SMS Auto-forwarding

[metsox]

PVS, are you able to filter e-mails that you want to fwd? I only want to forward information that comes from one number.

 

[tcat007]

Will any of these forward a Virgin Mobile SMS from my phone to my GV number, so the SMS shows up in GV on my Galaxy Player? I seldom use my phone anymore, but want to get Top Up messages when they are sent. Showing up as an email is fine too.

 

[PVS]

PVS, are you able to filter e-mails that you want to fwd? I only want to forward information that comes from one number.

Hi - There is a block command, which blocks the numbers for who(m) you don't want calls and SMS' forwarded. So its a blacklist, I think you are asking for a whitelist. Your request makes sense straightaway, so expect it in the next release. In the interim can you perform the filtering in Gmail (if thats your destination).

PVS
www.facebook.com/phoneleash ( no friends, help! ;-) )

 

[PVS]

Will any of these forward a Virgin Mobile SMS from my phone to my GV number, so the SMS shows up in GV on my Galaxy Player? I seldom use my phone anymore, but want to get Top Up messages when they are sent. Showing up as an email is fine too.

If the Virgin Mobile phone is an Android phone, sure PhoneLeash should be able to do that to either email or SMS (GV). If you are seldom using it, I fear it may be a non-Android pre-paid

PVS
www.facebook.com/phoneleash ( no friends, help! ;-) )

 

[PVS]

Here's a proposal on how to implement blacklist/whitelist in PhoneLeash (prompted by metsox's question, as well as another user a nurse dispatcher).

Right now, PhoneLeash only has a blacklist. You can use the "block nnnn" command multiple times to block notifications and SMS from these numbers. Everything else gets through. [To unblock use the same command, its a toggle.]

What metsox wants is a whitelist. Block everything by default, only allow some numbers throug. So I am thinking of an "allow nnnn" command. Simple enough.

In order to retain simplicity and avoid a forest of setup screens, I believe blacklist (block) and whitelist (allow) are EXCLUSIVE. You are in one mode or other, not both at the same time. Does this make sense?

PVS
www.facebook.com/phoneleash ( no friends, help! ;-) )

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Seeing the recent activity here reminded me that I should probalby circle back, since I started this thread. My testing concluded and the end result was PhoneLeash v1.7. Of course, there were other testers as well. Even though my primary interest was the SMS forwarding part, I made an effort to test all the features. I have been using PhoneLeash daily now for almost a month, and it's THERE as far as I'm concerned.

As far as the whitelist/blacklist, I concur with the simplicity approach - make them mutually exclusive. Besides being easier to understand and set up for new users, I believe that method will keep the memory footprint down in size.

 

[PVS]

Hello - I just wanted to let everyone know that PhoneLeash development continues to be active (hence the silence from the dev!).

PhoneLeash will turn into a trialware app with its next release (30 days OK?), after which users would have to buy via an "in app puchase". Unlike what the media seems to claim, I think Android users are willing to pay for productivity apps, and many PhoneLeash users have emailed me actually suggesting it. That said, yes its possible that the app could suddenly become less popular just for not being free. We'll see!

As for an ad-supported free version, PhoneLeash is completely unsuited for this, since it is intended to live almost entirely behind the scenes, serving quietly.

Yes, there will be a couple of new features. Non-English language SMS seem to be having some problems, so thats high on the list of items to get fixed. Somehow I also need to find a way to make replying to SMS from email a complete no-brainer -- that might take a little longer however!

Thanks to everyone for helping cross the 1,000-mark, in ~ 2 months from the first release.

PVS
GearAndroid

 

[PVS]

PhoneLeash 1.8 went up yesterday on Android Mark ... Google Play!

The BIG new feature is that its now a 30-day trialware. Here's the pricing:

Missed call forwarding (plus various status messages) - $ 0.99
SMS forwarding & reply - $ 1.99
Phone locating - $ 0.99

All 3 of above - $ 2.99

Since a number of users have PhoneLeash on more than 1 device (Galaxy Tab users especially it seems) purchases are tied to your Android Market account. Use the same account and you won't have to buy again.

I do feel that PhoneLeash is mature enough, and has clocked enough ratings to become a paid app. I hope all of you feel the same as well.

There are a couple of "real" new features:
- You can block [allow] notifications from selected numbers.

The 'block' command is gone. The UI is much easier to use.

- A new 'calllog' command that sends an email with all the calls on a specific date, grouped by missed/outgoing/incoming

- The 'smslog' command has been simplified so it sends a list of all the SMS' for a certain date (grouped by thread) in a single email. (Previously it used to send one email for each SMS, looked great but too complex to use).

- Support for using your own mailserver or canned Hotmail/Gmail mailservers etc is gone. Almost no one used it! I kind of like seeing the main screen get simpler.

PVS
www.facebook.com/phoneleash

 

[Mr. Lucky]

I'm honored that you chose my thread to announce this, but you should really give yourself broader exposure with a new thread too.

Tell me more about the block UI. Say someone with all features enabled adds a number to the "block" list. Does it only block notifications, or does it also block SMS from that number

Good job on keeping this app fresh and interesting.

 

[PVS]

I'm honored that you chose my thread to announce this, but you should really give yourself broader exposure with a new thread too.

Tell me more about the block UI. Say someone with all features enabled adds a number to the "block" list. Does it only block notifications, or does it also block SMS from that number

Good job on keeping this app fresh and interesting.

Mr Lucky this thread you started has become the watering hole for the topic of SMS forwarding. I've asked users where they heard about PhoneLeash and a disproportionate number point here! Who'd have thunk it!

Block will block the forwarding of SMS as well as missed call notifications from the selected numbers. The phone itself will still show the missed call or the SMS.

Speaking of keeping it fresh, the next interesting feature in the works is what I call the "where are you". You are on a call with someone and they ask "where are you", and you tap a couple of keys on your phone and your GPS location is texted to the other caller (and you say "just see the map I sent your phone").

PVS

 

[wallaceff]

This forum has been very useful. I'm looking for a bit more help though, or even a slightly alternative app, or perhaps even an extension of PhoneLeash..

Essentially, I sometimes travel abroad and I use a different sim card when I do. I have a spare android phone at home, and I'm thinking that perhaps I could set up phoneleash to forward my missed calls etc to my other phone number while I'm away.
I'm looking for my cheapest option. So far, phoneleash can forward to an email address (I use hotmail, but could just as easily use gmail for example). I'm looking for a way for the forwarded email sms messages to end up in my android sms inbox, with the contacts name, time, message etc. Basically, I think it would need an app to somehow import the emails into the android inbox. Is this possible? That way, I could either reply from my overseas number, or use something like WebSMS/TextFish (or similar) to reply to the message using my phone, and its almost like everything is integrated and very cheap.

I would gladly pay for this integration.
Any thoughts?

 

[PVS]

This forum has been very useful. I'm looking for a bit more help though, or even a slightly alternative app, or perhaps even an extension of PhoneLeash..

Essentially, I sometimes travel abroad and I use a different sim card when I do. I have a spare android phone at home, and I'm thinking that perhaps I could set up phoneleash to forward my missed calls etc to my other phone number while I'm away.
I'm looking for my cheapest option. So far, phoneleash can forward to an email address (I use hotmail, but could just as easily use gmail for example). I'm looking for a way for the forwarded email sms messages to end up in my android sms inbox, with the contacts name, time, message etc. Basically, I think it would need an app to somehow import the emails into the android inbox. Is this possible? That way, I could either reply from my overseas number, or use something like WebSMS/TextFish (or similar) to reply to the message using my phone, and its almost like everything is integrated and very cheap.

I would gladly pay for this integration.
Any thoughts?

Hello - First I want to make sure you know that PhoneLeash can forward to an SMS destination as well (and not just an email address). So you can simply forward texts from your home Android to your travel Android. You'll get name, number, time etc in the message content, but it will show up as coming from your home number (so not a 100% mirror - MirrorLeash - there's an idea!). And yes, you can set the forwarding number remotely _after_ you have bought the travel SIM.

Of course this will cost you $$ or your texting quota, possibly on both phones. I am working on cloud-based forwarding (apart from the current email and SMS options) that will only use the data connection, but this may require an app on the receiving device (more complex, therefore less elegant).

Hope there's a useful answer somewhere in all this - else let me know!

PVS

 

[Mr. Lucky]

This forum has been very useful. I'm looking for a bit more help though, or even a slightly alternative app, or perhaps even an extension of PhoneLeash..

Essentially, I sometimes travel abroad and I use a different sim card when I do. I have a spare android phone at home, and I'm thinking that perhaps I could set up phoneleash to forward my missed calls etc to my other phone number while I'm away.
I'm looking for my cheapest option. So far, phoneleash can forward to an email address (I use hotmail, but could just as easily use gmail for example). I'm looking for a way for the forwarded email sms messages to end up in my android sms inbox, with the contacts name, time, message etc. Basically, I think it would need an app to somehow import the emails into the android inbox. Is this possible? That way, I could either reply from my overseas number, or use something like WebSMS/TextFish (or similar) to reply to the message using my phone, and its almost like everything is integrated and very cheap.

I'm confused by your post. It starts out sounding like you are asking about forwarding phone calls, and then you ask about SMS and email forwarding. I don't know if this answers your question, but here are my thoughts. For incoming voice calls to your U.S. number, get yourself a Google voice account and set up missed call and voice mail transcription/niotification to an email address that you can get to overseas. To get your U.S. number to forward to GV, use the appropriate forwarding code. These instructions are for T-Mobile, but they work for me on AT&T, and I suspect they will work for other carriers as well. You can even setup the forward/cancel strings as numbers in your address bookor as speed dials.

If you are asking strictly about SMS forwarding, then ignore everything I said, and go with PVS' advice.

 

[wallaceff]

To answer your question.. yes.. I want SMS autoforwarding. I would also like 'missed call' autoforwarding. I do not want to forward SMS messages internationally, as that would ring up a huge cost for me (live in Australia), and I'm not setting up google voice.

In essence, I want to plug my current sim card into my spare android phone, have it left on and wifi connected.
All calls go to that phone, all messages go to that phone.
All txt messages then go autoforward to my phone overseas, and would appear in the starndard android sms apps as if they were sent directly to my phone. That way, I can use internet txt messaging apps that 'spoof' my number as if its coming from my normal phone number.
All missed calls would appear on my overseas phone as missed calls in the standand android phone log.

Integrating with dropbox would be great. And yes, this would require a client/server model (really just have the 1 app and have an option in the app to be the client or server).

Doable?

 

[Mr. Lucky]

OK, updated to v1.8, tested, and purchased all 3. It keeps getting better!

One suggestion though. I think you need to add some sort of in-app documentation, particularly for the benefit of people who were not around for earlier version of the app. Even an in-app link back to the Quick Start guide on your website would suffice (if it were up to date).

 

[PVS]

Integrating with dropbox would be great. And yes, this would require a client/server model (really just have the 1 app and have an option in the app to be the client or server).
Doable?

You must be a programmer you have it spot on. It would require a datapipe between client and server, and yes the same app could play these roles. Its very doable, but its probably at least 2 big releases away for me. I am working on C2DM first so replying via email is not dependent on email-to-SMS service (not prevalent outside US). Once that's in place, mirroring activity should be simpler.

Meanwhile, perhaps you could just forward to an email address, maybe an account accessible on your traveling phone? If you find other solutions, do let this thread know - I know your problem (accessing home phone while on intl travel) is quite common.

PVS

 

[PVS]

OK, updated to v1.8, tested, and purchased all 3. It keeps getting better!

One suggestion though. I think you need to add some sort of in-app documentation, particularly for the benefit of people who were not around for earlier version of the app. Even an in-app link back to the Quick Start guide on your website would suffice (if it were up to date).

You beat me to giving you a "999 day" trial license! Thank you!

Documentation to a developer is like stretching to a runner, I think! But yes, docs are in the works. Quick start guides here and here.

Good point on in-app help as well. I have a couple of "?" buttons to aid setup, but it needs commands help.

PVS

 

[PVS]

PS. It may make sense to merge this into the "SMS Auto-forwarding" thread ...

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Documentation to a developer is like stretching to a runner, I think! But yes, docs are in the works. Quick start guides here and here.

Ha! A necessary evil, eh? (and this from a former marathon runner)

Good point on in-app help as well. I have a couple of "?" buttons to aid setup, but it needs commands help.

You might not know it from my online remarks, but I'm a professional technical writer. I've already made my own PhoneLeash commands file in MS Word that I keep on Dropbox, so it wouldn't be a stretch to create something for public consumption. I think the best approach though is an in-app link to online instructions... with a CMS for easy administration of the online content. Drop me a PM or Gmail if you want to talk about this some more.

 

[EarlyMon]

PS. It may make sense to merge this into the "SMS Auto-forwarding" thread ...

Good idea - done.

 

[wallaceff]

Hey,
Thanks for the reply... Now, in typical end user fashion..... What? 2 major releases?! Well... I'll just have to wait around then
But seriosly, thanks for thinking about it. Given there are sms restoring apps and I know Viber can place missed viber calls in the call log, I eould imagine it can be done when you have finished everything else!

 

[rbrown55]

Hello All

I think my head is about to explode from all this great info. I briefly downloaded Phone leash because I have the following scenario.

I have an Evo and an Iphone, and I want all the text from my Evo to be forwarded to my iphone. I also want to be able to reply back to the messages that were forwarded from the Evo. I did this using the "tolastsender".

My questions/issues are as follows:
1. When i tried to reply back using the phone number the message did not send. Any idea why?
2. How would I reply to an individual text if I were to receive forwarded text from 3 different senders and wanted to reply to the 2nd person first? I would think using the number method to reply would solve this problem but I could not get that to work.

HELP and thank you all very much for your feedback.

 

[PVS]

Ha! A necessary evil, eh? (and this from a former marathon runner)



You might not know it from my online remarks, but I'm a professional technical writer. I've already made my own PhoneLeash commands file in MS Word that I keep on Dropbox, so it wouldn't be a stretch to create something for public consumption. I think the best approach though is an in-app link to online instructions... with a CMS for easy administration of the online content. Drop me a PM or Gmail if you want to talk about this some more.

You're very kind. Yes, I'll PM you. (Whats a CMS?)

 

[PVS]

My questions/issues are as follows:
1. When i tried to reply back using the phone number the message did not send. Any idea why?
2. How would I reply to an individual text if I were to receive forwarded text from 3 different senders and wanted to reply to the 2nd person first? I would think using the number method to reply would solve this problem but I could not get that to work.

HELP and thank you all very much for your feedback.

1. I had to remove that feature due to some issues (not technical). Hope to get it back in (meanwhile, must update that website, sorry!)

2. First text "allrepliesto 2223334444", next "this is my message to person 2", "allrepliesto 3334445555", "this is to person 3" etc - (what a pain, I know)

And welcome to the thread.

PVS

 

[PVS]

Hey,
Thanks for the reply... Now, in typical end user fashion..... What? 2 major releases?! Well... I'll just have to wait around then

Lol ... next think you know I'll be making product roadmap slides

But seriosly, thanks for thinking about it. Given there are sms restoring apps and I know Viber can place missed viber calls in the call log, I eould imagine it can be done when you have finished everything else!

There are SO many people now with 2 phones, PhoneMirror (MirrorLeash?) is a great idea! I am sold on it already.