Does anyone know of an open-source alternative to Google’s “Messages” app, which takes care of SMS/text messages on my phone?
I was looking for open-source alternatives on PlayStore and F-Droid but can’t really find anything – most apps seem to target some extra purpose than simply handling SMSs.
(Edit: I’d like to stay away from the “Simple Mobile Tools” line because I don’t know if it’s open source, and I don’t like the way they promoted some apps – forcing users to update to pro and similar.)
Cheers!
QKSMS all the way, you can schedule messages, block, archive, create back up, change colors. No ads.
??? You have a couple on F-Droid that does what it’s supposed to. But in general, should avoid using SMS if you are intending to be privy.
Simple SMS Messanger by SimpleMobileApps: https://www.f-droid.org/packages/com.simplemobiletools.smsmessenger/
Dump SMS and switch to an app like Signal. Signal offers end to end encryption and features like disappearing messages. As easy to use as any SMS app.
Agree about the security. I use Element/Matrix. I don’t use SMS regularly, but some people message me with that in emergency situations, for instance if they don’t have wifi or mobile data. It’s also still used to get temporary authentication codes.
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isn’t signal dropping sms support?
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I wonder if any of these listed alternatives support RCS, SMS/MMS is an incredibly old and insecure
I honestly don’t like RCS, because when I send an SMS, I want it to be using that old protocol that doesn’t depend on network functionality. Whereas any real chatting I usually take using more secure apps. SMS for me is “hey, you’re not responding on our normal chat programs, is your wifi dead or you roaming?” kind of situation.
RCS is proprietary. Very unlikely there will ever be an implementation that is open source or foundation driven.
Seriously? The standard that we’ve been finally getting users on is proprietary? You’ve got to be joking
Rcs isn’t proprietary, google hasn’t given anyone the tools to develop with it on Android.
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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.
I’m all for supporting developers. Usually I test an app for a month, and if it works well, I make a regular donation (else I uninstall it).
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.
That is really disappointing. Although it is perfectly fine for developer to ask for money, especially for FOSS app. It seems like their communication is not exactly on point.
I guess the best course of action is to try on fdroid, if you like it buy on Gplay (or just donate if it not terribly inconvenient), and continue to use the fdroid version.
