I did the Nougat update, and was wondering the pros or cons of using a third party SMS app. I've used Handcent for very long, and more recently Textra, but I see the stock app is rather good and has many options.
Just looking for feedback, thanks in advance.
I use google messenger. Fast, simple. Can change chat colors.
I'm a big fan of Google Messenger and Yaata. I've always disliked Textra, and I can't stand that the stock client doesn't open links in a browser, but in a preview window.
entropism said:
I'm a big fan of Google Messenger and Yaata. I've always disliked Textra, and I can't stand that the stock client doesn't open links in a browser, but in a preview window.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading about both, and Google Messenger seems like a good option.
I use Android Messages. Google just changed the name of their messenger app. But I love it because it's fast easy to use and handles everything I need.
Anth0ny229 said:
I use Android Messages. Google just changed the name of their messenger app. But I love it because it's fast easy to use and handles everything I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity, does any 3rd party messaging app support texting over WiFi? I know the stock Samsung one does, but would something like Android Messenger or Textra work using T-Mobile? I never knew if this was an app-specific feature or if it was related to the network.
mpeclipse03 said:
Just out of curiosity, does any 3rd party messaging app support texting over WiFi? I know the stock Samsung one does, but would something like Android Messenger or Textra work using T-Mobile? I never knew if this was an app-specific feature or if it was related to the network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some do, but as far as I know it's carrier dependent.
As to my original post, I still haven't decided on an app. Textra was real good on my old phone, so it's either it or Google Messages.
No one mentioned it but I've used Chomp for years. Texting over wifi works 90% of the time. Not sure why it doesn't work all the time but my wife uses the stock app while I use Chomp. Neither of us have any complaints.
Related
I am some times involved in group messages with my friends(all iphone users).
I like the stock messaging app, and I have hated all 3rd party apps that i have tried(gosms and handcent).
My question is: Is there anyway I can retain the stock messaging app as default, but am still able to use another third party app to view and reply to these group mms? With my limited experience so far, handcent and gosms both require their apps to be the default app to work. I would rather much avoid this.
or can someone suggest me another app that will allow me to read and reply to my friends group messaging as seamlessly as they can?
chinaman_chong said:
I am some times involved in group messages with my friends(all iphone users).
I like the stock messaging app, and I have hated all 3rd party apps that i have tried(gosms and handcent).
My question is: Is there anyway I can retain the stock messaging app as default, but am still able to use another third party app to view and reply to these group mms? With my limited experience so far, handcent and gosms both require their apps to be the default app to work. I would rather much avoid this.
or can someone suggest me another app that will allow me to read and reply to my friends group messaging as seamlessly as they can?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to use other messaging apps, and still keep the stock as your default. Same with the browser, there is a stock browser, but you can use another one as a default (i use chrome). depending on the rom, there may be a setting for app association.
Herc08 said:
You should be able to use other messaging apps, and still keep the stock as your default. Same with the browser, there is a stock browser, but you can use another one as a default (i use chrome). depending on the rom, there may be a setting for app association.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, thats why im askin a question. gosms and handcent both require themselves to be set as default apps to even enable group messaging to work. both of those apps are crappy enough that i dont want them set as default.
and there doesnt seem to be a way that those apps can thread my messages together AFTER i have received em. they have to be set to default before receiving group mms
You can try groupme, its an app strictly for group messaging and you don't have to use it as a stock messenger.
I just looked at the way GroupMe does things.... blech. it's amazing to me that NO one has implemented a good third-party solution to the group messaging thing. Apple is so often behind the times on new features, but they implemented group SMS YEARS ago at this point.
As for a stock SMS replacement, I like ChompSMS. I agree that Handcent and GoSMS are both... not good. Chomp is a clean interface. still doesn't do group SMS though, so if you like the stock Messaging app for normal SMS then I guess stick with it.
thebobmannh said:
I just looked at the way GroupMe does things.... blech. it's amazing to me that NO one has implemented a good third-party solution to the group messaging thing. Apple is so often behind the times on new features, but they implemented group SMS YEARS ago at this point.
As for a stock SMS replacement, I like ChompSMS. I agree that Handcent and GoSMS are both... not good. Chomp is a clean interface. still doesn't do group SMS though, so if you like the stock Messaging app for normal SMS then I guess stick with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i hate apple, but their emojis and group messaging are the only things i like.
i have emojies, but theyre no where near as clean and easy to use as the iphone. and somebody will make lots of money if they can finally come up with something that will seamlessly integrate android to ios group messaging.
Maybe think of switching to AOSP? Group messaging is default
-Sugardaddy Duncan
i love this rom so much. and im so used to sense. i really dont know how i feel about swapping over to aosp for such a "simple" feature. im just hoping for a good alternative
chinaman_chong said:
i love this rom so much. and im so used to sense. i really dont know how i feel about swapping over to aosp for such a "simple" feature. im just hoping for a good alternative
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well try a nandroid backup and flash maybe liquid smooth or carbon ROMs. Personally I love AOSP
-Sugardaddy Duncan
When ever I seem to search good SMS apps on Google, I'm just getting stuff like WhatsApp, which isn't SMS.
I don't like hangouts being part of SMS.
I like Textra myself.
Handcent sms.
I don't use it myself.
Have a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2512414
^This
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
craiigman said:
When ever I seem to search good SMS apps on Google, I'm just getting stuff like WhatsApp, which isn't SMS.
I don't like hangouts being part of SMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try Facebook Messenger.
Go to settings in the app --> click SMS/MMS --> Activate to receive and send SMS
Maybe you like it, maybe you don't. I do like it a lot and I think it' worth trying out!
You can find the app in Google Play.
Android 4.1 JB Messaging SMS looks just like SMS did on the N4, down side is that MMS doesn't work in the app.
One of my favourite updates in KitKat is personally the hangouts texting integration. Much nicer interface.
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:
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.
So I was thinking about using Android messages as my text app and have read it is supposed to have RCS function just like the default app on our Note 8 does. But Everytime I send a text as a test to my fiance there's never a delivered, read or any other RCS notable features. So I'm wondering is this app issues or carrier?
With Textra, this is available. I turned it on and it works. They are fixing the issue with Live messaging right now. I am with AT&T.
Where at in Textra do we turn on RCS? Didn't know that was available yet
I used textra at a time but I really want to use android messages since it seems to be the only app that lets me use Google keyboard to it's fullest. As far as bitmoji and gifs go lol
powerstroke said:
Where at in Textra do we turn on RCS? Didn't know that was available yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. I remember them talking about it an eternity (more than 6 months) ago, but never saw a mention of it going live; and I'm one to usually read their changelogs. Only reason I havn't set Textra as my default messaging app like I want to.
Poetique said:
Same. I remember them talking about it an eternity (more than 6 months) ago, but never saw a mention of it going live; and I'm one to usually read their changelogs. Only reason I havn't set Textra as my default messaging app like I want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I messaged support and they said it's on the table but hasn't been officially added yet
According to Textra's Twitter, Google haven't released the API so it's not going to happen until they do
KingVekxin said:
So I was thinking about using Android messages as my text app and have read it is supposed to have RCS function just like the default app on our Note 8 does. But Everytime I send a text as a test to my fiance there's never a delivered, read or any other RCS notable features. So I'm wondering is this app issues or carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone have an answer to the OP's question? I was wondering the same thing.
brandon_powell said:
Anyone have an answer to the OP's question? I was wondering the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T only supports an older version of RCS (not Universal Profile) at the moment. AT&T has it integrated into the bundled samsung messages app so it works there, but Android Messages only supports the current version of RCS (Universal Profile). Hopefully AT&T will upgrade their RCS system soon...
KingVekxin said:
I used textra at a time but I really want to use android messages since it seems to be the only app that lets me use Google keyboard to it's fullest. As far as bitmoji and gifs go lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW - It does work to its fullest in Textra. I've been using both for months, and I can insert emoji, GIFs, everything.
But the stock Samsung Messages app does not allow you to message users on iPhone without compressing the hell out of everything. So I don't think RCS is fully up yet on AT&T's side. From everything I've read, universal RCS allows for message sizes similar to iMessage. That's the only thing I miss from iPhone and is why I use Facebook Messenger or Allo for texting now. I'm sick of not being able to send gifs, videos or pictures of decent quality. No apps including Textra work for me without the crazy compression or other limitations.