What is Reddit's opinion of
Pulse SMS (Phone/Tablet/Web)?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
Popularity Score: 151
This app was mentioned in 253 comments, with an average of 2.56 upvotes
Best Comments
I've cancelled MightyText. I've had reliability issues with group text messages.
I recommend Pulse SMS which is far more reasonable and has a lot of great features. It gets updated with new features at least a few times per week. I also prefer their web/chrome extension interfaces.
There is this one : Messenger (Text messaging) that is in beta but still pretty cool.
There is also Disa, even for just SMS, it's a nice one
I use Pulse Messenger as my text client. It has a web client.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
I personally like Pulse. Used Join and MightyText over the years, but jumped on Pulse when it came out and it works pretty well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Looks very similar to Pulse SMS, very interested in hearing your take on what you think makes Textpert better and/or what needs it solves that arent out there already!
I personally love using Pulse. There is a fair amount of customizability and it has features most other SMS apps don't. You can send texts from your PC, password protect certain conversations, schedule text messages, and more. It's overall one of the cleanest SMS apps I've ever used, even beating out Google's own Android Messages app on my opinion. It doesn't have any ads and I highly recommend this app!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
I'm using Pulse from the guy who made Falcon. Currently in pre-release with actually release coming soon; don't know when.
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
I don't see a problem with the functionality not being free. The problem is that it does not mention anywhere on the website or AppStore listing that core functionality like posting is not free.
A great example of how it should be done is Pulse SMS on Android. It clearly outlines under Price in the description what functionality is free and what functionality requires a subscription.
Care to try Pulse SMS?
I have been using this since my experience with Google's Android Messages is not so good.
Here's their official website https://messenger.klinkerapps.com/overview/
Buy the 10 buck lifetime license thingy if you spend any amount of time behind a computer. You can text from your PC like iMessage from a Mac. Plus, Pulse is just a really nice texting app anyway.
I have Pulse Messenger from Kilinker apps , same developer that supports Talon for Twitter. He has integrated his messaging app to work with any device and also has a web app to text from PC. Check it out https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
Pulse SMS can reply directly from the notification, and includes a "Mark as read" button from the notification.
...In addition to message sync across multiple devices & web (paid feature).
I'm looking for a SMS app that lets me also send text messages from my computer. Currently I'm using Pulse SMS, but it only restores upto 500 SMSes. I've looked at join by joaoapps and another similar one (name escapes me) but it isn't what I'm after.. I like Pulse SMS but I want to be able to restore all of my SMSes to it's web client.
Thanks!
I would still highly recommend Pulse SMS. I used Textra for a long time but Pulse lets you text from computer and phone seamlessly (with a monthly cost of a dollar which I would recommend to see if you like) . I only say this because No ads ever and pretty decent customization. The truth is android messages has good intentions but lacks a lot of decent features like customization. Allo is pretty decent not going to lie but it relies on other people getting it and that is the hardest part. If no one uses it its more or less useless. Gboard is my favorite as well and will probably remain that for a long time.
I really like Android Messages, but the lack of web interface at this point has me sticking with Pulse for now. I keep reading about the developer dropping support though so I may decide to switch.
I've switched to Pulse. It's similar to Android Messages IMO. Main reason is the web interface, makes it easy to text when I'm at work.
"Image keyboard" basically means keyboard with GIF search support. Google Keyboard latest version has it. But you'll see it only in apps that baked support for it. For now, that is limited to Google Messenger and this Messenger. In these apps, start typing using Google Keyboard, tap the emoji button and you'll see a GIF button at the bottom row. Tap that and you'll see a ribbon of GIFs and a GIF search bar above that.
You can check Pulse SMS. It has the quick reply option which can help you to reply to a particular message from the notification bar.
Not sure if you want to pay, but I've been using the paid version of Pulse SMS for at least a year and the text from desktop works wonderfully.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pricing is here
https://messenger.klinkerapps.com/overview/pricing.html
I do the monthly 99c a month because I usually get at least that much in opinion rewards to pay for it.
I have tried almost all the apps for syncing messages across multiple devices and by far, Pulse works the best. Just released a desktop app and even an IOS app. There is a cost, but supporting the developer is key for apps that we like and it is not outrageous. $9.99 for life is a steal.
Link to Playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
Link to Desktop App: https://blog.klinkerapps.com/pulse-ios-desktop/
You should look at Pulse. For desktop texting they charge either a few dollars per month or you can pay $11 for a lifetime membership. It has desktop texting, both a web app and desktop clients.
There is a 7 day free trial so you can test to see if it works for you.
Another thing. MMS also comes in over WiFi! I tend to roll with WiFi all the time and when I'm out and about, I have data and data saver on, but leave my SMS app as unrestricted.
You should try Pulse sms!
Linkme pulse sms
Edit: I don't know if I did the link me right but here is the link. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse is another option. It'll run you a few dollars but you can try out a 7 day free trial. Then it's 1 dollar a month or 2 for 3 months or 6 for the year.
I've been using Pulse it's the only one that has consistently worked for me as Join doesnt work with group messages for me.
I've been really enjoying Pulse SMS.
It works from a PC with a chrome app/extension, and works from other devices too- plus the lifetime fee is only $10 vs the others like pushbullet that cost monthly.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
I've used both MightyText and use Join for other things, but I recently discovered Pulse and have been very happy with it. Few little things need tweaked, but it works very well consistently for me. Sprung for the lifetime plan after just a month.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Was using Textra at first but for the last few weeks I've been trying Pulse and I've been really liking it. Plus, the desktop messaging is pretty sweet.
I'm using Action Launcher 3. It's incorporated some of the Pixel features like those long-press shortcuts so I don't feel like I'm losing much. My only other stock replacement is Pulse for SMS. It's a beta by the guy who makes Evolve (I think) but syncs messages across devices and has Nougat-style quick reply (that even worked on Lollipop!). I'm really liking it.
I've recently fell in love with Klinker's Messenger. It has the best of fb messenger combined with the cleanliness of Google Messenger as well as encryption. It also has a desktop app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
Same dev who made EvolveSMS. I remember the guy being kinda a jerk on the Google+ page for beta testers but it's a solid product.
This post reminded me that my SMS app has the ability to filter out messages by keyword and I just added "candidate", "election" and "vote". Thanks.
You could use Pulse SMS to temporarily upload your messages as a backup in full and then redownload them. You could revert back to the stock Messages app after if you wanted. You'd just have to reenable Pulse SMS each time you planned to reset the phone.
I just use Pulse SMS all the time, and even paid for the lifetime subscription so I could chat across any device. It's worth it, you should definitely take a look: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Oh yeah it doesn't seem available anymore. I guess it stayed listed in mine since I downloaded it before.
They're probably just focusing on their other SMS app now Pulse SMS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_CA
Pulse SMS is excellent! It is well designed, customizable, and for a subscription can send and receive sms on any device or browser as long as your phone is on.
If you have more than one device you use regularly this is an incredibly useful app!
The dev is also extremely helpful and will answer your emails quickly and help resolve issues!
Pulse sms has been pretty good to me, but the new Android sms client will probably replace it once they get the bugs worked out.
Just so I don't get jumped on.
When I last tried Android messages for web it worked, but I kept having to unlock my phone which defeated my purpose for using the web app.
My workflow is when I get home I toss my phone on the charger and use my PC and laptop, so I basically don't want to touch my phone unless someone actually calls me. My parents have been trained to use Hangouts for video calls, but sms is still the only way I can message some people. Pulse has been great for remote sms so far.
Edit: play store link because all you people not giving them are mean.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Join is a decent alternative, one time fee too. Although it has a lot more functionality, I found the SMS to be a bit lacking (e.g., messages to multiple people wouldn't go through or wouldn't sync back to the Messages on the Android phone, etc.).
I moved to Pulse although it's entirely SMS. The issues with SMS were more than I wanted to deal with and Pulse did it right while Join made excuses.
I use pulse https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en. Instead of an app its a web browser though. Other than that it works the same way as iMessage (or at least REALLY close to it)
I actually use Pulse... On Android. I have no idea if they have an iPhone app, but you can look for it.
Android play store link : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=fr
If you want messages in your phone like iMessage have a look at the app pulse. It's made by the same guy as evolve sms and talon. It is a paid app and you have to use chrome in order to have it work on your computer but it is the best solution I have found so far to text from your computer.
You can use Pulse. It is a SMS app that you can also use to send texts from your pc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en&gl=US
Apps yg ini?
Ini ngefek ke SMS jg ya?
None of those apps can do SMS/MMS. Due to the nature of those services (closed/locked in) you need to move all your contacts to the chosen one (which is cumbersome, eccentric or impractical).
You can try a third party like Pulse SMS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger You'll then need to trust the developer handling your messages in the same way that Apple does with iMessage. Note that going this route you won't be able to do RCS and hence be stuck with SMS/MMS.
One app I only recently found out about that I rely on every day is Pulse. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_US&gl=US
You know how you can text message from a Mac through the messages app? Pulse allows you to text from your Mac. The UI is beautiful. After a few months of using a $1 membership fee or something, I paid for a minimal lifetime membership. Your Android can be anywhere and as long as it is turned on, you can text from your Mac.
I've been using https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger on Android for the last couple of years.
Its not free but well worth the cost to sync my messages between my phone(s), Tablet, Chrome Book and Laptop.
i find that mood can be flaky some times - right now, i'm not getting any texts on my phone through mood - i'm using an alternate called Pulse https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
it's got some features i like and some i wish Mood had, or it had some of the features that Mood has... but until the bugs get ironed out of Mood - i'll be using Pulse
Use a 3rd party message app. For example, I use Pulse SMS which has no limit on the number of people in a group chat. It also lets you filter out messages such as "liked" a text/photo/etc. Those notifications used to drive me nuts, but I haven't seen that since using Pulse SMS. I am sure other 3rd party messaging apps offer similar features.
The only app which is able to block such messages, as in, messages that come from a NAME not an actual number is Pulse SMS
If you choose the lifetime plan which is just a few dollars, you can also have all your blocked numbers and SMS messages synced across all your devices so you don't need to backup anything when you switch your device
You can try Pulse SMS. It allows you group conversations into folders. All conversations still show up in main view, but folders are quickly accessible by swiping from the left.
I've really enjoyed Pulse SMS.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_US
The only app which can block messages that come from numbers rather than text is Pulse SMS.
You can even enter keywords so that if the app detects words in a particular SMS even if the sender was not on your blocked list, it will still block the messages (ie. promotion, offer, discount, etc.)
Also, if you get the lifetime subscription, you can view text via a browser on your PC, block/unblock numbers from the browser, and have all your messages synced across all devices so even if you switch phones you don't need to backup the SMS messages.
I use Pulse SMS and restart the phone weekly or so to help prevent the text delay issues. Honestly I never did figure out what caused it for me.
Pulse SMS syncs your message over the internet. This means that it can show you to text from the web or tablet. More importantly, I'll carry over your texts from one device to the next.
Yes exactly. What I ended up using (works great too btw) is a suggestion from another redditor. Found here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_US
The apps I've paid for:
Pulse Messenger - lifetime sub is about $11, but its the best messaging app that also has a web based client
Nova Launcher - my preferred launcher of choice.
Various Icon Packs and widgets (kwgt widget packs).
Other than that I've use my rewards for comic books, movies and other stuff on Google Play.
Sure, I use Pulse, which I think is totally worth $10 for a lifetime subscription and desktop apps, for SMS, which, yes, is still most of my messaging. I also use GroupMe and Messenger. GroupMe has a Windows app that's...not terrible. But on Linux I just install the web version as an app, which works ok.
I've been using Pulse SMS for over a year now and love it. Being able to text from any browser and have SMS and MMS backup and restore built in is amazing.
Second.
Pulse and its feature set are pretty great. I was initially drawn to it because of its broad multi-device support and its ambition to be a cross platform service since I carry an iPhone and Android phone at all times.
Of course it is destined to remain an ambition or more appropriately a pipe dream since Apple has rejected the iOS Pulse app and the developer has no other path forward, but the native apps are good, the web app is solid and the customizations offered are vast.
There is a subscription model to show support or you can pay a one time charge for as long as the app is around I guess.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_US
I liked Yaata quite a bit, and I only left for Pulse. The only thing about Pulse is it costs, but it has the best solution I've seen for texting from your other devices. It's also almost as customizable as Yaata. The cost isn't awful, I paid $1.99 for 3 months. Of course, longer subscriptions are even cheaper, and I consider the cost well worth it, and I generally avoid subscriptions. I also find it more reliable than Yaata, which was the main reason I went looking for a replacement. If I remember correctly, it has a free trial.
Pulse is a good free texting app. the paid feature enables you to text from platforms other than your phone.
Also, Blokada is a free adblocker for root and Non-root users. The only paid feature is the VPN it offers. The version on the playstore is limited. But full versions are available on the website and F-Droid. If you download it from their website, it can still auto-update without the playstore and F-Droid
You should use Pulse sms. free, open source, privacy focused sms app that can filter based on words.
I think the SMS history is a samsung feature. You might be able to replicate it with another dialer, but I'm not sure. The scheduled messages is common across many SMS apps. I use Pulse SMS for this.
Wanted to put in a recommendation for Pulse. Decent customization (though not quite as much as Textra) and you can message from any device. Also all your messages are backed up online.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_US
Pulse SMS is fantastic for messaging. Cross platform, nice themes, reliable, etc. Picked up the lifetime license pretty much right away and I've been using it for about a year - no regrets whatsoever.
Pulse hands down is the best messaging application for Android if you want encryption and also iMessage text from any phone implementation.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
It's not perfect or free, but I use Pulse for SMS/MMS. It doesn't work of your phone is shut off or offline like the Google Voice integration did, but it works okay as a web interface for messaging for me. When I started using it, it was a monthly subscription or a relatively inexpensive (maybe $10?) lifetime subscription after the free trial.
Edit: here's a link
Unfortunately you're likely SOL here. Pulse provides this across Android devices but Apple removed it from the App Store.
It's a messageing app that acts similarly to how imsg does you can send text from other devices and I has some extra little features that are nice also like a dark theme. Another nice feature is it backs up all your msgs. I would definitely recommend it i have had it for a couple months and it's been really relyable for me Pulse
No problem, I understand it must be a huge downer looking forward to your new phone only to have it not function in the way that you want haha. I'd be totally down too if I came across the same issue.
You might be against this but doesn't hurt trying -- Have you tried downloading another SMS app? I recommend Pulse SMS or Textra as they're both solid SMS apps.
It could very well be an issue with the stock app itself. In either case, I prefer Pulse/Textra over stock for a variety of reasons. Probably one of the bigger ones for me is being able to schedule text messages (great for "reminding" friends in advance without having to be on top of them the day of the reminder or Happy Birthdays if you feel that you might forget but want to make a good impression on a client, etc)
This would be an Android issue, usually older versions of Android have limited emoji support, also, it depends on the messaging app.
Ask your girlfriend to install Pulse SMS or Android Messages just for testing - and send you a text with emojis using one of those apps, and see if you get it correctly. If it works, you can ask her to just use it as the default messaging app.
This would be an Android issue, usually older versions of Android have limited emoji support, also, it depends on the messaging app.
Ask your girlfriend to install Pulse SMS or Android Messages just for testing - and send you a text with emojis using one of those apps, and see if you get it correctly. If it works, you can ask her to just use it as the default messaging app.
Ok so, the one I'm using partially does what you ask for
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
You can answer to a text message from the notification, you can initiate a message - IF you already have a text history with that person (if you wanna text someone you never texted, then you can't). The app requires a subscription for syncing between devices, but it has a free trial if you feel interested.
For messaging, try Pulse. You can get the lifetime subscription for around 11$.Has a native app for Pc and other android devices.On a mac,you can use the web app.It syncs your messages across all devices where you have logged in.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Might be worse checking out Pulse. It's good and it's free. If you want to go premium you can, and you get access to sms on web and tablet too.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse SMS is the closest thing I've found to iMessage. You can't see if the other person is typing or get read receipts, but you can sync your account with any other device and receive and answers texts there too, including your laptop.
There is a fee to pay, can pay $10 one time fee or a subscription if you want to support the developer, but I absolutely love the app and it's features and I highly recommend it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
If you're on android I think the best alternative is Pulse. It's $12 for a lifetime license or $1 a month. I've been using it for a month now and I've dropped everything else.
I dropped pushbullet when they introduced their crazy pricing plans. Pulse has a 10$ lifetime subscription for SMS sync across all devices including a chrome extension. It backs up your messages in the cloud too so you don't have to backup/restore them yourself after a device wipe. It's really a godsend to be able to send SMS via a computer.
FYI it does not have any pushing capability like link and file between devices. It's just a SMS app.
I used to worry about trying to find another messenger other than SMS, and after years of trying to get my very diverse set of family and friends to switch to something rational I just gave up. I use SMS now and ... it's just fine. I'm missing out on exactly nothing.
I use Pulse SMS, which has a web client so you can text from PCs and other full function platforms. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse SMS. The Android app is free and if you buy their service (monthly fees or $10 one time) you can use a Chrome App or Extension that will let you text from basically anywhere. I absolutely love and recommend it. Works perfectly.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pulse-app/nimjciaekjijpinhkhpmcbaoanjjojfi?hl=en
Download another sms app and switch it as the default sms app in settings.
Pulse SMS is REALLY GOOD! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
Syncs sms between all your devices. Phone/Tablet/Watch/PC
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
Looks like they're giving up on lightning too lmao... let's make a proprietary connector no one else uses to shift our customers. Don't forget the DRM chip that they tried to use too.... how anyone could be proponents t
I believe the Pulse messaging app does a standalone SMS app for Android Wear 2.0:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
And Telegram does an app as well:
~~Have you heard of Pulse SMS? It's basically Hangouts, but your phone has an option to only sync the messages when on wi-fi. I haven't used it yet, but I plan on doing it after I RMA my phone.~~
Ignore this.
look into pulse messenger. gives you multiple device + desktop sms support and a great lightweight messaging app on your phone with the only drawback being SMS no longer works over a cell only signal, you'll need to have an active data connection like LTE/3G/Wifi.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
I literally have the same set up too. Never had that happen. I wasn't on digits (I am now), and neither set up has produced the same symptoms you're experiencing.
Perhaps it's your SMS application? I'm using Pulse SMS for my texting (mainly because of the browser experience too...)
Mayhaps /u/justincase1021 is using another app. If they are, I'd recommend using something other than what you are now, or (as crappy as it sounds) resetting both devices.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
I've been using that to SMS/MMS from Google Chrome. Super consistent and works very well. PushBullet and Join and Mighty Text have been around for longer, though.
pulse or something like google's messenger app and Pushbullet or Join.
none of them are free though.
keep in mind RCS might make all of those (pulse, join, pushbullet) irrelevant in the next 6 months
Textra's good, but if you're in the market for a new texting app, may I recommend Pulse?
It's an awesome texting app (does require a subscription, but the price is REALLY reasonable, and you get the ability to text from other devices (web, Chrome extensions, tablets, etc).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
If you want an app for sms from your PC I suggest Messenger by the dev who made Talon. It is strictly SMS but I haven't found anything I like half as much as this.
Here is the list of supported devices and their features
Platform Support:
- Android Phone: the basics, everything you you expect from your messaging apps plus more.
- Android Tablet: same as the phone app! Anything you could ever want to send, instant, smooth, and seem-less.
- Web: send SMS/MMS to any of your contacts and conversations, from ANY device connected to the internet. Just head to https://messenger.klinkerapps.com after you have gotten set up on your phone!
- Chrome App/Extension: Even better than the web interface. Notifications, instant updates, awesome layouts. Everything you need for desktop messaging!
- Firefox Extension: If you prefer to use Firefox over Chrome, we have you covered. All the same features as the Chrome apps!
- Android Wear: enhanced notifications. Reply by voice, choose from canned responses, and view the previous messages in the conversation!
- Android TV: view your messages on your TV! Pictures, media, and more, all on the big screen!
- iPad: We don't have a native iPad app at this time, but the web app has all the functionality that you will need!
Messenger by Klinker Apps is a good start https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Join (Pushbullet competitor) does a decent job if allowing SMS on the desktop.
I think the successful app will concentrate on fun features that average users care about (gifs/emoticons/drawing/selfies).
Try Pulse, works like a charm for me
Edit: link to Pulse
I used Textra for a long time but now have switched to Pulse. I really like it!
tl;dw
- Pulse SMS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
- Textra https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.textra
- YAATA https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rpkandrodev.yaata
- Mood Messenger https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.calea.echo
- Android Messages https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging
also keep in mind that someone found Textra constantly polling for location recently.
TLDR;
I have curated this list. Most apps mentioned here in this thread by users (pardon if I missed any, please add them in the comments). Few are awarded apps.
Karma Machine for reddit (Unreleased)
Memorigi: Todo List, Task List
Honourable mentions and also the awarded ones by Team Google.
Robinhood - Free Stock Trading
The Hunt - Style & Shopping
Asana: Team Tasks & Projects
Some of my favorites from a collection I follow Here
Shyp: Easy Shipping, Low Rates
SoundCloud - Music & Audio
Try Pulse for your texting needs.
I really liked Pulse
Link me: Pulse
Bot is dumb. Here's the link.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse is a fully featured SMS client.
Premium funcionality includes syncing with your laptop, TV, tablet, watch, etc...
Pulse has a 3MB option.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Has a web client and Chrome extension.
>"Force GPU on for UI"
Hmmm... Never heard to do this. I enabled and rebooted. Maybe placebo, but slow scrolling does seem much better. I'm going to monitor battery, but this might stave off my desire for the Pixel3.
NOTE: I am rooted with ElementalX Kernel 3.09 (with Stock 9.0 Pie). However, with the reboot and this ONE setting, I do feel like there is a scrolling smoothness that wasn't there before.
​
>Replace the stock camera with GCam.
I still think most of my photos that come out of Gcam are still much better than the stock app. I'll use stock app for the occasional B&W, Portrait, and slowmo video. And occasionally a snap or two to do comparisons.
I just installed this version from XDA forums. I was previously on an Arnova8G2 build that was totally fine too.
​
>Consider replacing messaging app with Google Allo, replacing launcher with your favorite, and setting the wallpaper to something nice.
I use Pulse SMS (this was previous to Messages having desktop capability). I love being able to type out some texts from my work PC during the day at my desk.
I've installed Muzei as my live wallpaper, it shuffles a local folder and currently have hundreds of walls from NickNice.
​
>Consider getting case/skin/screen protector
I previously had a Tudia GLOST, went naked without anything lately to, again, stave off the desire to switch phones. Got a PopSocket and never looked back. While slightly ugly, the functionality it provides is 'life changing' (okay, maybe exaggerating).
​
OTHER Stuff:
- Using Nova Launcher Prime with a custom Icon Pack, love the gestures/customizations that Nova provides.
- Hid stock Pie navigation pill and installed Fluid Navigation. Pretty neat overall, I used to use Simple Pie, but I kind of like this one better. Although, it drives my wife and kids crazy as there are no buttons for back or home visible on screen.
- Magisk modules installed:
- Viper4Android: makes audio output (mostly to my BT speakers/headphones) richer/better.
- System Accent Theme (Colors): This allowed me to change the Pie accent colors from the Essential Teal to Pixel Blue (other colors as well if you like).
- ProductSans font. System wide ProductSans font. Makes everything look nice and 'Googly/Pixely'.
- Is it worth it to Root? Meh, not really, unless you love to tinker and with all the monthly updates from Essential, there are a few extra steps you have to go through to maintain root and update. So if I had to do it again, I probably would just stay stock. I was looking for a smoother scrolling experience, but it didn't really deliver. The customizations are just something I did since I could (nice to haves).
​
[edit]: Oh yah, ENJOY YOUR NEW PH-1! Still one of the best phone experiences I've ever had.
​
Pulse SMS is also really good! I used Textra for a long time but have started to like Pulse better.
I use Pulse myself.
Pulse - From the help section.
Pulse allows you to blacklist phone numbers, or phrases. When a message comes in from a number that you have blacklisted, it is discarded. If a message comes in that contains a phrase that you have blacklisted, it is discarded. These messages are not saved and are not viewable.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
-Many people like the GIF keyboard (teens) but I can understand why you dislike it, however its not in a particularly annoying place, in reality its fairly hidden (In Gboard that is, the ADD button one in messages is even less obtrusive since it doesn't even load any previews)
.-Its not squished for me, only moved down? Although that's fairly annoying.-The messages app is NOT exclusive to the pixels and as so has a "fall back" camera, its not really meant to replace your camera app and I wouldn't be surprised if on the pixels the quality is considerably worse than Google Camera. It probably should have the features you mention however.
-Google Photos is designed as cloud backup solution rather than an on device gallery, the apps main screen shows only the photos you've backed up. You can tell it to backup any folder on the device (Swipe from the left edge to open the drawer -> device folders -> select which ever folder), I'm presuming messages has its media off by default (can't test since MMS is really expensive in my country)
-Share ->Messages -> Actual size
-WhatsApp definitely works as I mentioned above, I use this all the time.-This is just a preview of media from the chat, its not supposed to replace the gallery on your phone. Though I can understand why you would want this kind of functionality and the fact its so stripped down is pretty stupid.
-Yes? The phone takes a photo burst (a whole bunch of rapid photos) when you hold down the shutter, this isn't new to P.-Yeah that sounds pretty dumb (I can't test this either though)-I can't recreate this at all with auto rotate on and never remember it happening. (btw when taking shots with Google Camera, it works out what orientation you shot in even if auto rotate is off, it is really useful)
-Completely fair point, although I personally dislike the fact Google is focusing so much development time on an SMS/RCS chat app, since SMS isn't used at all here (Mostly since MMS is a paid extra).
While iMessage is waaayyy better for this (it has inbuilt cropping and rotating).... it also has a GIF keyboard? The latter being fairly standard across most messaging apps now.
Snapchat is designed around taking quick photos and sharing them with friends directly, which appears to be your use case exactly. The MMS stuff in messages (until RCS fully rolls out in late 2040) is considered extra functionality and hence isn't that great (although I understand that isn't really an excuse).
I went and tested a few other SMS apps I have...
QK lets you use Google Camera in the app but you still can't rotate or crop the photos.
Textra's media functionality is completely broken for me so I can't really test.
Pulse SMS allows using either an inbuilt camera or your default app as well as allowing cropping and rotations (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en_GB)
EDIT: Formatting is hard
Linkme: Pulse
Correct link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
BIG fan of Pulse from the developer of Talon.
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Try Pulse SMS it seems to do what you need
Don't think it's possible in Google Messages right now, but Pulse SMS seems to have that feature.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse provides a list of recent contacts when composing a new message.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
There are certain texting apps that will allow this. Pulse is a popular one on Reddit these days and it has this feature.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse, but it's not free.
fuck'em, use Pulse
If you're after any device texting, then check out Pulse.
With Pulse you can set "Read" as a notification shortcut.
I just started using Pulse by the Talon twitter app dev and I love it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Think this is what you are after and it works really well
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
EvolveSMS is abandoned, the dev behind it now has a new SMS app out called Pulse.
Pulse backs up your messages and allows you to text from a computer.
I've been using Pulse SMS for a while and was happy enough I paid for the subscription.
Check out Pulse SMS
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Upgraded on a few apps:
- Pulse SMS (Upgraded from Textra Pro. Same features excluding customizing app icon but more capabilities if you're willing to spend: accessing your texts across different devices)
- Sync for reddit (Upgraded from BaconReader.)
- Google Opinion Rewards (Free money. Why not?)
- Nova Launcher (Not necessary. Got this for launcher customization. Don't need to overdo it. Just enough to keep it simple.)
- aCalendar (Still haven't found the best Calendar app but this gets the job done for it. Really using it as the widget is pretty intuitive.)
- LastPass Password Manager (I've read that 1Pass is better but haven't done that much researching as all of my passwords are already on LastPass. Good to have a Password Manager handy.)
That's all I have for now. I have many others but not many are applicable to most users (ie. Venmi, Via, Seamless, etc.)
Hope this helps!
Use this on desktop. You'll figure out how to save a thread. PULSE SMS
Join is really a better option than Pushbullet, all the functionality for a fraction of the price. Pulse is also worth a look.
You could use Pulse, but it's not free.
Textra is great, but I'm currently even more in love with Pulse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
This might be something you're looking for. It's still in beta though
> Send me blocks and blocks of texts and links and articles.
well, you asked for it :P
Sounds like you have two problems: Privacy and the walled garden.
Honestly, I would first focus on getting out of the walled garden, that way you have the freedom to change anything later on if you decide to sacrifice some convenience for more privacy.
First thing you mentioned is ' the cloud', especially in regards to photos. The non privacy but convenient option is just using Google drive or OneDrive. They both offer automatic photo upload in some way. A more privacy friendly alternative is something like Nextcloud, but then it's up to you which server to pick. You can host your own, but (no offense) I doubt that someone freshly jumping out of the apple garden is gonna do that. Don't let me stop you though! There are some publicly available instances but it'll be up to you to pick a provider you trust. I don't remember exactly, but I think nextcloud can also be linked to Google Drive or OneDrive in a way, and it has options for encryption (at least if you self host).
The less effort option is to just use Syncthing, as someone else already suggested. Since you (probably) have multiple devices anyway, this should work well. Syncthing basically synchronizes folders locally. So you can, for example, keep a folder of wallpapers in sync between your mobile, tablet and desktop. Just make sure your devices don't all break at the same time :)
The drawback is that each device will have a full copy of the data you chose to share (you can chose which folders to share though. For example, your laptop and desktop might sync everything (photos, that WIP graphic design project for a client you're working on etc.) but your phone might only be hooked up to the photos.
Just give it a try, it's surprisingly simple and doesn't require you to trust another server.
This approach would mean that you will be able to continue using apple's Gallery app on macOS and iOS in the meantime too, as all files are literally just local files. No remote server connections via special apps necessary.
Next I would remove iCloud as much as possible from my life. For passwords, look at Bitwarden which is secure, privacy friendly AND convenient. Only downside is that the way the apple keychain stores passwords is an unholy mess (I did the transition for my GF once.... I know the horrors). So Safari/iOS/macOS will store things like your password for accounts.google.com, YouTube.com or just mail.google.com or whatever variations of the same service under different URLs as different items. So you may have a lot of merging and renaming to do, if you decide to migrate.
Honestly I'd recommend just starting fresh with your password database. Things will be cleaner, and in an emergency you can always look things up on your Mac for that one password you forgot to move over. Bitwarden can also be set as the autofill provider on both iOS and Android, and on Android it even lets you add apps to the list of 'URIs'. So you can have one item in your password manager for reddit.com and com.rubenmayayo.reddit for example (the second is the reddit App I use, just an example, not necessarily an endorsement) and Android will let you autofill the login field inside the app.
An alternative to Bitwarden might be KeepassXC, but then you have to manually back up your database and manually merge passwords. It doesn't really play that nice with having your database on a cloud.
For email, read other people's comments, I don't want to comment on this since I do things slightly differently. But the main thing is to try and not use apple's email if they offer that, or at least use something that offers that. You can look into end-to-end encrypted emails but honestly, adoption isn't that great. Just make sure you can access it anywhere and you trust the server it's hosted on. Definitely consider using aliases or similar to replicate Hide My Email. If I was you, I would put the name of the service I am signing up for into the alias of the email address so you know who's to blame if you start receiving spam or similar.
> iMessages are synced.
I am not sure what you mean there. If you mean the proprietary SMS-alternative only Apple users can use, then accept that you cannot use this without an apple device and stop using it. I mean, technically you can([1](https://airmessage.org/). [2](https://bluebubbles.app/) but I am not sure how secure/private that method is, and I've never used it. Most other messengers support both iOS and Android so just pick one of the bazillion other ones. For this question I would search around for a dedicated thread, as this is a rabbit hole on it's own.
If you mean SMS is not synced, then there are a couple of ways ([1](https://github.com/telegram-sms/telegram-sms), [2](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger), [3](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/eu.droogers.smsmatrix/)), but again, not sure how private they are or how well they even work. SMS is insecure though, and I wouldn't use it for anything I am not forced to use it for (which 99.9% of the time is activation codes).
> Safari integration between the two devices
For passwords you should be using a dedicated password manager, see above. For other stuff like bookmarks and history, tabs, etc, just pick any browser that isn't safari and it will have it. Obviously Google Chrome is not a wise choice here for privacy, so you might consider Firefox or Brave maybe.
For any of the things I mentioned, do your own research on them. Honestly, if it wasn't for ['neuralMatch'](https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/5/22611305/apple-scan-photos-iphones-icloud-child-abuse-imagery-neuralmatch) (it's "think of the children" all over again. Can't wait for them to expand it to political dissidents...) then macOS wouldn't be THAT terrible (worse than Linux or BSD of course, but not terrible). The biggest issue in regards to privacy is iCloud.
With the iPhone, the biggest issue in regards to anything is iOS. There are severe limitations to 3rd party apps and how they can run in the background efficiently (I tried an iPhone SE w. Nextcloud a few years ago, it was awful). In addition, you have to get everything from the AppStore which presents it's own challenges. Just be glad you're in a Western country where Apple at least pretends they care about privacy as our laws allow them to do so. Have a look at [Apple sold out Chinese users](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/17/technology/apple-china-censorship-data.html) for an example of what happens if a government does not care about human rights starts making demands.
Been my daily app for years.
I really like Pulse. It's paid, but it works really well.
The lack of communication is so frustrating. No announcement from either party whatsoever :-(! Heck, I only found out about this in the first place because my Pulse desktop client kept trying to reconnect. I eventually noticed it had been logged out and that there was no way to log back in....Googling the issue took me to Android Police and then here.
While I can empathize with Klinker's desire to move on, I am very disappointed that he did not communicate this to his (paying) users. The only communication I've received was a notice of an update to the privacy policy on 2020-10-26, but that email did not indicate that the ownership of the app was changing - in fact quite the opposite, as it read "As a member of the Klinker Apps Inc. (or "Pulse SMS") community [...]" (emphasis mine).
There are so many questions left unanswered, and it seems like Klinker purposefully refrains from answering (some of) them on Android Police and here...for example (non-exhaustive list):
- What'll happen to lifetime subscriptions? Do they carry over or are they considered EOL?
- Will your account and your message history persist, or will they get deleted?
- When can we expect to be able to login to the desktop version of the app again, if at all?
- The Play Store listing still has Klinker's app description, which states -- in multiple places -- that Pulse is completely free, free of ads, that no data collection is performed, and that this will always be the case (depending on your interpretation, this "always the case" promise may possibly only apply to the pricing part of the text). I assume that all of these promises are now null and void? Or did Maple Media commit to upholding these promises as part of the sales agreement?
- In continuation of the previous question: why is it that the developer's address on the Play Store was updated to reflect Maple Media's address, but nothing else was changed? This is concerning as the description now makes false promises (about cross platform support, pricing etc.) and there is no privacy policy associated with the app (it's a dead link to Klinker's privacy policy). I'd expect this to be borderline illegal, or at the very least a violation of the Play Store's terms of use. This seems like severe neglect on Maple Media's end, and Klinker obviously cannot be held accountable for this part.
I'd really appreciate if the two parties could shed some light on the above.
Thanks,
I think someone on this subreddit posted this app on another post but cannot remember for sure.
This is Pulse which is an alternative messaging app. This has a lot of perks. There are two in particular that I will discuss.
The first thing is that text messages can be scheduled. I know that there are other apps that can do this but I have never seen it integrated into an app that handles your texts as well.
The main perk of this app is that you can send your texts from anywhere. If I get a text, I will get a notification on my laptop or computer depending on which one I am using at the time. I can then send a reply from my computer without even having to pick up my phone. This is great when your phone is on charge ow when you can't be bothered to get your phone out of your pocket.
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse is great! Finally got me to stop switching SMS apps.
Pulse SMS can help you do that. It's an Open Source app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse is fluid and modern and had a killer night theme. Also ridiculously full featured https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
As I said, I use Pulse. I have no complaints about photos. Miles above the competition.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse SMS
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Been using it for years. It does cost money for the SMS backup, but it's pretty cheap
https://messenger.klinkerapps.com/overview/pricing.html
99c/mo
$5.99/yr
$10.99/Lifetime
I just used the 99c a month for a while since I got at least that much in play store credit from surveys. Ended up buying the lifetime license with a giftcard. Totally worth it.
Pulse - open source cross platform SMS app (that's privacy oriented)
Activity Launcher to launch hidden Android system settings
USB Audio Player Pro to stream tidal and embrace my inner r/audiophile
Poweramp because I like the development
Send Reduce Free to compress or minimalize media size before sms
That's not completely true--Pulse SMS does, at least in the beta opt-in. Pretty handy!
Wow. You are pretty special.. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Switched, tried the trial, loved it, bought a lifetime license, never looked back.
I'd recommend the Pulse Messenger app, very customizable, can be synced online (paid feature)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
I highly recommend Pulse SMS.
Check out Handshaker. After connecting your android to your mac via USB, it gives you a really nice interface to transfer/view files on the phone. Once it's set up, it'll automatically start running when you connect via USB.
There are a few options.
a) The most polished is probably Pulse SMS, a great android texting app even when considered on its own. But it also has clients for most other platforms that'll let you text from them, though it requires a payment to upgrade to pro (which is needed to text from your other devices)
b) Join, which is like a little suite. Provides basic file transfer functionality, notification mirroring, SMS from desktop, text/website pushing, and more. However, it's much lighter-weight than airdroid
c) Pushbullet is similar to Join in functionality but more polished, and requires a paid subscription to be able to send more than 500 texts a month from your computer
I use Pulse, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger, but you can't go wrong with Android Messenger by Google, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging, or you can try Textra, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.textra
People have been requesting it for a year now, so you'll probably be waiting a bit longer. If location sharing is a must, I would recommend Pulse SMS. You can also probably use Android Messages by Google or Facebook Messenger.
If SMS is not required, you can use Telegram or Whatsapp; both have even more features in comparison to SMS (but aren't actually SMS), so that's your call.
I use Pulse. It has a Chrome plugin or their webapp for use on the PC/Mac.
purchase the lifetime membership for 10 dollars:
I've been using Pulse SMS for the last few weeks and it's been working flawlessly for me.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
Nope, had that issue months ago, irritated me enough, i just switched messaging apps, now i use Pulse.
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse is a good messaging alternative if you want to text from other devices. Paid app though.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
No issues here with Pulse SMS
Try Pulse. Pulse Not free, but affordable.
Never experienced before, but I definitely recommend Pulse SMS (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger)
Pulse is pretty fantastic.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Pulse can do this.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
Try Pulse
I think Pulse does this. It's still in beta though so it might be buggy. I also think it's paid.
That's not the correct link. Here it is.
I've been using Pulse - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
This other Messenger and Talon for Twitter.
Textra --> Messenger (Text Messaging) (Unreleased) Luke Klinker ( beta version on play store) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger&hl=en
This has that.
This app Messenger from the maker of EvolveSMS has been in beta and you can join it by joining the Google Plus Community for it.
It's actually pretty damn full featured and robust - just officially switched over to it from Textra and I'm loving it. You can also SMS from your computer using their web interface (it will be a paid feature in the future - free during beta test). But everything inside the app will continue being free. Highly recommend checking it out. It's a hidden gem.
I prefer Pulse over Textra. Way faster, smoother, and has cross-platform texting. Textra has become too bloated now.
A good SMS app is Pulse: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger
It has a decent amount of customization, is very clean, and works very well.
It's free to use but has a paid upgrade. It has full auto backup, multi device support, a chrome app, tablet support (Android via native app and iPad via web), Android wear support, Android tv, and all of the data is encrypted to the point where the dev couldn't access it if he wanted to. It's made by the same dev as Talon for twitter.
The cost is pretty fair as well.
$.99 for one month, $1.99 for 3 months, $5.99 for 12 months, or $10.99 for a lifetime subscription.