Text messaging application.

[Doesn t matter]

Re: Text me

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)

 

[Uristocles]

I'm a Project Fi user, keep cellular data off most of the day, and use Android Messages. Web sync for browser works great.

 

[Cobjones]

I'm going to try pulse now. I've been using Textra for years. I liked everything except cross functionality. It's time to try this.

 

[mlbyanks11]

I use mood messenger. Doesn't have text functionality from PC but ad free and has a lot of customization. Love it.

 

[hoytbowhunter]

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)

 

[hoytbowhunter]

Chomp SMS is the best...

 

[pyrolad]

+1.

I made the switch from Textra (Paid) to Pulse SMS (Paid Lifetime) over a year ago, for the same reasons you describe, and I love it!

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)

 

[natonomo]

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)

If you're looking for a way to disable the quick reply pop-up, you can change it to open the full app instead by going to
Settings | Customize Notifications | Define Notification Actions | Tapping Opens
and choosing "Full App"

 

[AppExperts]

WhatsApp is the one which is perfect for text messaging along with other video and voice calling option.

 

[eric002]

Isn't WhatsApp though just for instant messaging essentially?

 

[SpookDroid]

Isn't WhatsApp though just for instant messaging essentially?

Yup, it is. But now that California is mulling that texting tax, if passed others might follow and you might just want to switch to IM-only... Plus, Whatsapp traffic is free in some countries (especially Mexico and in South America) for even plans with no mobile data, which is part of why this app is so popular in that region.

WeChat took over most of Asia by offering similar deals and being one of the first to offer in-app payment/money transfers which can be used by businesses. You can even pay for ferries and trains in China with just a WeChat message or get free internet by scanning a WeChat code (some options even allow charge-back to your phone bill so it's not even tied to a credit card).

 

[eric002]

Yup, it is. But now that California is mulling that texting tax, if passed others might follow and you might just want to switch to IM-only... Plus, Whatsapp traffic is free in some countries (especially Mexico and in South America) for even plans with no mobile data, which is part of why this app is so popular in that region.

WeChat took over most of Asia by offering similar deals and being one of the first to offer in-app payment/money transfers which can be used by businesses. You can even pay for ferries and trains in China with just a WeChat message or get free internet by scanning a WeChat code (some options even allow charge-back to your phone bill so it's not even tied to a credit card).

haha thanks for the explanation. I barely use WhatsApp because I usually use Textra for SMS and Google allo for IMing, however Allo is going away, so I might have to go back to Hangouts.

 

[SpookDroid]

Hangouts is also on the 'to kill' list, though... (well, moved to a different Hangouts offering, which also sucks).

The problem with the IM solutions is that they require the other party to use the app and have an account with it. With texting, it just worked. IM offers way more than just texting, so there's that. iPhone's got it right by seamlessly (too seamlessly since it makes non-savvy people think iMessage is the same thing as SMS/MMS but 'better because it's iPhone') integrating the two.

 

[eric002]

Hangouts is also on the 'to kill' list, though... (well, moved to a different Hangouts offering, which also sucks).

The problem with the IM solutions is that they require the other party to use the app and have an account with it. With texting, it just worked. IM offers way more than just texting, so there's that. iPhone's got it right by seamlessly (too seamlessly since it makes non-savvy people think iMessage is the same thing as SMS/MMS but 'better because it's iPhone') integrating the two.

Oh absolutely, without a doubt! Instant messaging is much more convenient especially internationally, however all right it's always been that both parties have to use the same platform otherwise it doesn't work. SMSjust works but it is also dying out as well. Therefore RCS communication is what Google is trying to push carriers to roll out. Ughhh....I'm not saying we can't all be on one unified platform ,but it was never supposed to be this complicated and confusing.

 

[justnivek]

If you're looking for a way to disable the quick reply pop-up, you can change it to open the full app instead by going to
Settings | Customize Notifications | Define Notification Actions | Tapping Opens
and choosing "Full App"

Already done that and it still has the full pop-up window for sms from the phone app and sometimes other places. Hopefully that update the app one day to fully disable the window reply because now that Android has inline reply it makes no sense to use that when you could reply from the notification

 

[LTrane]

For regular texts, I used Next for years but got tired of randomly not receiving MMS. Switched to Mood about a year ago and haven't looked back! Still use Hangouts for Google Voice and WhatsApp for ongoing chats with my Boys or family..