Handcent SMS for Android Makes Texting Cool Again
By: Hillel Fuld
It is interesting once in a while to take a step back and think about how many forms of communication we use on a regular basis. Better yet, how many different tools ensure we stay connected 24/7. First there was of course the telephone, then email, then came mobile technology, SMS, Facebook, Twitter, and the list goes on. With all these different resources at our disposal, a person can be reached almost always. Interestingly enough, even with all the technological advancements, texting does not seem to have decreased in popularity. Kids and adults are constantly texting to the point that unfortunately, they can’t even stop when they’re driving, which has caused a new and very sad phenomenon of accidents due to texting while driving.
Putting the safety issue aside since I am sure none of my readers are irresponsible enough to text while driving, there is a new app on the Android market, which truly enhances the SMS experience. Handcent SMS for Android wins the award for the most customizable app I have ever used. The settings screen seems to go on forever. Before I get into the depths and features of Handcent SMS, I must point out that both the website and the interface need a rewrite when it comes to the actual text. I know that might sound trivial, but unclear options in an app means a more difficult app to understand, not to mention the negative impression it gives about the developer.
In terms of the app itself, it seems to be compatible with all Android devices, which is an accomplishment, in and of itself. So, as for the app itself, it enables you to customize the way you send, receive, and view text messages whether they are SMS or MMS. It offers full support for MMS capabilities with the option to add audio, photos, as well as video onto an outgoing message.
The app enables you to define how the device behaves when a new text arrives including a very useful popup message from which you can quickly reply, the sound and vibration the phone makes, and the color of the LED notification on the phone. Very cool feature! With Handcent, you can also send group messages and the app syncs with your phonebook contacts making the whole process a lot simpler.
You can also customize the way messages appear with some very visually appealing skins and themes including an iPhone skin as well as an HTC Hero skin. Other very useful features include the ability to customize a different ringtone, vibration, color LED, bubble style, and even signature for incoming messages from different people. I told you this app has a lot of customization options.
Handcent also supports more than ten language packs for different countries, as well as its own T9 keyboard, not to mention its own fonts, which include some pretty unique and impressive ones. As you can tell, every last detail of the way you text from your Android phone is able to be defined using this app, and it seems like they really thought of everything.
To name some more options, you can set up a picture for both you and your contacts that will appear with the sent or received message. You can customize the way the device’s accelerometer works in the messaging interface. There are of course some quick texts and templates to send standard messages such as “In a meeting” and many others.
The setting screen includes an entire other screen for the popup settings, which includes turning the screen on when the popup is activated, screen timeout interval after a new message arrives, how to mark new messages as “read”, the ability to turn all phone numbers and URLs in the message to hyperlinks, and a whole lot more.
I really could keep going on about the different options, but I think you get the point. With Handcent, you can change anything about messaging on the Android platform, and given that the app is free (there are small ads on the top of the screen), I personally cannot think of any reason an Android user would not download this app.
Our Rating: 4/5
Developer: Handcent
