Text messaging application.

[eric002]

Okay so which text messaging application is everyone using? Even though I'm a die hard Googler, I have been using Textra for about a month because of the customization, and the fact that it actually has Android Auto integration for message notifications. I've realized that most other applications don't have that kind of integration. What does everyone else think? Thank you.

 

[SpookDroid]

I love Textra, but since they just won't implement texting from a computer (they've categorically, and a couple times quite rudely, stated that they're not interested in ever implementing that and you can use crappy relay services like Pushbullet or MightyText). So because of that I was forced to switch. IMHO Google's Messenger is just awful; too plain for my taste. Therefore, my 'weapon of choice' is now Pulse. It's nearly as good as Textra (missing a couple items, but good for the most part) and for 10 bucks you can get the lifetime license to do texting over pretty much any device out there and also from a web browser, so they win on that front. Not sure if they integrate with Android Auto, but since they are still one of the few with an ACTUAL app for Android Wear 2, I don't see why not. (The app is free if you don't need the cross-platform/web sync feature)

 

[eric002]

I love Textra, but since they just won't implement texting from a computer (they've categorically, and a couple times quite rudely, stated that they're not interested in ever implementing that and you can use crappy relay services like Pushbullet or MightyText). So because of that I was forced to switch. IMHO Google's Messenger is just awful; too plain for my taste. Therefore, my 'weapon of choice' is now Pulse. It's nearly as good as Textra (missing a couple items, but good for the most part) and for 10 bucks you can get the lifetime license to do texting over pretty much any device out there and also from a web browser, so they win on that front. Not sure if they integrate with Android Auto, but since they are still one of the few with an ACTUAL app for Android Wear 2, I don't see why not. (The app is free if you don't need the cross-platform/web sync feature)

You know something, I'll tell you, you are absolutely positively correct! Android messaging is so plain vanilla there's barely any customization! I've tried every single texting application for Android in the past some to the most advanced type of customization which is too much. surely, text that doesn't allow you to text him a computer but for me, that's not a big deal as I never really use a future. The Android auto integration is so beautiful and works flawlessly in my 2018 sport 2.0 T. also, in addition, Textra also allows for greater amount of customization without overdoing it! not sure if I'm going to use Textra on my future oneplus6t or not, but right now I'm using it and like I said in the Android auto environment it's wonderful! especially for the simple fact of different colored notifications on the always on display and the quick pop-up window for responding back to messages quickly.

 

[SpookDroid]

The quick pop up is what I miss the most on Pulse. Colored notifications, unfortunately, are going away because of Google (Android general guidelines), so Textra opted for just custom icons since now they all have to be white.

 

[eric002]

Yeah, those quick pop-up window for responses is awesome! I mean if Google can pull off RCS messaging for Textra that would be great, but I'm not holding my breath for it either. As it is, Google's messaging platform is so confusing and convoluted it's ridiculous but that is an entirely different story.

 

[SpookDroid]

Yeah, not sure why but RCS (at least until now) is locked to the system messaging app (which is why if you do get a 'chat' message using RCS, it won't display over in Textra). Sucks. Or if they didn't have to lock the web feature to the default app, that'd be great too, that way I could use Textra on my phone because it rocks, and then still text via web or other devices with Google's Messenger.

 

[eric002]

Yeahhh, I wish that we could use third-party texting applications with RCS but I guess that won't be able to happen anytime soon. I mean as far as Google IM platforms, I read that Google is looking to phase out Allo. What a surprise. I mean sure, Hangouts still exists, but who the heck uses Hangouts either? That's why this whole messaging strategy is confusing and annoying! I loved it when Hangouts Incorporated SMS as well.

 

[justnivek]

I use the Note 9 stock messaging app on my Galaxy S8.

I get the blue messaging app icon no more ugly yellow chat bubbles and it actually has a lot of really cool features/fixes

I used textra for the longest time but from the phone app if I click message instead of call it brings up the Textra Square Reply Window which I asked them to make an update to have an option of turning that completely off and the automated reply said thanks for feedback or whatever.

(there's a way to turn it off and use Android inline reply which I have done but that reply window still comes up a lot which is annoying as hell)

Now if only the Gif compressor could actually not speed of the gifs before I send them that would be great (for now I need to use an app that makes the Gif under 1200kb that's the only fix unfortunately)

 

[eric002]

Ahh, see for me, I disabled all Samsung Galaxy apps and bloatware! can't stand that stuff! That's why I can't wait to get out of my Galaxy S8 into the oneplus6t.

 

[justnivek]

Ahh, see for me, I disabled all Samsung Galaxy apps and bloatware! can't stand that stuff! That's why I can't wait to get out of my Galaxy S8 into the oneplus6t.

I completely understand. I kinda just got use to it at this point.

My favorite Android version was with my Sony Xperia Z1 compact. Only had a few small Sony Apps installed but easily uninstallable and the phone was freaking smooth. Loved the stock messaging app and dialer app and everything Sony software was an amazing phone

 

[eric002]

I completely understand. I kinda just got use to it at this point.

My favorite Android version was with my Sony Xperia Z1 compact. Only had a few small Sony Apps installed but easily uninstallable and the phone was freaking smooth. Loved the stock messaging app and dialer app and everything Sony software was an amazing phone

yes, true that! My favorite phone so far away is my Nexus 6p even with the boot loop issue. Was looking at pixel 3 XL, but basically that freaking ugly noxious! The oneplus6t at $580 with the 128 gig of storage plus 8 gigs of RAM is calling my name! Nice-looking teardrop notch as well! stock Android with quick OS updates!

 

[kenorian]

I have a small circle of friends who use WhatsApp. A frustrating group of friends insists on using FB Messenger. Over 90% of the people I know use old SMS.

At one point or another, I think I've tried most of the SMS replacement app out there. I keep coming back to stock Android Messages, now on my Pixel 3XL. There's a delightful dark mode now, and I like the Messages for Web.

It just works.

 

[mrjetpacks]

I used [Android] Messages. I just want RCS to come to Project Fi. I used Textra for a bit as well.

 

[eric002]

Yeah I hear ya, Textra has really good customization options and a nice UI!

 

[beachedwhale42]

I use Textra, mostly due to the customization and extra features that are lacking in Android Messages. For the "text from my computer" bit, I have it connected with my Windows 10 PC via My Phone. Not as nice as the web based interface for Android Messages, but it fits my needs.

 

[DaHui623]

I use Textra, mostly due to the customization and extra features that are lacking in Android Messages. For the "text from my computer" bit, I have it connected with my Windows 10 PC via My Phone. Not as nice as the web based interface for Android Messages, but it fits my needs.

I was going to say the same thing. Textra is just the best imo, and the now built-in messaging feature in Windows 10 actually works well.

 

[Jedi4Jesus13]

I have found Pulse to be, by far, the best messaging app for me. For years, it's had text from computer or any device for years. I love it. It has a dark mode and pure black mode. Gif, pic, and other document support is great and well implemented. It has a backup option to back up texts. I love that.

 

[Alan Burnstine]

I love Textra, but since they just won't implement texting from a computer (they've categorically, and a couple times quite rudely, stated that they're not interested in ever implementing that and you can use crappy relay services like Pushbullet or MightyText). So because of that I was forced to switch. IMHO Google's Messenger is just awful; too plain for my taste. Therefore, my 'weapon of choice' is now Pulse. It's nearly as good as Textra (missing a couple items, but good for the most part) and for 10 bucks you can get the lifetime license to do texting over pretty much any device out there and also from a web browser, so they win on that front. Not sure if they integrate with Android Auto, but since they are still one of the few with an ACTUAL app for Android Wear 2, I don't see why not. (The app is free if you don't need the cross-platform/web sync feature)

I'll need to look at Pulse. I use Android Messenger for the web and WearOS integration, and Textra because my wife has an iPhone and likes to use all the new emoji. I have a Tasker task that switches Textra to the default texting app when it is open, and switches back to Android messages when Textra is closed so the WearOS and web integration work again.

 

[kgardin]

I use Pulse SMS on my phone, laptop and tablet. It's the best I can find.

 

[gamoses]

I still use Textra. Thought I would switch when dark mode came out for Google, but I hate several little things about it. The colorful contact icons, the rounded bubbles, and especially the small font size.