Free Alternative to DeskSMS - General Questions and Answers

DeskSMS was exactly what I was looking for, but the free trial is over and they want year fees.. Is there a free alternative to DeskSMS that will do the same thing?

Hello you can use "mightytext"
have fun ;-)

easy android sms or mighty text although i would use with caution at least with desksms we knew it was coming from cwm (trustworthy imo) texts are sensitive data you dont want any app/site reading and sending them

I use Google Voice which among other things allows you to SMS from a desktop browser.

Google Voice, as far as I know, don't let you text and receive text from your personal mobile number right? That's what I liked about DeskSMS. A one time price would've been okay but to pay yearly? That's not good..

It does. Your carrier has to support integration with GV, iirc. With sprint, GV offered to make my actual phone number the GV number. So when I text from the browser it is from my mobile number.
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What about Go SMS ? It's a alternative to decksms and can send SMS to other people . And there are alot of themes for this app .

I really like handcent and its free as well.

Subscriber to DeskSMS
When i first found the app i thought it was such an amazing thing. I purchased my subscription well before my initial free period was over. I tell you I do not regret it at all. Texts from people are automatically backed up in my Gmail account. If i need to find a text someone sent i just log into Gmail and search in:chats for the name or number or a snippet of what i'm looking for. The features, convenience, and how well it's built is worth the investment.

It depends on which feature you really need...to text from my pc I use AirDroid that is free and does the work gratly!

mapheG2 said:
DeskSMS was exactly what I was looking for, but the free trial is over and they want year fees.. Is there a free alternative to DeskSMS that will do the same thing?
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It is $5 per year man... That is peanuts for the service you are getting. Regarding free apps to do that, i'm with the other ppl, nothing is free. They have to be getting something from you. Always my mentality when downloading free apps.
Something to think about.

I'm in the same boat, I have a few more days of DeskSMS access and I like the dark skin as well, but I actually dislike DeskSMS mainly because I'm not seeing both sides of the conversation sync in GMail (only received syncs) and I still need to figure out how to make synced SMS's in GMail sync as read. Although I do like the quick access button that doesn't force you to open the application in a dedicated tab, but if you do want a dedicated tab the functionality is there I just never see myself using it. Then again the quick access button is very noticeably laggy.
I also use GVoice for business use and I prefer keeping my carrier's phone number for personal use. Problem is I can't use my carrier's phone number to text from GVoice unless I have GVoice take over my carrier's phone number.
Are there any work arounds I've overlooked? I basically use DeskSMS to text from my PC without having to pickup my phone constantly.

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phaberest said:
It depends on which feature you really need...to text from my pc I use AirDroid that is free and does the work gratly!
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I also use Airdroid sometimes, and it is good for messaging and for uploading smaller files to my phone. I tried using other apps (I forgot which ones unfortunately) to text from my Mac but I still find DeskSMS to be the best. It sends messages right to my Trillian (or AIM but it lags) and it typically works. Sometimes it stops and you gotta do a little tinkering to figure out why it isn't working, but for the most part I haven't found anything that beats it (especially when I'm at work and don't want my boss to see me texting).
I paid for the year, I didn't even realize it was a trial at first but I happily paid the small fee to keep using it. I've only paid for a few apps in my lifetime (Call Control and Titanium Backup basically), but it does a lot of good things for me and it was worth it.

Ci2e said:
I'm in the same boat, I have a few more days of DeskSMS access and I like the dark skin as well, but I actually dislike DeskSMS mainly because I'm not seeing both sides of the conversation sync in GMail (only received syncs) and I still need to figure out how to make synced SMS's in GMail sync as read. Although I do like the quick access button that doesn't force you to open the application in a dedicated tab, but if you do want a dedicated tab the functionality is there I just never see myself using it. Then again the quick access button is very noticeably laggy.
I also use GVoice for business use and I prefer keeping my carrier's phone number for personal use. Problem is I can't use my carrier's phone number to text from GVoice unless I have GVoice take over my carrier's phone number.
Are there any work arounds I've overlooked? I basically use DeskSMS to text from my PC without having to pickup my phone constantly.
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I am the dev for an SMS/MMS forwarding app called PhoneLeash. Its not free but its a one-time fee. PhoneLeash forwards to email or to a second phone (via SMS). It forwards both incoming and outgoing texts so you get a nice threaded view in GMail (for instance). And you can reply via email (or the second phone). It has some other phone locating features as well. Perhaps y'all will take a look!
PVS

Had to switch also
I kept having problems since I paid for it.
I kept getting the error: {"multicast_id":6603055600577454525,"success":0,"failure":1,"canonical_ids":0,"results":[{"error":"InvalidRegistration"}]}
So I chalk it up to, I paid money money for something useless. I still have 263 days left. So, for 102 days I have had no one help me with the issue so I left DeskSMS. I doubt I will get a refund either.

Alternative to DeskSMS: MooMle
mapheG2 said:
DeskSMS was exactly what I was looking for, but the free trial is over and they want year fees.. Is there a free alternative to DeskSMS that will do the same thing?
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Click to collapse
Hey why don't you try MooMle, it's a brand new app, it's free and it does work!!!
I downloaded it yesterday and I'm loving it!

Related

usting twitter as txt msg alternative - suggestions?

looking for the best widget / app for twitter. i'm sort of new to the twitter scene and don't really plan on broadcasting my life to a billion people, but i thought it might work well as a free alternative to sending text messages (which actually cost me money after a certain point).
anyway, just looking for suggestions on best widgets and/or apps.
thanks!
You can try Google Voice, it can send text messages for free. It can also be your voicemail as well. Then you can get the Google Voice app for Android, it integrates with the phone perfectly.
I think you may need to sign up for a new number when you register, to be able to use free texting.

[Q] Google Voice SMS via native app

Hey guys I havent been able to find anything current as if this was possible on android device.. I have JB IP4 and im using google voice sms through bitesms as my native app using the sms google voice extension. The way it works is that when the google voice app sends a push notification on the phone the google voice sms extension catches the push notification and sends it through bitesms as a normal sms. That way I was able to ditch the unlimited sms plan from ATT. Is something like that possible on android? Thats huge for me since 20 bucks a months is a damn ripoff. And i do lots and lots of txting lol. Thanks for any info =)
I've been an SMS GV Extensions user since it launched and finally bought an Android phone last week.
I took it for granted that Android would either do this already or be able to do this more easily (iOS required a jailbreak), but I instead find that you can only integrate incoming messages with the native Android messaging app and there doesn't seem to be a solution even with rooting your phone. This is disappointing, to say the least.
The fact that the Android GV app has an option in integrate inbound messages with the native messaging application but not outbound implies that is is a deliberate decision on Google's part because it is an obvious feature that is only half implemented. It is probably less a concern with cutting into the carriers' SMS revenue and more to do with constraining use of the service (Google has taken actions to curb heavy use in the past). If it integrated seemlessly, people would use it more.
This is something Google is just going to have to get over if they hope to remain competitive. There is some hope in that the new iMessaging that integrates with text messaging on iOS will put competitive pressure on them to do something similar with Android.
I will be first in line!
Psst... if anyone has found a way that I am unaware of despite constant searching in the past week, please advise us in this thread!
Google Voice Integration App?
I have not used this personally, and am in no way associated with the developer, but I found this app when searching for this exact functionality today. My Nexus S is currently integrated with GV on Sprint, so I have no way of actually testing whether this works or not, but if it does, its definitely worth $0.99!
I've been contemplating a switch to Verizon because of Sprint's slow network speeds, and would do so if I could have this functionality. If anyone has tried it, please provide feedback.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.MDRTools.GVMI2&hl=en
kashah said:
I have not used this personally, and am in no way associated with the developer, but I found this app when searching for this exact functionality today. My Nexus S is currently integrated with GV on Sprint, so I have no way of actually testing whether this works or not, but if it does, its definitely worth $0.99!
I've been contemplating a switch to Verizon because of Sprint's slow network speeds, and would do so if I could have this functionality. If anyone has tried it, please provide feedback.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.MDRTools.GVMI2&hl=en
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I just tried that app about 20 minutes ago. It shows promise. If you compose a message using the native SMS app it will send via Google Voice.
However, it doesn't integrate incoming messages. If you use GV's built in text forwarding, messages will come from your contact's alias (406, 973, etc) number. Also, you won't see messages you've sent using the Google Voice app or website in the native client.
I refunded it but I'll definitely buy again after improvements are made.
check out the google voice sms integration app on the market.
just search for mdrtools and u will find it.

Threads... why?

Ive seen MS chose to combine IM and SMS and to me this looks really messy.
First of all the integration of IM is quite nice but I wish it was kept seperate from SMS conversations since these are to the majority of people still different than IMs and used on different devices or apps. I dont want to continue a conversation automatically on a different app or something. This will be very annoying to the other user.
Certainly if somebody just left his/her pc on or IM on accidently....
They should have added facebook private messaging as well and IM/SMS seperated like it was and just added a chat pivot in the messaging hub.
to me an sms is still something every user has always with him her, like when u send somebody an address or something it should be on their phones and not deliverd trough IM and its annoying having to switch first.
Its kind of short sighted implementation, the idea is good but the reality will be very annoying the way it works now.
you will get a ton of sms like notifications for every IM which can be annoying since on a chat conversation people send much more messages per minute than trough sms. Having to toggle online offline all the time will be a pita
am i the only one who thinks this will be garbage? Instead they should have allowed third party apps like whatsapp to use this on user permission. I hope I can switch off the live messenger. Or just revert back to the original sms screen
I like the idea to have an overview of my messages regardlessly whether they come via SMS, Windows Live or Facebook. Although I agree that getting notifications for all those messages shown on the SMS tile would be kind of overwhelming. But I can imagine Microsoft changes the way the tile works. So it still shows the number of SMS, but in addition to that shows an icon or something when you recieve a chat message from Facebook or Windows Live.
In my opinion.. the best feauture ever, of every OS. Loved that!
I love it as well, and think its nice not to have to go to 4 different places for my facebook, text, wlm & (eventually skype).
While I hope they either have a toggle setting for separate 'rows', or add it soon after Mango for those who really don't like it, I honestly doubt they want to mess it up by having too many places for messages. It fits in pretty perfectly with their vision for the overall UI design imo.
For me,M$ thread is not a new idea,it just copying the messaging app in the HP webos...however HP webos messaging is better,they can download apps that support HP connect and integrate into the messaging app(so,this means they can have more than 1 im clients in 1 messaging app).
Feel so sorry to HP webos,always being copied by others,even the UI design of playbook has been copied
Marvin_S said:
First of all the integration of IM is quite nice but I wish it was kept seperate from SMS conversations since these are to the majority of people still different than IMs and used on different devices or apps. I dont want to continue a conversation automatically on a different app or something. This will be very annoying to the other user.
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Threading will be the beginning of the end for SMS IMNSHO. Most people still use SMS because it's what they know and are used to.
My wife is a great example, she keeps sending me SMSes while I'm out because that's what she's used to. Even though I've had email (and to some extent IM) on my phones since forever. With a "messaging hub" it takes all the guesswork out of the equation - she'll write the message as she normally does and the phone will decide whether it should deliver via FB, Messenger, Skype or SMS.
Now, if you don't want to continue the conversation if the user has moved to a different device you don't have to. The phone will tell you how the message was sent as well as what services the recipient is currently logged on to.
Marvin_S said:
to me an sms is still something every user has always with him her, like when u send somebody an address or something it should be on their phones and not deliverd trough IM and its annoying having to switch first.
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This just proves my point - you're used to SMS. And again, you can choose whether to send as SMS or IM.
Personally I find this feature great. Two things should be done to make it even better though;
1. Implement a industry-wide protocol so it doesn't matter if you're on a crackberry, iphone or windows phone. Sure, Skype and Messenger goes a long way towards achieving this but there are still people who use smaller IM services only.
2. Allow third-party apps to hook in to the messaging hub - there's a few apps out there today that are not chat apps as such but still implement messaging. Being able to receive (and reply to) these messages from the same place would be great. It would also make it easier for other IM services to integrate with the OS.
dkp1977 said:
Although I agree that getting notifications for all those messages shown on the SMS tile would be kind of overwhelming.
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But why? Are you less likely to want to read a message coming in thru Messenger than one delivered via SMS? I for one don't care how my messages are delivered, I just want to be notified. It's a bit like having three post boxes outside your house - one for deliveries by DHL only, another for Deutsche Post and a third for everyone else - i.e. pointless
I really like this new feature as well. I am confident that any replies you send to someone will use the same service they used to "text" you, unless you choose to change it. People on non-WP7 phones won't suddenly need to be jumping all over the place.
On the other hand, when other people send you messages from multiple sources (SMS, FB, WLM, etc), you will be able to get all of the messages in one convenient place. I like that.

[Q] Google Voice Full Integration

Can someone try this app out?
Google Voice Full Integration (sorry I can't post the link to market since I don't have enough post)
it needs root.
basically, it let you the native messaging app, or GoSMS for google voice. When you send a text message from the native app, it will ask whether you want to send via GV or native app. If you set GV to be default, you can forget about the official GV app and just use native app or GoSMS.
I have been looking for an app like this for a while.
But unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work with this phone.
I have been talking with the developer through email but still no luck.
When another phone sends a message to my GV number, I receive it using the native app. But when I send a message from the native app, the other phone gets it with my phone number (it should be GV number).
So it looks like it's only 1 way for me.
So Can someone test it out? The developer will refund you if it doesn't work. just email him. He gives very great support.
btw, I'm still using the Froyo stock app. But it may be the phone since it was tested to work with Froyo.
Thank you for reading
I'm using this on an HTC HD2, so I can't say anything about your phone. For mine, however, it works both ways and I have texting blocked through my carrier so there's no way a regular text can get through. I don't get any notifications though.
Krystov said:
I'm using this on an HTC HD2, so I can't say anything about your phone. For mine, however, it works both ways and I have texting blocked through my carrier so there's no way a regular text can get through. I don't get any notifications though.
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This sounds like a cool concept, but seriously, no notifications?? Big time deal-breaker for me.
I am going to try to check this out in the near future. will let you know what I get

[Q] Group SMS

So on my iphone I could have group conversations with 3 other people and it would all be in the same conversation window, I but now, on my one x, when I try this it just sends to everyone individually. It works on my friends droid because he has the verizon messaging app which isn't available to att users (I think)
anyways I was just wondering if there was a simple solution to this (I've tried two 3rd party messaging apps with no luck)
Yeah, you're not gonna be able to get that, AFAIK. The "WhatsApp Messenger" app does this, but that's not actual text messaging, it's an IM app that uses your contacts phone numbers to identify them, and can only message other WhatsApp users.
Just for my own curiosity, when you would do this with your iPhone, would all the other participants be iPhone users? Or would it be a mixed bag of BB/Android/WP7/iPhone?
You should check out the app 'GroupMe'.
Great app that can do either real texting or over the internet messages.
The catch is, you have to message a 'Group number' and GroupMe then forwards that message on to everyone else.
This enables you to add/remove people to a conversation.
You can make these numbers private or public
I'm pretty sure they support every os and you can also just use their website to send messages.
It's all free which is the best part.
This is one of my biggest gripes with Android ICS. My Galaxy Nexus wasn't able to do group SMS either and, coming from an iPhone where I had lots of groups, it's a pain in the ass.
Also, using 3rd party apps that require every other person you want to chat with to also have the app is not a real solution. GroupMe is even worse than the rest b/c if someone EVER had the app (and no longer does) it doesn't recognize that and just doesn't deliver the message at all.
NextNexus said:
This is one of my biggest gripes with Android ICS. My Galaxy Nexus wasn't able to do group SMS either and, coming from an iPhone where I had lots of groups, it's a pain in the ass.
Also, using 3rd party apps that require every other person you want to chat with to also have the app is not a real solution. GroupMe is even worse than the rest b/c if someone EVER had the app (and no longer does) it doesn't recognize that and just doesn't deliver the message at all.
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The awesome thing about GroupMe is you don't need the App at all. You can use their service purely through texting.
[email protected] said:
The awesome thing about GroupMe is you don't need the App at all. You can use their service purely through texting.
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You didn't read what I wrote. If someone EVER had the app and got rid of it then the app doesn't recognize that and simply doesn't deliver the message at all. This is even worse than simply not being able to message people who don't have the app b/c now the sender has no clue whether their messages were delivered to each recipient.
NextNexus said:
You didn't read what I wrote. If someone EVER had the app and got rid of it then the app doesn't recognize that and simply doesn't deliver the message at all. This is even worse than simply not being able to message people who don't have the app b/c now the sender has no clue whether their messages were delivered to each recipient.
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If I am not mistaken, If the user changed his settings through the web interface he could set it up to be texting only again.
I have never ran in to this issue personally. When I removed the App from my phone I would still get the messages, just not through texts until I switched the settings.
Sorry for not fully understanding the first time.

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