Currently hangouts.. what is the new one from Google?

 

Textra SMS

... Thom

 

textra sounds quite nice

 

I use stock msging, works great for me. Haven't seen any disadvantages yet.

 

Here is the Play Store link for Google Messenger: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging&hl=en

 

Textra

 

It has a black background, which is nicer on battery life for AMOLED displays. You can slide a conversation to the left to see all timestamps for messages - not just "yesterday", but the actual time. It can give a second notification (actually, more than that) every two minutes to remind you that you have an unread text, and you can customize the vibration pattern used, so you can tell in a noisy place that the notification is a message and not something else. All it does is text messages, unlike Hangouts (I've already sent a message to somebody using my Google Voice number by mistake). It allows you to customize the color of the message "bubbles" so you can more easily tell who said what.

There is probably more that I am forgetting... Just be aware, however, that in my experience, if you have the app installed, it will try to fetch any MMS messages if it senses them first, even if it is not the default messaging app, and you may not see the content in your default app. So, if you are not going to use it, uninstall it, or turn off the MMS support in the app.

 

Twitter. For a host of reasons. Start with easy to use...

 

I like the paid texting app, because the Dev puts more effort into it, and no ads. Try hoverchat if that is compatible with your devices. Else try sliding messaging. Both of those apps have multiple pages of sliding options and tones of different notification methods such as the chat bubble, heads up, and many more. Really have to try them to see the difference.

 

Just installed Textra to check it out. So far I like what I see. Especially the dark mode colors. Easy on the eyes and less battery drain than bright white backgrounds.

As previously mentioned, slide slightly left and see the exact time stamps is nice as well.

 

Okay, I'm a big kid if ya'll haven't already noticed. So, I'm using the new verizon Message+ app. It's packed full of doo-dads besides basic SMS/MMS it also has Postcard feature, audio clip, "Gympse" (send your location), as well as the ubiquitous emoji's. From the send photo feature I can sketch. It just say's CHILD all over it!!! One feature is kinda neat as well: when typing a text an option will come up for some words to turn from text to an emoticon. I dig it. Well, except when I ask my 17 year old what she'd like to drink and the only options that come up are all alcoholic drinks!! WTH?

Anyway, I was using Hangouts previously. I may try out the Lollipop app at some point.

 

Well I used Textra for a while today then switched back to the Verizon message +. Textra worked well and looks great but I will have to agree with Liz, I like the options that come with Message +.

 

How is Message + doing with the battery.. I had used ti in the past and it would work well, then an update and the battery drain would increase dramatically.. I would uninstall and then try it again another time with the same thing..

Maybe because it was tied to my tablet as well.. I did like that feature

 

I was using Hangouts for awhile, but I've switched to the new Messages app they rolled out.

 

Yes, I'd also be interested to hear about this, as I had the same experience with Verizon's app.

 

I've been using message plus for almost 2 weeks with no battery issues. Sounds like the real test will come next time it gets an update.

 

I use texting a LOT, and so far, I cannot notice much of a battery drain with Message+. Just fyi.

 

I'm using the new Verizon Message+ app too. Like it and so far it seems to have a small and easy battery foot print.

 

Alright.. going to try Message+ again..

Might even add it back to my tablet for Syncing.. that is one feature I liked

 

I found message+ to be a great app except that when using moto assist for driving detection it would not play messages aloud. When using stock it works fine. I switched to Textra, gained the features I lost from message+ and it works perfectly with the assist features. Highly recommend