Database Develop

[Q] Help with handcent

I would like to almost completely replace the stock messages app. My dilema is that I really enjoy the stock notifications for the stock messages app, but how handcent is set up better than the stock app. I have the notifications turned off in handcent and the notifications on for the stock app. But this makes it when I read the message with hand cent it doesn't mark the message as read in the stock app thus the notification stays up in the status bar until I clear it manually, which is becoming annoying. So the only way I can think of to fix this since I could not find a setting to mark them as read, would be to take all of handcent files except the notification settings and use them to replace the s app files. Or if someone could tell me how to theme/skin the standard messaging app that would work as well. A third option would be to find a way to make handcent mark the text as read in the stock app. Hopefully someone can help me figure how to do this out provide with an easier way. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TheFurriousD said:
I would like to almost completely replace the stock messages app. My dilema is that I really enjoy the stock notifications for the stock messages app, but how handcent is set up better than the stock app. I have the notifications turned off in handcent and the notifications on for the stock app. But this makes it when I read the message with hand cent it doesn't mark the message as read in the stock app thus the notification stays up in the status bar until I clear it manually, which is becoming annoying. So the only way I can think of to fix this since I could not find a setting to mark them as read, would be to take all of handcent files except the notification settings and use them to replace the s app files. Or if someone could tell me how to theme/skin the standard messaging app that would work as well. A third option would be to find a way to make handcent mark the text as read in the stock app. Hopefully someone can help me figure how to do this out provide with an easier way. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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What exactly do u mean by notifications? Do you mean the icons? if that's what you mean you can change the notification icons in handcent.
Here's how:
1. In the main handcent screen hit menu and go to settings
2. Go to notification settings
3. click on notification settings again
4. Go to notification icon
5. Choose your icon and enjoy!
I believe some of the icons in there look the same as the stock icon. And to keep from getting two notifications disable the notifications in the stock app. Not sure if this is exactly what you were asking about but hope it helps.

I appreciate the response, but what I'm really going for is the wile puzzle piece unlock thing. I have it set up now to where it works so I get the puzzle piece and then launch into handcent but since I have to have the notifications through the stock app to get the puzzle piece to work the status bar icons stay there until I clear them manually because handcent doesn't mark the text messages as read in the native app.

I see. I use the pattern unlock on my phone so i wouldn't know how to change that. I'm sure a dev could probably figure that out for you. Sorry i couldn't be more helpful. Good luck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

^Agree with OP. Would love the functionality of Handcent but retain the puzzle piece notification, since it's a nice touch and the visual eye candy enhances the overall experience.

The only thing I use Handcent for is the popup notification window when I get a new text so I send a quick reply and put the phone back down. For everything else I just use the stock messaging app.
I tried a few other popup notifications for texts but, like has already been said, Handcent is the best so far.

miztaken1312 said:
The only thing I use Handcent for is the popup notification window when I get a new text so I send a quick reply and put the phone back down. For everything else I just use the stock messaging app.
I tried a few other popup notifications for texts but, like has already been said, Handcent is the best so far.
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Yeah I pretty much want to the exact opposite of that. I like the interface of handcent, but I actually don't like the popups or notifications that handcent uses.
I also just put in a feature request on the handcent forum. Asked them to add and option to automatically mark the text as read in standard app or to have the option to use the puzzle piece as the notification in handcent. So we'll see how that goes

I might have to take back what I said about hancent. Seems as if it managed to delete all of my 3k+ text messages. Not very happy about that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

miztaken1312 said:
I might have to take back what I said about hancent. Seems as if it managed to delete all of my 3k+ text messages. Not very happy about that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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havent seen that happen
i use SMSBackup+ from the market to backup all my SMS to my gmail
makes things WORLDS easier for all my constant rom flashing

I know it was Handcent cause I looked at the logs and it was the last app to access my texts. I had a clockwork backup from a few days earlier. I got some of my stuff back, but still lost some important ones. I looked at smsbackup but I was a little weary of it having access to my Google account and about how it worked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I would love to have this as well. This is exactly what I have been looking for. If you do end up finding this or figuring out how to make it work, could you let me know or lead me in the right direction? Thanks.

I've learned a lot since I posted this. And to my understanding the puzzle piece thing is part of the touchwiz ui. So it only will work with the Samsung messaging app. The only way to achieve this effect would be to have some one create an entire rom based on this request by using handcent as the default and modifying the touchwiz lock screen to use handcent instead of the Samsung messaging app. Which sucks because this seems like it would be quite tedious but that's my understanding now of the problem but hopefully I'm wrong lol. I kinda gave up on this idea but still if anyone figures out a simple fix to this I would love to know.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897

I also have a question regarding the puzzle piece screen when receiving an sms... Is there any way for the puzzle piece screen to still show up when using Widget Locker? I don't see an option for something like that, but there are options to block popups.

Oh man would I love this feature!! I think I'm going to have to go back to the stock app because I love the puzzle piece unlock so much. Its just too tedious to unlock the screen and then click on the messaging app (I know that sounds awful hahah) especially if you text ALOT.

[Q] Alternative to Handcent?

Is there an other MMS apps as an alternate to Handcent or Chomp?
My main issue with Handcent is that it takes too long to get text notifications. They're instant with the default Froyo Mms.apk. Handcent takes an extra 2+ minutes for texts to show up.
I'm willing to try Handcent longer if someone knows how to make it receive texts faster. I enabled auto retrieve and roaming auto retrieve.

Kill the pop up on handcent, that speeds it up a lot.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Popup is disabled... I'm not talking about phone lag. The texts just don't show up instantly like they do with the default Mms app.

Then just use the stock. I just dropped handcent because it's too bulky.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo on Hero action here!

http://www.chompsms.com/
There's that, Chomp SMS. I also just use the stock app.

Vvh said:
http://www.chompsms.com/
There's that, Chomp SMS. I also just use the stock app.
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Haha did you read the OP
Jedis said:
Is there an other MMS apps as an alternate to Handcent or Chomp?
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I haven't seen any other sms apps that actually handle sending/receiving texts. Only widgets or popups and such

If you are looking for another texting app, go sms is decent too. Not sure if this will help you, but another option

brfizzle said:
If you are looking for another texting app, go sms is decent too. Not sure if this will help you, but another option
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I used this App for a couple of weeks since I fell in love with the black theme and pop up was 5 times nicer than the Handcent one but I found even Handcent to be quicker than Go SMS. But it is still an App I suggest giving a shot. I might even give it another chance to see if the updates have fixed it up a bit.

I just started using Go SMS the other day and like it a lot. I have been using handcent for a year now and Go SMS seems a little faster and doesn't have all the fluff I didn't use anyway.

was using hancent/chomp/gosms for some time now. just switched back to handcent. to be honest they became quite alike over time. it felt like chomp was always a little behind. no idea what's causing the lag on your phone. although i'm using handcent again, if you can't figure out the source of the problem, i'd recommend staying with gosms. they update all their apps very frequently and doing great so far. might increase the possibility of getting the error fixed which is causing your problem...

I have a HTC Magic and Handcent and the HTC Messaging App both send notifications at exctly the same time.

eqzgkxokwa said:
I have a HTC Magic and Handcent and the HTC Messaging App both send notifications at exctly the same time.
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Disable notifications in the stock app.
-----
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Gingerbread-on-Hero action here!

Personally, I am a fan of the stock MMS app and using SMS popup from the market. It's a very small app, and allows the popup similar to Handcent.

go sms pro FTW, it literally pwns everything.

il Duce said:
go sms pro FTW, it literally pwns everything.
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+1. It's my new fav, replaced Handcent for me

il Duce said:
go sms pro FTW, it literally pwns everything.
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Explain the pwnage factor I haven't tried it as I wasn't all that impressed with the description...sounded like all the others with more visual candy (themes). Why are you sold on it?

I don't like how Go SMS doesn't let you restrict the popup to only come up when the screen is off. Also doesn't have the Gingerbread SMS icon.

ranger61878 said:
Explain the pwnage factor I haven't tried it as I wasn't all that impressed with the description...sounded like all the others with more visual candy (themes). Why are you sold on it?
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It's faster than them all. Also, I like candy
stayclean said:
I don't like how Go SMS doesn't let you restrict the popup to only come up when the screen is off. Also doesn't have the Gingerbread SMS icon.
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Click to collapse
I don't use popups, but there's a nice green icon I like. I suppose you could leave the stock icon on and turn off the go icon, then when you get the icon just clear it and launch go? Or use whatever you're using, lol.

Hmm
I have used ChompSMS pretty much the entire time I have owned an android phone and it is way awesome! And super customizable. Way awesome, never have problems with it.

I'm trying out go sms and it seems good so far. I may end up not using the popular because I really like advanced sms toast. It's clean and simple
¿dpeeps74?

SMS/MMS/Group Texts

Hey guys. I'm coming from a S7 so I will use that as a reference for what I'm trying to do.
On the S7 if I sent a text message to two or more people I can reply all in the same thread or had the option via a little check box to send the messages individually. However, when I send or receive a group message I'm getting individual messages.
It sucks because if someone sent me a group text I can't see who else they sent the message too. And if I can only reply to it individually not as a single thread.
I hope I explained this properly. Does anyone know if there is a setting I'm missing here or is this "feature" not supported on MIUI stock messenger app?

SantinoInc said:
Hey guys. I'm coming from a S7 so I will use that as a reference for what I'm trying to do.
On the S7 if I sent a text message to two or more people I can reply all in the same thread or had the option via a little check box to send the messages individually. However, when I send or receive a group message I'm getting individual messages.
It sucks because if someone sent me a group text I can't see who else they sent the message too. And if I can only reply to it individually not as a single thread.
I hope I explained this properly. Does anyone know if there is a setting I'm missing here or is this "feature" not supported on MIUI stock messenger app?
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Total PITA but that's the way MIUI handles texts unfortunately. I have looked for a solution but haven't been able to find one...

jason1332 said:
Total PITA but that's the way MIUI handles texts unfortunately. I have looked for a solution but haven't been able to find one...
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This is really pissing me off! I even tried 3rd party apps like Google Messenger app but it simply couldn't send the message. Pretty damn annoyed right now

SantinoInc said:
This is really pissing me off! I even tried 3rd party apps like Google Messenger app but it simply couldn't send the message. Pretty damn annoyed right now
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I'm with you...I tried editing APN's, multiple 3rd party apps, etc. and can't get a solution. It's one of the things I have to live with for the time being.

Yeah, it really sucks because I have a handful of co-workers and friends that I use the group text with and now I can't use it. It's nuts that it's not supported.
Like you, I tried messing with APN settings and 3rd party apps but to no avail. If you find a solution please let me know because I'm seriously annoyed right now

I seem to have it working on an app by app basis. It works best from the default messaging app, but I hope this is something that will be fixed in the future.

nkatz565 said:
I seem to have it working on an app by app basis. It works best from the default messaging app, but I hope this is something that will be fixed in the future.
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What network are you on and what are your APN settings? I don't even think the default messaging app has settings pertaining to group text...not as far as I could see

I found Textra to be the best workaround for this. It has some smarts to figure out the group messaging... better than others at least.

flipperg said:
I found Textra to be the best workaround for this. It has some smarts to figure out the group messaging... better than others at least.
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Click to collapse
It does seem to work. Thanks for the tip.

What network are you on and what are your APN settings? I don't even think the default messaging app has settings pertaining to group text...not as far as I could see
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AT&T, and their suggested settings for NXTGENPHONE

TextNow is an awesome app I found that lets you make WiFi Calls and also text over WiFi and of course supports group text messaging.
However, you will have to choose a new # which is not really a huge deal. Just another option for you guys. Been using it for a couple days and it works great!
I will try Textra as well and see if it works.

Textra is the solution . Supports GIF too
Sent from my MIX using XDA-Developers Legacy app

viruz1225 said:
Textra is the solution . Supports GIF too
Sent from my MIX using XDA-Developers Legacy app
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Yes, it is. That is what I used for messaging now. TextNow is good for WiFi text and calls though.

What messaging app are you using?

And why? ?

I'm using Facebook messenger app. Crazy, I know.
The Why: Because I already have it for the occasional FB message, so I thought I would give it a try. It's not bad, and I like the chat heads. I don't share anything too personal over it, so I'm not concerned. One day I might stop being lazy and try some others out.

Google Messages works a treat for my usage...

Textra ftw. No other texting app better, none as customizable. I also use WhatsApp for friends out of the USA and for sending video and photos to my most talked to friends

Eric214 said:
Textra ftw. No other texting app better, none as customizable. I also use WhatsApp for friends out of the USA and for sending video and photos to my most talked to friends
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Exactly the same... ?

Eric214 said:
Textra ftw. No other texting app better, none as customizable. I also use WhatsApp for friends out of the USA and for sending video and photos to my most talked to friends
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I use Google Messages right now but I do miss the customization that Textra offered and how fast and smooth it is but the one major thing that prevents me from using it every time is the lack of archiving message threads feature that text apps like pulse and messages have. It keeps me away cause sometimes I want to delete a message thread but often times I just want to archive it cause there may be images, information, or just the fact that I want to see my text history with that person. Which Textra would add this feature instead of just the deleting the whole thread.

Textra here too
Fast and simple and heavily customisable

Whats app, facebook messenger.

TacoTuco said:
I use Google Messages right now but I do miss the customization that Textra offered and how fast and smooth it is but the one major thing that prevents me from using it every time is the lack of archiving message threads feature that text apps like pulse and messages have. It keeps me away cause sometimes I want to delete a message thread but often times I just want to archive it cause there may be images, information, or just the fact that I want to see my text history with that person. Which Textra would add this feature instead of just the deleting the whole thread.
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Click to collapse
Yes I agree I gave it 3 stars and mentioned this in my review to the developer. I told them it would be a 5 star if there was a way to backup and restore or archive them as to not lose them from phone to phone or in cases you need to data reset your phone. They responded to me and said they would look into it and nothing... this was about 2 years ago.

Textra is love, Textra is life, no other compromise.

Google messages. I have used textra alot before. But just switched to Google and it's been smooth and exactly what I need.

Google Messages for me.
Smooth, useful features, and web messaging from other devices.

As a non US résident, I don't have access to those fancy text apps nevermind to a supercharged network !
Hence, where I am from, texting is a thing of the past!
I use Telegram which is, in my opinion, light years ahead it's competition in terms of features and one of the last really secure platform there is! (Among with signal)
+ Channels

Google messages, Whatsapps and Telegram.

Used to use textra, then chompsms, now pulse.
I got tired of backing up my messages when changing phones (I switch between 3 at least once a week.)
Pulse auto syncs messages and restores automatically upon a new login.
Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

You guys use text messaging? Damn...
It's 2019, use Signal.

Using Google messages, simple, works for me and has a web client for the rare time I don't have my phone next to me

Textra
Great app no issues

Using the stock messaging app for the time being but considering moving to google messaging app because of the web client, which was very convenient back when I had my Nokia 6.1

Textra , it's awesome!
通过我的 GM1910 上的 Tapatalk发言

Question Google Messages vs Samsung Messages? Which to keep

I've seen some threads asking about the google messages apk. but my question is:
My s21 ultra came with google messages by default as SMS app, I also have the Samsung messages app installed (I set it as default instead of the google messages app).
Is there a reason for the google messages app to have come as default? Are there any advantages to it?
p.s. I didn't really find the exact answer around the forum, if there is such answer, can you please point me to it and close this thread?
Regards

joancolmenares said:
I've seen some threads asking about the google messages apk. but my question is:
My s21 ultra came with google messages by default as SMS app, I also have the Samsung messages app installed (I set it as default instead of the google messages app).
Is there a reason for the google messages app to have come as default? Are there any advantages to it?
p.s. I didn't really find the exact answer around the forum, if there is such answer, can you please point me to it and close this thread?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like google messages mainly for the good integration of RCS and also because it has a web app. The UI is fine, darkmode is cool, so if I had to choose I'd go for Google.
Now on why it's google messages by default, I have no clue...

Personally, I like Google Messages, but Samsung Messages now has RCS too I believe. It just got it recently. But from what I've seen and used, Google Messages is probably the way to go. It's just a better experience overall. It can verify business senders, help you report spam messages, and also just a couple of different things that are convenient, like what Raiz mentioned above. I'd go back to Google if you want something that works better overall.

Thanks mates!
Will switch back to Google/Android Messages and test it out a bit more

I use Messages, the only AT&T bloatware app I use.
Edit, it's Samsung not AT&T

Here I am still using Textra lol

Google messages far superior easier to use, much easier adding gifs, emojis and attachments.

I use Google Messages it's really nice and simple to use.

Wish you could uninstall the samsung contacts, calendar, calc, clock, messages, phone etc.... it's the one thing that irritates me with samsung that they spend all this effort replicating what google already does a perfectly good job of.

highlightshadow said:
Wish you could uninstall the samsung contacts, calendar, calc, clock, messages, phone etc.... it's the one thing that irritates me with samsung that they spend all this effort replicating what google already does a perfectly good job of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can remove using the adb commands. You can find the package name by using the apk analyzer app.

I was using Google Messages on my previous device, but with the S21 I couldn't set conversations to be mute (roaming messages i receive daily on my 2nd sim).
I can only make the notification silent for that conversation, but I don't even want the notification, which I cannot do.
Samsung Messages have this ability

I use signal. Better than both, has everything plus security and privacy.

S10Plus said:
You can remove using the adb commands. You can find the package name by using the apk analyzer app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been out of the game for a long time. You can do this without root?

thacounty said:
Been out of the game for a long time. You can do this without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can hide apps from the main user (you) with this trick but you can't actually delete the apk file from /system unless you have root.

I personally prefer Samsung messaging app, mainly because of the its UI.
However, the main advantage of Google messages is the availability of RCS by default, no matter where you live or which carrier you have. You can have RCS with Samsung messages but only if your carrier supports it.

mcbyte_it said:
I was using Google Messages on my previous device, but with the S21 I couldn't set conversations to be mute (roaming messages i receive daily on my 2nd sim).
I can only make the notification silent for that conversation, but I don't even want the notification, which I cannot do.
Samsung Messages have this ability
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Click to collapse
Ah, really? I haven't had that problem with my S21U whilst using Google Messages. How were you trying to mute them?

NippleSauce said:
Ah, really? I haven't had that problem with my S21U whilst using Google Messages. How were you trying to mute them?
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In Samsung Messenger the no notifications option (bell icon with a bar on it) will not even show a notification in the Android notifications area (When I open Messages I will see there is unread messages in the silent conversation), while Google Messages it will still show a notification but without sound.

I use Google Messages because for some reason, MMS won't send or receive in Samsung Messeges.
If anyone has a fix for this....

highlightshadow said:
Wish you could uninstall the samsung contacts, calendar, calc, clock, messages, phone etc.... it's the one thing that irritates me with samsung that they spend all this effort replicating what google already does a perfectly good job of.
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Click to collapse
IMO... Google doesn't really do a good job with most things other than its search algorithms, ad monopoly and data rape....

whitehawk66 said:
IMO... Google doesn't really do a good job with most things other than its search algorithms, ad monopoly and data rape....
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Exactly, especially their UI. I have a pixel phone and many years after the launch of material design Google still doesn't use it in all its apps. The apps feels completely separate, each has it's ow design and colors. Some apps have dark mode with full black background (setting app) while others have dark gray background (contacts, messages,...). Let's not talk about YouTube, which still doesn't follow MD 2...
I like how samsung use the same design language for all its apps and they pay particular attention to small details just like IOS