner and Advanced Task Killer from the market if I see the phone behaving a bit sluggish. Android OS loads stuff in memory readying it for future use. How it does so (intelligently) I don't know. I see stuff being partially loaded I never use. I have never had a problem using either program.
YMMV

GrooveIP works great over 3g...I dunno how much we will be able to use it once they start capping data..bastards

dcnblues said:
-What’s the best VOIP app for working with Google Voice? I've come across GrooVe IP, but would like reassurance whether it's the best option. I'd like to make calls over wifi, but I'd also like to know whether Virgin Mobile's 3g coverage is fast enough for voip (generally...). I wouldn't want to do this routinely as I'd be afraid they'd throttle me. But I would like someone who knows to share their opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GrooVe IP is actually the only thing i've bothered to use because it worked well enough, I havn't put it to test over 3g... In the future, you can root the phone and update it to sprint PRL (Their towers instead of VMU) - People have reported up to like 6-900kbps doing this... I would suggest to not factor this last suggestion in yet as you won't be extremely comfortable with your first smart phone being messed with (But a possibility nonetheless)
dcnblues said:
-How do I find out my wifi signal strength? 3G strength? GPS strength? Or even just where I can learn what the icons on the top bar stand for, and what their range is? There must be a good app for this, and I'd love a recommendation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will back the suggestion of wifi analyzer, it will map out locations of wifi/cellular tower, it gave me beef on another phone that ran @ 600mhz but this one is 1000mhz.
dcnblues said:
-If I wanted the option, how (specifically) would I switch from making a voip/data plan outgoing call to the regular phone cell plan? Would Android be smart enough to do this automatically without a wifi signal? Or would I need to change a setting in Google Voice? Any thoughts most appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With grooveip and google voice it will ask you on all outbound calls after you press dial: Would you like to make this call with.... A) non-Google Voice B) Google Voice (same story w/ sending an sms except it will ask when you create the sms because google voice has it's own sms application, keep in mind w/ gvoice you can forward calls to your google chat account (and that's what makes grooveip ring instead of forwarding the call to your cellular number[i think])
dcnblues said:
-How do I find what apps are running (in background?)? Percentage of system resources, and how to kill them? I’m guessing there are apps for that. Does Android kill a process when you return to home screen? What are some of the general rules?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are tons of application managers and task killers, I recommend to ignore all of them.... Someone brought a Samsung Prevail(Boost mobile Galaxy) into work the other day(Radioshack) - Anytime they killed tasks their touchscreen went out till reboot.... Android is supposed to self manage tasks and processes... realistically you just have to make sure not to leave your bluetooth wifi and gps on all the time... Also taking the screen brightness down a fuzz from max will help batt life tremendously... Android will suspend a process and kill an activity when you return to homescreen.... What I mean by that is that if you're in the browser and you hit home then you go back to the browser, you're on the same page still... but likely not to have any of your text still there if you were in an input field.... (This is probably an inaccurate example due to programmers being able to add a save activity state [this is something that when you for example hit back or hold the home button down to switch applications will store your current information, so when you're editing the text field it will save that data, THEN kill the activity/suspend it so that when you return it is still there, but the process is not draining the battery down at the moment.])
One of androids key attributes is the quick application switching via holding down the home button but some applications like pandora will run 'ongoing' so that you can multitask, while others will suspend so that you can save battery.... Kind of as a rule of thumb, unless it is monitoring or actively outputting it will be suspended.... so apps like pandora and wifi tethering continue to function when you switch applications because tehy'er ongoing whereas a note editor application would suspend itself untill it's brought back to focus because how are you going to type without it forefront?
dcnblues said:
-I have a mac. I’m guessing most of the programs that let you manage files, root the phone, install Cyanogen mods, etc, are PC based. I found Android File Transfer, but am not clear on it's limits. Are there better options? What will the AFT program be good for? [Emulating PC’s is a pain I would rather avoid, but I have been thinking of running virtual box to donate some processing time to the Large Hadron Collider, so I might be able to run some of these PC programs].
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off nice LHC Mac joke I take it we're running the server edition cause hey, more is never enough.
I honestly can't tell you much from the mac POV other than that it would hopefully work the same as the linux instructions but i kind of expect version/dependency differences... to be fair this triumph is rootable by application ran on the phone (Which you can GMail to yourself and download as attatchment, bluetooth, wifi shared folder, usb mounting, or download directly to the phone..) The custom recovery is installed via drag and drop on USB Removable Disc so it's not nearly as bad as some of the other phones would be,
dcnblues said:
-Any skins or options to turn the google apps into light text on dark background? (I'm aware of and have used the option in Gmail). I hate black text on white background. I'm kooky that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel free to, they exist, I would however suggest against them... I walk to work a lot and it's a pain in the ass to read those emails when you have the sun on the screen; granted everything is harder this was damn near impossible... Nonetheless check for the black apps listed in xda/android/themes and apps... I'll link soon. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1206774
dcnblues said:
This Android phone is good looking, the plan costs much less than a thousand a year (which I refuse to pay), and I LOVE the Google voice options to turn your text and calls into computer files which you can archive as you wish. The Google voice activation / text / search is far superior to iAnything, voip/wifi is the balls, and I think a lot people who've been holding off from getting a smartphone will jump on this combo, and this thread may help them. Many thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to point out that with the GVoice extension/app for google chrome
you can continue your SMS conversations that way... I recieved one of the CR48s and this has been AWESOME for me.

As far as voip services, I have found using 3g too slow. That said I do recommend sipdroid. It will setup a pbx account for you using your google voice number. Upon connecting to wifi, sipdroid will start running allowing you to make and receive calls.
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App

Thanks guys for the very useful help. I'm kind of burned out on all the research, and kind of bummed that this red-hot, billion dollar business seems to be run by such morons. SO many unnecessary complications to offering consumers simple, workable products and services.
This has been a great help.
bigvandal said:
GrooveIP works great over 3g...I dunno how much we will be able to use it once they start capping data..bastards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually kind of grateful to Virgin Mobile for the $35 dollar plan. I can communicate via voice to text, for a fair price, so until I have a real problem, I'm not going to call them bastards. Until I have a problem, of course...
I do hate the BS in advertising 'unlimited' plans, but having them smirking in their headquarters as they say to themselves 'but we didn't say at what rate...'
On the other hand, people downloading movies over cell frequencies aren't exactly providing solutions to the problem either...

rubbachicken said:
GrooVe IP is actually the only thing i've bothered to use because it worked well enough, I havn't put it to test over 3g... In the future, you can root the phone and update it to sprint PRL (Their towers instead of VMU) - People have reported up to like 6-900kbps doing this... I would suggest to not factor this last suggestion in yet as you won't be extremely comfortable with your first smart phone being messed with (But a possibility nonetheless)...Android is supposed to self manage tasks and processes... realistically you just have to make sure not to leave your bluetooth wifi and gps on all the time... Also taking the screen brightness down a fuzz from max will help batt life tremendously... Android will suspend a process and kill an activity when you return to homescreen....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, thanks very much. For this and all the information. Colossally useful.
Groove IP is actually having a problem today due to some change in the Google servers. Hope it's resolved soon as I'd like to get this running.
Quick confirm: Triumph is LCD and not AMOLED, Correct?

[Q] International Messaging Solution on Android

Okay, I've been looking for a good solution and haven't found one yet. I'm hoping some of the creative minds out here in the community can help me out.
I'm from the States, and I'm currently working in China. I'll be here for another 5 months or so. I'm a Nexus devotee, so I've got my Nexus 4 and my Nexus 7 here with me. The N4 goes everywhere with me, and the N7 is more of a couch/bed companion and a travel reader/movie player. I'm trying to find a good integrated messaging solution for communicating both with my colleagues and friends here in China as well as my friends and family back home.
When I first moved here, my plan was for Google Voice to be my solution. I had my cell number ported to Voice, and I have continued to use that for texts, voicemail, and VOIP calls using Groove IP. That has been a pretty handy solution, and it's nice that I can also access my messages when I'm sitting at my laptop through the Chrome extension. There are a couple of downsides to Voice though. The first is that it's kind of a clunky piece of software. It's certainly not sleek, and the syncing between devices can be a little hairy. I haven't figured out how to get a nicely functional inbox either. Google refuses to accept my China Mobile number for some reason, so I have to activate the app by using another friend's US number and then deactivating messages to her phone. Also, my friends and family members who are Apple users complain about the app being really poorly designed on Apple products. They don't actually need it of course (the reason I set it up was so my phone number would continue to work for everyone), but I can't control their end of it.
GChat/Talk is one option that I like quite a bit. It syncs really well between devices, and it's really clean and sleek. One issue I have with it is that, when my internet gets spotty at work (which is far too frequently), a message will sometimes arrive on my N7 at home, and I won't see it until I get home from work later that night. Also, once again, the Apple users hate this option because of the terrible choices on iOS.
In doing some research on some other options, I came across Kik, and I instantly fell in love. It's sleek like Talk with quick messaging, but it's more comprehensive with additional features and a better implementation of read/unread messages. I got it all set up on my N7 and was ready to tell everyone to sign up when I installed it on my N4. I looked at my N7, and I was back at the login screen. I logged in again and saw the screen pop up on my N4. The software does not support multiple devices. That's unfortunately a deal-breaker. Unless they fix that flaw, Kik is out the window.
I'm using mysms right now, and it's got potential, but I'm still not completely sure. I haven't really figured out the best settings to get it most effectively working with my China Mobile number and my Google Voice number. It's not as sleek and fast as Kik or Talk, and I've gotten some complaints from the Apple crowd about it not being very intuitive. But it does sync pretty well between devices, and I can access it easily on my Windows 7 laptop. So far, though, I'm not thrilled with it.
I would like to hear from the community any tricks with settings, additional apps to try, or other creative solutions to this. All ideas are welcome, and I'll be happy to try anything out to see how it works, so please don't be shy about any ideas. Thanks in advance for your help.