Alternatives to HTC Stock sms/mms Messaging? - Verizon HTC One (M8)

Ok, so I had a Samsung for about a year and its stock messaging app worked very well with my 7k+ messages-- there was no lag or delay in opening up threads-- buttery smooth. I decide to come back to HTC with the M8 and it chokes every time I open a large thread taking about 20 seconds before I can see the thread. Is there messaging replacement that I can use that will handle large threads more gracefully, say by showing the most recent messages first and then pulling messages as I scroll back in time? Is there a flashable AOSP messaging app available? Is it possible to flash the Samsung messaging app on an HTC device?
Uninterested in the following-- if you're going to propose any of them then just move along and find another thread to expend your energies:
1. Commercial "solutions"
2. "Why would you want to do that anyway?"
3. "Hangouts works great"
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

I've been using HoverChat. I like the fact that it gives me a floating window to respond so I do not need to leave the current app. Everything seems to work fairly well.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

If it takes 20 seconds to open a thread, I would think you've got something wrong. But, Evolve SMS isn't bad.

I would recommend the verizon messages app because it allows your text and pic messages to send over wifi. My next choice would be handscent or go sms pro.

Roefastford said:
I would recommend the verizon messages app because it allows your text and pic messages to send over wifi. My next choice would be handscent or go sms pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. I initially RAN from VZW messaging app but then I found that I quite like it. And in roaming areas I can text on wifi. And when I am texting at work I am able to text from my computer.

n8mack33 said:
Ditto. I initially RAN from VZW messaging app but then I found that I quite like it. And in roaming areas I can text on wifi. And when I am texting at work I am able to text from my computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Textra!

Related

What messaging program do you use?

I'm just curious what messaging program everyone uses?
I have used many of them and only one now has the functionality (that I have found) to deal with iPhone group text messages, Handcent 4.0. Once a week my family or friends will send out a group message and people with iPhones will all respond and it will come through as the same thread for people on the iPhones; however as an adroid user any responses will come back individually. This can get really annoying when there are 20 people responding and only 10 of them I have contact data for.
This problem has been reported to Google here: http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24468.
I love Handcent. I've been using it for quite some time now. It works great out-of-the-box so I've set it up on my parents' and grandparents' phones; additionally, it sports extensive customization options. Also, it can replace the default Android ringtone/notification selector, which is horrid.
I use ChompSMS. I got really used to BiteSMS on my old iPhone, and Chomp just feels right
ChompSMS here. No complaints. Tried gandcent but didn't think it was as good as chomp
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA
Exactly what he said for me too.
burgeswe said:
I use ChompSMS. I got really used to BiteSMS on my old iPhone, and Chomp just feels right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GO SMS Pro always. I tried Handcent but it's so unpleasant, aesthetically.
Go SMS Pro
Agree 100% with whatlobster.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
GO SMS Pro.
Sent from my Hellfire Kindle using XDA
What'sApp and google voice using a google number (I refuse to pay for texts)... But I'm not sure either of these two can do group messaging, though.
Gosms!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
So far Go SmS Pro is working well. Nice themeing too
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA
+1 go sms pro
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Go sms pro because go chat is the only thing that can work like whatsapp and sms client at the same time
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
After reading this post I installed handcent hoping if I sent a group text, the responses would arrive back in the same thread as the group text sent. Unfortunately handcent does not appear to be capable of that, unless there is an option I forgot to set.
Does anyone know of an SMS app which can support return texts for groups going back to the same thread, as opposed to separate responses coming back to multiple thread?
I love chomp and find that this is the only feature missing from it, which would make it otherwise perfect.
GooSe275 said:
I'm just curious what messaging program everyone uses?
I have used many of them and only one now has the functionality (that I have found) to deal with iPhone group text messages, Handcent 4.0. Once a week my family or friends will send out a group message and people with iPhones will all respond and it will come through as the same thread for people on the iPhones; however as an adroid user any responses will come back individually. This can get really annoying when there are 20 people responding and only 10 of them I have contact data for.
This problem has been reported to Google here: http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24468.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gosms pro for me as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
rezadue said:
After reading this post I installed handcent hoping if I sent a group text, the responses would arrive back in the same thread as the group text sent. Unfortunately handcent does not appear to be capable of that, unless there is an option I forgot to set.
Does anyone know of an SMS app which can support return texts for groups going back to the same thread, as opposed to separate responses coming back to multiple thread?
I love chomp and find that this is the only feature missing from it, which would make it otherwise perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Menu>Settings> Application Settings
You have to set handcent at your default and then at the bottom of the settings there is a check box to "Thread group conversations"
Awesome. Thanks you.
Does anyone know if chomp has this feature too?
GooSe275 said:
Menu>Settings> Application Settings
You have to set handcent at your default and then at the bottom of the settings there is a check box to "Thread group conversations"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GooSe275 said:
Menu>Settings> Application Settings
You have to set handcent at your default and then at the bottom of the settings there is a check box to "Thread group conversations"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I'm blind. i'm on Handcent 4.0.6, and I can't find that check box.
I've just been using stock.
I kept having a problem with handcent where it would tell me a message didn't send but it really did, so when I resent the message the receiver got it twice and I looked like a dufus.
Chomp has that ad at the bottom that is really annoying. I uninstalled for this reason. I would pay for the app if they would remove that damn add. So far I haven't figured out how to block it, the hosts method seems less and less effective lately.

Textra conversation SMS/MMS limit?

For those of you that use Textra is there a way to set the maximum number of messages before it starts auto deleting in a conversation?
For instance, in GoSMS I think I had the message limit set to ~2k so it would be a maximum of 2,000 messages per conversation but I can't find that option in Textra and it looks like I have messages going back all the way to February of this year (when I got my Nexus pretty much).
This is causing the conversations for each person to get way too big.
I emailed the developer but they said thanks for the suggestion and nothing else. Is there a way to delete text messages older than say 30 days instead of deleting conversations and then restarting? Or what is the current alternative to Textra and GoSMS (got too bloated for my taste).
Thanks.
sahil04 said:
For those of you that use Textra is there a way to set the maximum number of messages before it starts auto deleting in a conversation?
For instance, in GoSMS I think I had the message limit set to ~2k so it would be a maximum of 2,000 messages per conversation but I can't find that option in Textra and it looks like I have messages going back all the way to February of this year (when I got my Nexus pretty much).
This is causing the conversations for each person to get way too big.
I emailed the developer but they said thanks for the suggestion and nothing else. Is there a way to delete text messages older than say 30 days instead of deleting conversations and then restarting? Or what is the current alternative to Textra and GoSMS (got too bloated for my taste).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I'm having same issue. Easiest way is use a different SMS app that does limit the texts then switch back?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I'm using handcent sms, it has worked flawlessly for the last few years
jacoballen22 said:
Hey I'm having same issue. Easiest way is use a different SMS app that does limit the texts then switch back?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's too much of a hassle for me as this is something that should be built in, sad to say that even after posting this thread this feature still has not been implemented.
I even emailed dev with no response back when I made this post, I've made the switch over to 8SMS and am using that for now until I can find a replacement (8sms works just fine for me at the moment).
I agree however it took me 2 seconds to switch back to hangouts. Sticking with that for now.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Default messaging app alternative

I found a great app called evolve sms. It has a ton of customization options. Very fluent on my m8. No lag. It's much better than the default messaging app. You should check it out! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klinker.android.evolve_sms
HTC ONE M8?
Default messaging app is just perfect.
jags_the1 said:
Default messaging app is just perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each it's own to me this is better.
HTC ONE M8?
textra
i've tried this and pretty much every other. I could never switch to anything else than textra. Give textra a try, everyone i've shown loves it. very simplistic and works perfectly.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.textra&hl=en
completely free too
Wasuhz said:
i've tried this and pretty much every other. I could never switch to anything else than textra. Give textra a try, everyone i've shown loves it. very simplistic and works perfectly.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.textra&hl=en
completely free too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. However, this is all subjective. Kinda funny seeing yet ANOTHER thread about this.
I like hello SMS. Aesthetically very pleasing.
The only thing default is missing for me is a Quick Reply or popup. Tried Hello Sms, but I don't like hoe the popup disappears after 3 seconds. Evolve is beautiful, But I found it VERY laggy even after archiving. Textra is very functional, but aesthetically boring as hell. wish their was a facebook chat type sms messaging app with the same functionality. Thoughts?
thefoss said:
The only thing default is missing for me is a Quick Reply or popup. Tried Hello Sms, but I don't like hoe the popup disappears after 3 seconds. Evolve is beautiful, But I found it VERY laggy even after archiving. Textra is very functional, but aesthetically boring as hell. wish their was a facebook chat type sms messaging app with the same functionality. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try Hoverchat, I used it for a little while but prefer Hello SMS.
Spiral79 said:
You can try Hoverchat, I used it for a little while but prefer Hello SMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found Hoverchat,... Weird. The pop up window is asymmetrical and ugly.
thefoss said:
The only thing default is missing for me is a Quick Reply or popup. Tried Hello Sms, but I don't like hoe the popup disappears after 3 seconds. Evolve is beautiful, But I found it VERY laggy even after archiving. Textra is very functional, but aesthetically boring as hell. wish their was a facebook chat type sms messaging app with the same functionality. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it all depends on your taste. I like evolve because you can set it to no limit on mms and there's a bunch of themes for it. Funny I haven't experienced any lag on it. Hello sms is a good one as well.
HTC ONE M8?
The main thing missing from the stock messaging, as well as several of those mentioned is the ability to intercept and move messages to a private area. I have people I message that I don't want displayed in a general inbox. GoSMS Pro is what I've used though due to the ads recently, I'm reluctant to give my absolute backing.
Yes I'm aware that I can move messages after the fact but I wan't it done for me before people go creeping through them.
L3TH4L said:
The main thing missing from the stock messaging, as well as several of those mentioned is the ability to intercept and move messages to a private area. I have people I message that I don't want displayed in a general inbox. GoSMS Pro is what I've used though due to the ads recently, I'm reluctant to give my absolute backing.
Yes I'm aware that I can move messages after the fact but I wan't it done for me before people go creeping through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
afaik handcent does it, I remember using it to auto hide priv messages, not sure if it still does it though
L3TH4L said:
The main thing missing from the stock messaging, as well as several of those mentioned is the ability to intercept and move messages to a private area. I have people I message that I don't want displayed in a general inbox. GoSMS Pro is what I've used though due to the ads recently, I'm reluctant to give my absolute backing.
Yes I'm aware that I can move messages after the fact but I wan't it done for me before people go creeping through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On stock messaging app I can move messages to a "secure" folder which is password protected and not shown on the general overview.
L3TH4L said:
The main thing missing from the stock messaging, as well as several of those mentioned is the ability to intercept and move messages to a private area. I have people I message that I don't want displayed in a general inbox. GoSMS Pro is what I've used though due to the ads recently, I'm reluctant to give my absolute backing.
Yes I'm aware that I can move messages after the fact but I wan't it done for me before people go creeping through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't needed to use this in awhile, but private message box works with the stock messaging app and keeps messages private. You have to go to the dialer to even access the messages. It's really very secure.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.privatesmsbox
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Hoverchat
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium HD app
i use gosms.. been using it since gingerbread.
EvolveSms has been wonderful for me
Sent from my HTCM8
I use chompsms, I find it minimal looking packed with great features
Sent from my One M8 using Tapatalk
L3TH4L said:
The main thing missing from the stock messaging, as well as several of those mentioned is the ability to intercept and move messages to a private area. I have people I message that I don't want displayed in a general inbox. GoSMS Pro is what I've used though due to the ads recently, I'm reluctant to give my absolute backing.
Yes I'm aware that I can move messages after the fact but I wan't it done for me before people go creeping through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, check out Vegas sms and thank me later.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
I always use Textra but [email protected] I am loving this EvolveSMS app already. It's beautiful and very snappy (I feel like this is a word I haven't heard since the beginning of the Android platform back when Noah was the man on PhoneDog.com lol).

What SMS/messaging app do you use?

I use EvolveSMS, I ditched Go SMS because it was getting too bloated and ad filed.
Textra.
Chomp SMS or Smitten SMS
spydersilk said:
Textra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Evolve SMS, it's so gorgeous and you can customize it like no other.
I use Text secure because I like that you can't screenshot inside of the app and it requires a password to use that (as far as i know) can't be bypassed like other apps that set passwords.
I agree with those who say Evolve. It is easy to use, looks good and is fast and bloat free. Combined with Floatify, texting is finally not a pain again.
stock messaging app with heads up notifcations
I have been using Hangouts lately with no problems.
How do you gus use evolve? Mine is super slow when transitioning from a message back to main convo list for example.
I just switched over to textra from using Hover Chat. Liking it so far, thanks for the tip!
I am checking out Textra thanks to the recommendation here. I am liking it so far. It's pretty nice. My only complaint with the Stock HTC messaging app is that it doesn't convert the ; - ) to the corresponding smiley faces.... minor I know... but it just bugs me that it should work....
I havent used evolve in a while....is it finally lag free? Because right now with chomp I have zero issues.
I have been using handcent for years and love it. It has tons of features and themes. It also allows you to backup all your messages which is great for loading new ROM's.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Hangouts for the last several months, no regrets, especially now that I'm back in the US and using my Google Voice number and Hangouts Voice dialer.
Got even better now that I'm using Pushbullet.
Only thing I hate about Hangouts is the color scheme (not a fan of green). But a themed dark version via VenomHub fixed that problem.
I don't see anyone posting they use the Verizon messaging app... I use it... Rather enjoy it. Even shows me if the person I'm texting is typing a response...
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
I use Whatsapp to communicate with my wife and other iOS users. Hangouts for everything else.
+1 to the Verizon Messaging app.....
jbarcus81 said:
I don't see anyone posting they use the Verizon messaging app... I use it... Rather enjoy it. Even shows me if the person I'm texting is typing a response...
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon messaging app uses your data so not a fan of it... Yea, I rarely get close to using my data... But if I have unlimited sms... Might as well use it
I use stock HTC. I can't seem to get away from it. I like the simplicity of it.
jbarcus81 said:
I don't see anyone posting they use the Verizon messaging app... I use it... Rather enjoy it. Even shows me if the person I'm texting is typing a response...
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I kinda of like that app actually, very customizable, no ads like handcent which has gotten bad over the last year IMO, and it just works , i had to unsubscribe from syncing, no big deal.
personally don't care about data, i got unlimited IF it does.
Stock is great too, but not too customizable , and i like customization :silly:

[Q] MMS in Apps other than Hangouts

Hello all,
For starters, some preliminaries:
ROM: ViperRom 3.2.1
Firmware: Latest (4.4.4)
Kernel, radios: Stock
Has anyone been having trouble with group MMS beyond the Hangouts app? The Hangouts app works like silk when it comes to group MMS - I can send/receive to all my friends (regardless of whether they have a smartphone or cell phone), it can play GIFs within the thread and it doesn't deliver messages at the wrong time (a 5:09pm message gets delivered before a 5:06 pm message). The problem with Hangouts is that it is slow and has odd kinks that drive me insane (when you send a message it doesn't show it unless you exit and reenter the message thread, three second delay to display contact when searching for number). The glaring issue is that it is an app that I simply do not use for it's native purpose - which is to create Hangouts and not use SMS. Nobody I know uses Hangouts, so I only use it for SMS.
I have tried literally every SMS app there is - Handcent, GOSMS, 8SMS, Hello, Textra, ChompSMS, Evolve SMS, Messaging (stock KitKat modified), HTC Messaging.
These apps all have a consistent problem - I cannot communicate with my cell phone friends in group chats. They receive blank messages and cannot read my replies. I've tried modifiying my APN but I am unable to create a new profile in Settings>Networks>APN. This is honestly strange to me because Hangouts works so flawlessly compared to all these other apps. Any suggestions?
genheals said:
Hello all,
For starters, some preliminaries:
ROM: ViperRom 3.2.1
Firmware: Latest (4.4.4)
Kernel, radios: Stock
Has anyone been having trouble with group MMS beyond the Hangouts app? The Hangouts app works like silk when it comes to group MMS - I can send/receive to all my friends (regardless of whether they have a smartphone or cell phone), it can play GIFs within the thread and it doesn't deliver messages at the wrong time (a 5:09pm message gets delivered before a 5:06 pm message). The problem with Hangouts is that it is slow and has odd kinks that drive me insane (when you send a message it doesn't show it unless you exit and reenter the message thread, three second delay to display contact when searching for number). The glaring issue is that it is an app that I simply do not use for it's native purpose - which is to create Hangouts and not use SMS. Nobody I know uses Hangouts, so I only use it for SMS.
I have tried literally every SMS app there is - Handcent, GOSMS, 8SMS, Hello, Textra, ChompSMS, Evolve SMS, Messaging (stock KitKat modified), HTC Messaging.
These apps all have a consistent problem - I cannot communicate with my cell phone friends in group chats. They receive blank messages and cannot read my replies. I've tried modifiying my APN but I am unable to create a new profile in Settings>Networks>APN. This is honestly strange to me because Hangouts works so flawlessly compared to all these other apps. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried Verizon Message+ ? That is what I am using and works well for me. I'm usually not a fan of Verizon Software, but the messaging app has a lot of options and doesn't seam to lag.
jsaxon2 said:
Have you tried Verizon Message+ ? That is what I am using and works well for me. I'm usually not a fan of Verizon Software, but the messaging app has a lot of options and doesn't seam to lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that app. Super clunky, definitely looking for a better alternative.
Interesting.
I have been running Viper also ( until yesterday actually).
I have been using Handcent and group messaging seems to work fine. At least no one has told me otherwise.
I do notice, with Handcent that from time to time SMS/mms messages seem to get hung up for quite a few minutes( see the spinning wheel next to message). I always though that was a network issue. You have me thinking otherwise now..
I have never tried hangouts for SMS. I might give it a whirl.
genheals said:
I tried that app. Super clunky, definitely looking for a better alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Super clunky, okay. That's one way to describe it. lol. But did it work for group messaging? Have you tried a different rom? Viper is an international rom that has changes made for Verizon to work. Maybe there is a setting or library missing from Viper. Have you asked in that thread to see if anyone else has the same issues on Verizon?
jsaxon2 said:
Super clunky, okay. That's one way to describe it. lol. But did it work for group messaging? Have you tried a different rom? Viper is an international rom that has changes made for Verizon to work. Maybe there is a setting or library missing from Viper. Have you asked in that thread to see if anyone else has the same issues on Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used CleanRom before this...really have no interest in switching ROMs but I see what you mean about it being international. I always had used Hangouts without compliant but it took a serious speed hit when it got updated/I updated to Viper
Tried many of them and constantly been sticking with Textra.
MoNsTeReNeRgY22 said:
Tried many of them and constantly been sticking with Textra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently discovered this app. Love it, its like what the new google messaging app should have been.
MoNsTeReNeRgY22 said:
Tried many of them and constantly been sticking with Textra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on Textra. I had group messaging problems too until this app. There is an option under settings to use MMS for group messaging. I think it's off by default. Try switching it on and see how it goes. It fixed my probs, particularly when texting to/from iDevices.
Sent from my Gunmetal Grey M8
Does textra have gif support in the message threads?
madzozs said:
Does textra have gif support in the message threads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like it does. Successfully sent and received one.
Sent from my Gunmetal Grey M8
Textra does not work on Viper, tried that one as well
genheals said:
Textra does not work on Viper, tried that one as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE: Some of the issues I have were actually due to me disabling animations in Developer Settings. Once I re-enabled animations, the issues with Hangouts "hanging" at the second to last message, rather then displaying my newly sent message, went away. The app also seems much smoother on the whole. I guess that disabling animations is a bigger detriment than benefit when it comes to Hangouts.
I still have the same group MMS issues in apps other than Hangout (people with basic feature phones only receive blank lines, rather than text). Hangouts remains the only texting app that works flawlessly with group MMS. It's a shame, because Textra is such a beautiful app.

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