How to download 'Handcent SMS':

[arozer]

Handcent SMS is arguably the best messaging app out there.
But for the past few days it's been missing from Market. Hancent.com says it's because the Market isn't running right.
So after a few page visits, I found out that you can still download it without using market, and install it in some very easy steps.

1. Go to Market and download 'tattachapkinstaller'
2. Go to this link from your phone: http://www.handcent.com/hc_sms.apk and it will prompt you to download 'Handcent'. Click "Save".
3. Once it's downloaded, click on it and it will ask you to install it. Install it using the software you downloaded above (tatattchapkinstaller)
4. Enjoy!

Here's a link for the skeptics. Handcent sms HomePage --sms plus software for android
And no I don't work for Handcent. I was just thrilled when I found out how to install it. I used to have it on my Verizon Droid.

 

[Rob_A]

FYI: I was able to install this package with HTC default package installer

 

[arozer]

FYI: I was able to install this package with HTC default package installer

Oh cool. Sounds good, thanks.
I just followed the instructions from the website and then pasted them here.
I wish I'd known that earlier. =]

(Maybe on some phones the default one doesn't work at well, so they just saved the headache and put up that app for everyone.)

 

[MrX8503]

I really don't get it. There are quite a few people who hate the iPhone, but yet there are apps created to make it act like an iPhone.

I think Handcent is pretty cool, but after reading up on it, it seems to slow down really bad with a lot of txt messages.

 

[arozer]

I really don't get it. There are quite a few people who hate the iPhone, but yet there are apps created to make it act like an iPhone.

I think Handcent is pretty cool, but after reading up on it, it seems to slow down really bad with a lot of txt messages.

1. Who said anything about wanting to look like the iPhone? That's just one of the features it allows (IF you really wanted it.)
The app offers so much more.

2. It doesn't slow down your phone. If anything the stupid HTC messaging app slows down your phone. After sending/receiving about 2000 texts, I noticed my Evo getting slower and slower. Not with the Handcent since it "hides" your text history until you click "Show earlier messages".

 

[MrX8503]

It doesn't slow down your phone. If anything the stupid HTC messaging app slows down your phone. After sending/receiving about 2000 texts, I noticed my Evo getting slower and slower. Not with the Handcent since it "hides" your text history until you click "Show earlier messages".

Are you saying that Handcent can handle thousands of texts better than the HTC sense UI?

I don't plan on using the htc txt widget because from videos, it looks really sluggish. Aside from the widget, is handcent faster than the stock messaging app on Android? If so I'll give Handcent a test run.

 

[jason4]

Ive installed Handcent. Now how do i turn off the default message app?

 

[flyjbaker]

Ive installed Handcent. Now how do i turn off the default message app?

You don't "turn it off". You go into the native messaging app and just prevent if from showing up in the notification bar. You do that by bringing up the native app and go into settings and uncheck "notifications"....that simple!

 

[uniquenameEVO]

Ive installed Handcent. Now how do i turn off the default message app?

I used chompsms for part of a day before it got too frustrating. I didn't know I could turn the stock off, I assumed chomp was an overlay.

<--new to android...and doing more playing than learning

 

[DucatiDude]

FYI: I was able to install this package with HTC default package installer

Yes, that's correct.

 

[jason4]

How come Handset wont let me save a picture to my gallery

 

[sjwaste]

Thanks for this. I just installed, this is a nice client. The one thing I really liked better on my Centro was the SMS app, but Handcent got me past that.

 

[jason4]

How come Handset wont let me save a picture to my gallery

Figured it out.. you have to hold your finger on the photo till the menu comes up.

 

[legacy]

You don't "turn it off". You go into the native messaging app and just prevent if from showing up in the notification bar. You do that by bringing up the native app and go into settings and uncheck "notifications"....that simple!

You could also keep stock, and disable Handcent's notifications. You can change your bubble's colors, and do a ton of other stuff too. Loving the customization I can do on this phone!

 

[Dave17]

Handcent SMS is arguably the best messaging app out there.
But for the past few days it's been missing from Market. Hancent.com says it's because the Market isn't running right.

FYI - I was able to install Handcent from the Market about 2 hours ago. That's not to say that the Market troubles are fixed...

Is it necessary to have an overlay program to install the apk from Handcent? Can't you just allow for unknown sources?

 

[Rob_A]

FYI: I see it on appbrain now

Handcent SMS - Android app on AppBrain

 

[Fredro]

I just looked, the Market still doesn't show Handcent as an available download.

Also, I was just able to download the apk directly from Handcent while sitting in the Taco Bell drive through, by simply reading in their forums.

Use this News & Events directly from the browser on your phone to download.

 

[robg2008]

anyone else prefer chompsms?

 

[arozer]

anyone else prefer chompsms?

I gave chomp a try and hated it. My texts were coming in blank.