Help Finally tried "Handcent SMS" and I LOVE it!

[chixdigit]

Although I've read about a few people saying they use Handcent SMS for their messaging app, I've just been using my default messaging app for 2 reasons: 1) I didn't like the "bubbles" that I've associated Handcent SMS with, and 2) I liked the default messaging app just fine.

WELL... I read that Handcent SMS has a setting that will push a pop-up that will wake your screen and show a little window for an adjustable amount of time- so you have a visual alert that you got a text, so I decided to check it out..

This app is the SHEET!!! There are TONS of very useful settings/ customizations that you can do for your texting pleasure/ convenience!
I HIGHLY recommend it.
Some of the things that I really like:
1) I LOVE the pop-up. (you can adjust the time that it stays popped up, dim or bright, detailed or private, and 3 different versions of options that also show on the pop-up, that also offers a quick reply) Very handy.
2) You will also have more optons regarding the notification that shows up at the top of your phone.
3) You can set up a missed text reminder, and adjust the alert timeframe.
4) You can choose ALL of the colors (theme, send/ receive backgrounds, send/ receive text, etc..)
5) You can adjust if you like the normal messaging format, or if you prefer the bubbles..
6) You can download a separate Font app, that lets you choose all different types of font to further "personalize". (I haven't tried this yet)
7) and really, SO much more options that I am not even mentioning here.
My texts even seem to send faster!
Oh, and when you are composing text, hit menu, and one of the options is to attach pics, sound, voice recordings, all kinds of attachments.

THEN, I also downloaded Handcent Keyboard... The best part of this is that it brings back the T9 Predictive text keyboard that I miss so much from my Rumor. It is a virtual keyboard that is just like a normal phone keyboard. If you like the T9 predictive text input method, this app brings that back. It takes some getting used to, but I am so glad to have that sort of keyboard on my Moment now, and I have already gotten used to it!

BIGGEST TIP: Google Handcent SMS, and read the FAQ, and other detail on the website. This will show you how to adjust your settings to turn off the default messaging and messaging notifications, and also how to switch from the Android keyboard to the Handcent keyboard in your settings.
I really think that investing some time to thoroughly review that website will drastically help with your satisfaction of the SMS and keyboard apps.

I really love the text pop-up, missed text reminders, and my old-school virtual keyboard that I've gotten back via these apps and I thought I'd share my experience with you guys.
Hope it helps.

 

[Jessica4332]

This app is totally AWESOME!! It was the first app that I downloaded from the Market when I got my Moment!!! You are using the new one though right, there are a couple of versions out there but if you search for "handcent sms (new)" then the most recent app should be the first choice.

 

[BamaInArk]

Glad you posted this. Since I installed Handcent I had been getting multiple alerts from both SMS clients. Was wondering how to turn the default one off.

 

[chibucks]

Glad you posted this. Since I installed Handcent I had been getting multiple alerts from both SMS clients. Was wondering how to turn the default one off.

1) go into the phone's original "messaging" app
2) click menu
3) click settings
4) click notifications to turn it off.

 

[NOMster]

you can get alot of that from sms popup. you can't get the colors/fonts, but as far as reminders, missed texts, popup with quick reply etc., all of that is included.

 

[Crucifier]

Besides setting the colors yourself, can you get themes for the sms? One reason I unistalled it because of the awful look of the sms.

 

[JU52Twin]

Thanks for posting, this app is great, would be perfect if facebook pic icon was an option to be used on the back and forth conversation, rather than the different colors.

 

[Talyn]

I like Handcent better then the normally suggested Chomp.
Chomp is a Iphone wanabe type app to me.
Handcent made things a breeze to use.
I just wish that "new message" was also in the menu, instead of having to press that little button at the top.

 

[SlyFerret]

I've been using Handcent as well. It really works great.

Two things that I'd like to see...

1) The ability to set a second alert ringtone (or choose silent) to use when the SMS app is open, and the screen is awake. If I'm looking at the screen having an SMS conversation, I don't need my SMS ringtone to go off every time a new message comes in. Really only need it if I'm in a different app or if the screen is off.

2) I'd like to see an easy way to have the "desktop" icon label simply say SMS or TXT, insead of truncating the word "Handcent"

Neither of these really are deal breakers, of course. Just little things to add some polish.

-SF

 

[dannyg40]

For some reason I cant get it to work on my moment. I did everything and made it my default, created a shortcut to it on my main screen, and when I click on the shortcut or app in the main menu, all I get to pop up is the "settings" for the app. Then when I get a message no screen flash, and only one short ring like the original app that came on the phone ???
Not sure what Im doing wrong. Then when I try to use the messaging that came on the phone, the "settings" screen pops up. I though it would alert me every few seconds like I had it set in the options menu.
I dont know what Im doing wrong.

Also, if you want to remove an app from the phone that you installed, is that the only way to do it ? By going back to the market and finding it and uninstalling it there ?

 

[BiGMERF]

after reading this, i may give it a shot, thanx

 

[dannyg40]

Ok, I think I figured it out. When you bring up the settings and then just hit your home key on the phone it closes the app. Next time you open Handcent the settings come up again. You have to "go back" until that closes otherwise the settings will just keep coming up. I set everything and it is fantastic ! Im so glad someone came out with a fix for the default short ring, vibrate once, and then you will never know you had a message problem with the phone the way it came out of the box !

But for the other question .......
Is that the only way to remove an app you installed ? By going to the market and uninstalling it there ?

 

[flu13]

From the home screen, hit Menu, then Settings, then Applications, then Manage Applications. You can click on the app name and uninstall it.

 

[Jadien]

Another cool feature that I like is if you press the camera button on the side it opens a new message box... Not sure if I did thiswhile messing with settings, or if it's a default option.

 

[chixdigit]

Well... I DO still love this app.. And another reason that is keeping me from trying similar apps that do kind of the same thing is that I also love the old school style keyboard that I got with Handcent Keyboard..

BUT.. My pop-up is not working! I know how to mess with settings (at least I think so) and it has just stopped working.
When I unlock the phone, the pop-up will be there, but the pop-up does not wake my screen at all like it used to do.

Anyone else have this problem?
Anyone else know how to fix it?

FYI, settings I am using:
"Sms receive settings"
Enable popup: Checked
Popup settings: screen on for popup: checked
Screen timeout: 30 seconds
Dim popup screen: checked
Privacy mode: checked
Restrict popup: un-checked
I can't think of anything else that would mess it up.
Any suggestions/ ideas/ input?

 

[glomgold]

2) I'd like to see an easy way to have the "desktop" icon label simply say SMS or TXT, insead of truncating the word "Handent".

This bothered me as well, so I downloaded "Better Cut", which allows you to rename your homescreen icons. It's not a free app though, I believe it costs $2 or $3.

 

[cvam1985]

chixdigit - Can't thank you enough for this thread. Coming from an iPhone to the Moment, I HATED the SMS experience. I was using the default plus SMS Pop-up. The latter app was so sluggish and slow. Handcent is a godsend.

To fix your pop-up problem, uncheck the "Dim Pop Up Screen Option." This was also a problem for me with SMS Pop-up, so I knew how to fix it when it happened with Handcent.

glomgold - "Anycut" does the same thing...and it's free! =)

 

[nismospec]

so i had a question in a different post about the access that apps have to your phone.

one of the ones that handcent has is "directly call phone numbers that cost you money"....

so does that mean that my phone can randomly call say.....india?

 

[BenHoltz]

so i had a question in a different post about the access that apps have to your phone.

one of the ones that handcent has is "directly call phone numbers that cost you money"....

so does that mean that my phone can randomly call say.....india?

This means that it can initiate calls by using the app... It most likely won't randomly call India, unless you get text messages from someone in India, then it has the ability to place the call for you.

If you are looking for a neat app to track the permissions of apps, try out aSpotCat (app by permission).

 

[nismospec]

so still learning, so bare with me.
but what you're saying is that while using the app it can call randomly and you would see the call? or does it have the ability to perform such tasks while the phone is sleeping?

 

[chibucks]

so still learning, so bare with me.
but what you're saying is that while using the app it can call randomly and you would see the call? or does it have the ability to perform such tasks while the phone is sleeping?

nope... he's saying that the user has the ability to call someone directly from that application. the application doesn't do anything by itself.

for example, for Handcent - say you get a text message from your significant other... the "directly call phone numbers that cost you money" allows you to press on phone icon by their name too call them... basically, the application can call your contacts without having to go to the phonebook/dialer.

 

[nismospec]

now i'm getting it.....
thanx

 

[werddrew]

1) go into the phone's original "messaging" app
2) click menu
3) click settings
4) click notifications to turn it off.

OK, is it weird if I've DONE this, but I'm still getting 2 notifications per text?

One is the standard blue outline Handcent one. The other is a regular black and white envelope. I have SMS Popup installed too, but have it disabled now that I've installed Handcent. So I can't figure out why I have this second notification.

When I go into Handcent Notification Settings and hit "test notification" I just get the little Blue outlined notification icon. That's good. But when I send myself a txt message, I also get this SECOND white envelope... Any ideas?


EDIT:
Nevermind I found it! I also have the "Missed Call" app installed and configured to deal with SMS messages. Turning that off worked and I only get the one notification I want now. Cool!

 

[chixdigit]

chixdigit - Can't thank you enough for this thread. Coming from an iPhone to the Moment, I HATED the SMS experience. I was using the default plus SMS Pop-up. The latter app was so sluggish and slow. Handcent is a godsend.

To fix your pop-up problem, uncheck the "Dim Pop Up Screen Option." This was also a problem for me with SMS Pop-up, so I knew how to fix it when it happened with Handcent.

glomgold - "Anycut" does the same thing...and it's free! =)

Cvam1985- Thanks very much for your thanks... I appreciate that kind of kindness these days.. Also- thanks even more for your input on how to fix the issue. I'll try it and report back on how it works.
Thank You.

 

[chixdigit]

Just wanted to confirm that un-checking "dim screen" on the pop-up setting DID fix my issue of the pop-up not waking my screen! Thanks again Cvam1985!
I unchecked that box and now the pop-up wakes my screen! Awesome.