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Re: Best free SMS app for Android

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  Re: Best free SMS app for Android Arlen Holder <arlen_holder@newmachines.com> - 2021-01-13 04:55 +0000
    Re: Best free SMS app for Android Arlen Holder <arlen_holder@newmachines.com> - 2021-01-13 05:07 +0000

#73473 — Re: Best free SMS app for Android

UPDATE:
The question was asked today if blocking calls also blocks SMS/MMS
o Blocking a phone #, by MajorLanGod
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/Ta1nHqUMbbw>

My response to that question is apropos for this thread also...

To find the answer for the OP, I called 611 (T-Mobile) who was sure that
_their_ brand of free scam blocking tools does _not_ also cover SMS/MMS.
o T-Mobile Scam Shield, by T-Mobile USA (free, ad free, GSF dependent)
iOS <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1367276365>
Android <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.services.nameid>

T-Mobile sent me this URL to my SMS text app for further information:
o <https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/scam-shield>

In that web page is an FAQ, which asks:
Q: What about scam/spam texts? Does T-Mobile block those?
A: We've had an anti-spam solution for mobile messaging including SMS,
   MMS, and RCS since 2014, and we include it at no additional charge 
   for T-Mobile customers. 

   How it works:
   Our anti-spam message solution is updated regularly with spam message 
   fingerprints and signatures. Whenever a mobile message is received on
   the network, it's checked against the anti-spam solution. 

   If a message is determined to be spam or unwanted, we'll block it.
   Otherwise, the message will be delivered.

   Customers can report spam or unwanted messages by simply forwarding the
   messages to 7726. We'll reply with a confirmation text and forward the
   message to the Security Center for analysis. The message and your
   details are encrypted; your identity won't be shared.

   Replying "STOP" is usually a convenient way to quickly opt out of a
   message program. However, for unwanted spam texts, we recommend 
   forwarding messages to 7726 and not replying. Similar to picking up an
   unknown robocall, spammers will use any texted reply (including "STOP")
   as confirmation that they've reached a real person."

Interestingly, the best SMS app out there (IMHO), also has a "blacklist"
where a number can be blocked by manually adding it to that blacklist.
o Pulse SMS (Phone/Tablet/Web)
HomePage: <https://home.pulsesms.app/overview/>
iOS: <https://home.pulsesms.app/overview/platform-ios.html>
Android: <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.klinker.messenger>

Note: On iOS, you can send/receive text via Safari using this app.

See also:
o Best free SMS app for Android
<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/comp.mobile.android/up2NoEHr9M8>
o Does anyone know how the PHONE ties to CONTACTS tiies to SMS
<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/comp.mobile.android/EvXtsP9radE>
o T-Mobile Sprint Merger: Say goodbye to scam calls
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/G6ZWN1SiJSs/>
etc.
-- 
Posted out of the goodness of my heart, to always add value where I can.

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#73475

Update: (dated October 2020)

It may be too late, so if you have PulseSMS installed, archive your APK!

This is scary... which I found while searching for this thread.
o It looks like Pulse SMS has been bought by Maple Media — get ready for intrusive ads?
<https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/10/29/it-looks-like-pulse-sms-has-been-bought-by-maple-media-get-ready-for-intrusive-ads/>

  "According to a TechCrunch investigation, the company's goal is to
   optimize existing IAP revenue streams and add its advertising network 
   to its purchases... 

   It looks like the latest product to become part of Maple Media's 
   portfolio is Klinker Apps' PulseSMS..."

At least your messages are end-to-end encrypted, according to Klinker:
  "It also seems prudent to remind everyone that your messages, 
   conversations, contacts, etc in Pulse are end-to-end encrypted. 
   The only way to access them is through your account's password. 
   No one can decrypt them, including myself and Maple Media:
   <https://messenger.klinkerapps.com/encryption.html>"

See also:
o Despite the economy, La's Maple Media is hunting for app acquisitions
<https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/12/despite-the-economy-las-maple-media-is-hunting-for-acquisitions/>

  "Over the past three years the Los Angeles-based startup Maple Media has
   amassed a portfolio of roughly 30 companies and 100 apps in its quest to
   become the IAC of app store businesses."
-- 
Posted to keep this thread updated so that it's most useful to many people.

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