pglpmAug 14, 2023

Alternative to Google's "Messages" app (for SMS) on Android?

https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/2119036

Alternative to Google's "Messages" app (for SMS) on Android? - SDF Chatter

Does anyone know of an open-source alternative to Google’s “Messages” app [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging], which takes care of SMS/text messages on my phone? I was looking for open-source alternatives on PlayStore and F-Droid [https://f-droid.org/] but can’t really find anything – most apps seem to target some extra purpose than simply handling SMSs. Cheers!

Show threadbaseless_discourseAug 14, 2023
Simple mobile tools pro version are completely open-source and avaliable for free on fdroid. But of course I also paid on google play to support the developer, then use everything on f-droid.
Show threadpglpmAug 14, 2023

I’m all for supporting developers. Usually I test an app for a month, and if it works well, I make a regular donation.

However, while trying out the free version of “Simple Gallery” from Simple Mobile Tools, they sent an update that suddenly made it only last for 14 days, then you had to upgrade to premium. I simply don’t like this kind of behaviour, that’s why I don’t use their products.

Show threadLink.wav [he/him]Aug 14, 2023

Really? I’ve been using Simple Gallery which I downloaded from F-Droid, and I’ve never seen such a thing.

The creator is Tibor Kaputa?

Show threadpglpmAug 14, 2023

I don’t know who’s the creator. Here’s the app – you can also see the complaints from some users:

play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplem…

Show threadLink.wav [he/him]

I had to follow links all the way to github to discover this, but yes, it’s the same person. Oddly, F-Droid doesn’t seem linked to from anywhere, and the description on the web site seems to indicate the free versions of their apps have been abandoned, yet the version I have is fully functional and still receives regular updates.

This is the one I use: f-droid.org/…/com.simplemobiletools.gallery.pro/

It’s fully functional. If it’s missing any features, then I sure don’t notice.

Simple Gallery Pro | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

Your favorite photo album. Professional file organizer to edit photos with ease

Aug 14, 2023 at 1:32pmWeb
Show threadpglpmAug 14, 2023
Ha that’s a fun mystery!!
Show threadLink.wav [he/him]Aug 14, 2023
I can see why the users with the Google Play version are unhappy. What the developer is asking for payment is very reasonable (especially since it’s a one-time payment), but it looks like he wasn’t upfront about this and opted for the good old-fashioned bait-and-switch.