VZ Pixel: Messages+ AND ALSO Google Messager?? - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

I've got a VZ Pixel XL. I love the convenience of using Messages+ across all my mobile devices (laptop, desktop, tablet, work computer, etc.) but I also like the functionality of Google's Messenger.
Can I use Google's Messenger on the Pixel XL, and then use Messages+ on the other devices, or does it all have to be on Messages+?

n4ogl said:
I've got a VZ Pixel XL. I love the convenience of using Messages+ across all my mobile devices (laptop, desktop, tablet, work computer, etc.) but I also like the functionality of Google's Messenger.
Can I use Google's Messenger on the Pixel XL, and then use Messages+ on the other devices, or does it all have to be on Messages+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can do that and message plus will pick it up.
Easiest way to tell is just send an SMS and then check the other devices. But think it will work.

n4ogl said:
I've got a VZ Pixel XL. I love the convenience of using Messages+ across all my mobile devices (laptop, desktop, tablet, work computer, etc.) but I also like the functionality of Google's Messenger.
Can I use Google's Messenger on the Pixel XL, and then use Messages+ on the other devices, or does it all have to be on Messages+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. I do this with my tablet and Nexus player. Setup and restore Message + on your Pixel and after fully restored just open and make Google messenger default. All messages will still route through Message + and backup to Verizon's cloud service and push the messages to the other devices you have setup under the same Message j account.

One thing to keep in mind is: every message you send from either a tablet or computer using the Verizon Message+ app, you won't see that message on your phone IF on your phone you're using Google's Messenger. The messages you send from your phone, you WILL see them as sent msgs on MSG+
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] Sharing paid (legit) apps with other people in family.

Hi,
Was hoping someone could help clear up a question that's been bugging me for a while about Android apps. Right now, I use an Apple iPad for a tablet and have bought quite a few apps over the years from the iTunes store. I can share these purchased apps with my wife who also has an iPad and an iPhone by logging into my account from her phone, and downloading from there.
My question is can the same be done for Android? I have a few apps (mainly games and a few system utilities) that I would like to be able to use on my son's Nexus 7 tablet. I have purchased these apps legit from the Play store, is there any way I can put them on other devices too?
Thanks.
Yes you can you just use the same procedure that you do with Apple just sign in to the play store from the nexus tablet everything will be available from my apps
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I did this for my wife. She has her own google account and I added mine to her phone so that she can access my apps and music. When you do this on the tablet you may want to go to the google account settings and disable sync for your email, contacts, etc., otherwise your son will have full access to your info.
Nick D said:
I did this for my wife. She has her own google account and I added mine to her phone so that she can access my apps and music. When you do this on the tablet you may want to go to the google account settings and disable sync for your email, contacts, etc., otherwise your son will have full access to your info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the info.

[Q] Google Apps on fire phone

I'm wondering if there is anyone here who can speak to the stability of Google Apps (hangouts, Gmail, etc.) sideloading them onto the fire phone along with Google lay services. I'm really interested in this phone but am not sure if I can give up my gapps.
I've only had the Google Apps on my phone for a day. I don't use hangouts, but I do use Gmail and the Drive suite, as well as Maps. I'm using the most recent version of Amazon's OS.
Here's my take on some of the Google apps:
My Gmail isn't getting refreshing emails as fast as I'd like it to, though I'm not sure if that's some sort of issue on my side (connectivity or something) or an issue with the app (Note, while I'm typing this post, my Gmail just instantly got an email as soon as it was delivered and alerted me to it...). Gmail does nice little popup alerts and seems to integrate well with Amazon's OS, though.
Maps has some issues with road labels on the most recent version (seems to work fine with some older versions, as per a post on this forum somewhere). I'd consider this app a no-go for now, unless you don't need to read road names at any point. The Maps app that comes with the phone is good enough though (it actually looks a lot like a skinned version of Google Maps, without the social integration and "places to go" recommendations) and I've used it for a 2h drive already with no hiccups.
Drive, Quickoffice, Docs, all work well and I'm able to access, edit, etc, on my phone.
Chrome and Chrome to Phone work.
Google Play Music works for music downloaded on the device (unsure how it works with Google's cloud music service)
Google Play (the appstore) works and delivers updates to apps.
I can give hangouts a go, but I'm not really sure what to look for in terms of functionality.
Google Play apps install and run. I've tried Snapchat, Pixel Dungeon, Soundcloud, and some others. G+ login works, and your Google account is set up when you first try to launch the play services like it would be on a brand new stock Android phone so you get the same kind of Google account integration that you expect from Google's Android.
Edit:
I'd see if you can get some more info from other people... As far as I'm aware, installing Google Play and Google Services doesn't work for everybody. They have for me though, and I'm really happy with the device as it is now, especially considering what I paid for it unlocked.
snapplefish said:
I've only had the Google Apps on my phone for a day. I don't use hangouts, but I do use Gmail and the Drive suite, as well as Maps. I'm using the most recent version of Amazon's OS.
Here's my take on some of the Google apps:
My Gmail isn't getting refreshing emails as fast as I'd like it to, though I'm not sure if that's some sort of issue on my side (connectivity or something) or an issue with the app (Note, while I'm typing this post, my Gmail just instantly got an email as soon as it was delivered and alerted me to it...). Gmail does nice little popup alerts and seems to integrate well with Amazon's OS, though.
Maps has some issues with road labels on the most recent version (seems to work fine with some older versions, as per a post on this forum somewhere). I'd consider this app a no-go for now, unless you don't need to read road names at any point. The Maps app that comes with the phone is good enough though (it actually looks a lot like a skinned version of Google Maps, without the social integration and "places to go" recommendations) and I've used it for a 2h drive already with no hiccups.
Drive, Quickoffice, Docs, all work well and I'm able to access, edit, etc, on my phone.
Chrome and Chrome to Phone work.
Google Play Music works for music downloaded on the device (unsure how it works with Google's cloud music service)
Google Play (the appstore) works and delivers updates to apps.
I can give hangouts a go, but I'm not really sure what to look for in terms of functionality.
Google Play apps install and run. I've tried Snapchat, Pixel Dungeon, Soundcloud, and some others. G+ login works, and your Google account is set up when you first try to launch the play services like it would be on a brand new stock Android phone so you get the same kind of Google account integration that you expect from Google's Android.
Edit:
I'd see if you can get some more info from other people... As far as I'm aware, installing Google Play and Google Services doesn't work for everybody. They have for me though, and I'm really happy with the device as it is now, especially considering what I paid for it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're getting successful results then you should consider sharing what you did and how you did it so we can get the ball rolling.
Also you're able to sideload most apps (besides google apps) and they work normally? Im considering buying this phone with the current deal
sram21092 said:
if you're getting successful results then you should consider sharing what you did and how you did it so we can get the ball rolling.
Also you're able to sideload most apps (besides google apps) and they work normally? Im considering buying this phone with the current deal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I detailed what I did here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57161714&postcount=24
(Here's the post where I got the instructions from: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57095260&postcount=9 )
I didn't change the directory where I sideloaded the Vending.apk, I just sideloaded it in with everything else. I don't remember if I briefly tried to install the Play store before without Google services, but that's probably why I had to adb install with the -r flag.
Before I installed Google services, some apps were working fine without them. Notably, Snapchat complained every time I brought it up, but ran fine. I would wait a bit for some more input from people... From what I've heard around here, it's just me and another guy (Aztecwarrior, the guy whose method I used in that thread) who have it working at the moment. I'd say you can sideload most applications without installing Google services.
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ is what I used to pull APKs to sideload before installing the Google services and Play store.
EDIT: I should mention that the Play store doesn't just deliver updates to apps... I've been able to completely install and manage applications through it; it works just as you'd expect it to work on any other phone for the moment. i.e., you don't need to sideload apps first to get them on the phone if you've installed all the Google stuff. Sorry for the ambiguity in my previous post.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Another question: so far have you noticed that you've been getting a number of error massages/application crashes? I had previously installed google apps and services on my fire hdx and constantly received messages that various apps were crashing in the background, which I found super annoying.
Has anyone else had luck with play music? Does it work for all access?
Just a follow up on why I care about hangouts- I run all of my phone and text through google voice and this has been integrated into hangouts. I'm a cheapskate and can use the hangouts app to place calls and send/receive texts so I don't pay for minutes or texts. I'm one of the few people who doesn't care too much about missing play store, since I have the hdx, I've got a bunch of apps off of the amazon store.
bmbriefs said:
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Another question: so far have you noticed that you've been getting a number of error massages/application crashes? I had previously installed google apps and services on my fire hdx and constantly received messages that various apps were crashing in the background, which I found super annoying.
Has anyone else had luck with play music? Does it work for all access?
Just a follow up on why I care about hangouts- I run all of my phone and text through google voice and this has been integrated into hangouts. I'm a cheapskate and can use the hangouts app to place calls and send/receive texts so I don't pay for minutes or texts. I'm one of the few people who doesn't care too much about missing play store, since I have the hdx, I've got a bunch of apps off of the amazon store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No background crashes -- yet -- at all. I've also enabled background ANRs in the dev options, and nothing's popped up from that either.
I don't have all access for Music, so I can't comment on that.
I just installed Hangouts and gave it a cursory launch... It loads up, enabled SMS (loaded all my conversations from the Fire Phone's messenger app), has all my contacts loaded up to start a conversation. Is there anything specific you'd want me to try?
Thanks again! Glad to hear you're not getting the annoying error messages. I think this pretty much seals the deal for me.
On the fire phone, is it possible to change the default sms and dialer apps?
On last request.... could you give the hangouts dialer a shot? This allows you to place calls over wifi using hangouts.
bmbriefs said:
Thanks again! Glad to hear you're not getting the annoying error messages. I think this pretty much seals the deal for me.
On the fire phone, is it possible to change the default sms and dialer apps?
On last request.... could you give the hangouts dialer a shot? This allows you to place calls over wifi using hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding default apps, everything is handled via intents (e.g. I set chrome to take all web requests)... when I enabled hangouts sms, I started getting texts to hangouts without being notified by the default app, so I think that much is configurable. The dialer, I'm not sure.
I'm in class right now (and pretty much until 9pm, and lots of homework), but I'll check hangouts dialer and default apps when I have time.
Did you root it first ,if so, did you use the same method as aztecwarrior?
No root. I used the guide that Aztec referenced, but not his exact steps. Check post #4 in this thread, the first few lines.
bmbriefs said:
I'm wondering if there is anyone here who can speak to the stability of Google Apps (hangouts, Gmail, etc.) sideloading them onto the fire phone along with Google lay services. I'm really interested in this phone but am not sure if I can give up my gapps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using the Play Store, Hangouts, and Gmail off and on the last 12 hours or so. It's been rock solid for me. No crashes. Haven't found any missing features. Maps does seem to have some issues but haven't tried navigation yet, which is what I really would use it for.
Thanks to you all for your input. I bit the bullet and ordered one before the sale ended.
Now I tried the procedure from scratch (all apks uninstalled and rebooted the phone) several times with different apk-Versions (mainly 2 different links as d/l source).
My Play Store is always not getting any connection and I am not able to d/l apps from the store. Additionally, G Servies crashes every few minutes. I did follow the procedure like apk installation order, reboot, etc. No luck .
Btw. my fire phone is NOT rooted and is on fire OS 3.6.2.
natter.
natter_deluxe said:
Now I tried the procedure from scratch (all apks uninstalled and rebooted the phone) several times with different apk-Versions (mainly 2 different links as d/l source).
My Play Store is always not getting any connection and I am not able to d/l apps from the store. Additionally, G Servies crashes every few minutes. I did follow the procedure like apk installation order, reboot, etc. No luck .
Btw. my fire phone is NOT rooted and is on fire OS 3.6.2.
natter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried checking for a firmware update in the settings? When did you get your fire phone? I think the ATT/Carrier-bound FPs have some slight differences in hardware and firmware.
snapplefish said:
Have you tried checking for a firmware update in the settings? When did you get your fire phone? I think the ATT/Carrier-bound FPs have some slight differences in hardware and firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi snapplefish,
there is no firmware update available, when I am checking in the settings. I did get my phone from Amazon Germany with T-Mobile Sim lock (German localization - maybe that is why e.g. there is no 3.6.8 fire OS firmware available yet) early october 2014 when it was launched here. They sold it accidently for 10 bucks w/o a carrier contract.
Is there any hardware id of phone that can be checked? I could find:
Fire OS 3.6.2 (122009420)
Model No. SD4930UR
Btw., latest versions of Account Manager and Framework from my second phone do not install. Play Services 6.5 and Play Store 5.0 will install, however, no change compared to the older versions linked in the tutorials --> no 'my apps' tab in G Play Store.
natter_deluxe said:
Hi snapplefish,
there is no firmware update available, when I am checking in the settings. I did get my phone from Amazon Germany with T-Mobile Sim lock (German localization - maybe that is why e.g. there is no 3.6.8 fire OS firmware available yet) early october 2014 when it was launched here. They sold it accidently for 10 bucks w/o a carrier contract.
Is there any hardware id of phone that can be checked? I could find:
Fire OS 3.6.2 (122009420)
Model No. SD4930UR
Btw., latest versions of Account Manager and Framework from my second phone do not install. Play Services 6.5 and Play Store 5.0 will install, however, no change compared to the older versions linked in the tutorials --> no 'my apps' tab in G Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be on Fire OS 3.6.8 if you have unlocked phone. I had some issues with some launchers, but the standard Google Now Launcher for the most part seems fine. Appstore is very limited and playstore seems to have a lot of tools...unfortunately it's going to be playing with some apps and seeing if they are stable or not. Battery Doctor, clean master, home switch, and weather & clock seems to work for me.
frekey22 said:
You should be on Fire OS 3.6.8 if you have unlocked phone. I had some issues with some launchers, but the standard Google Now Launcher for the most part seems fine. Appstore is very limited and playstore seems to have a lot of tools...unfortunately it's going to be playing with some apps and seeing if they are stable or not. Battery Doctor, clean master, home switch, and weather & clock seems to work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, checking the update status does not provide the 3.6.8 version to my phone. It is not rooted and after delivery with 3.6.0 I did nothing else to the phone but update it to 3.6.2.
Only the new GSM unlocked phones come with 3.6.8 Sounds like you got your phone before this all happend therefore you are able to downgrade and root, your one of the lucky ones. You can get a AOSP feel to your phone if you want. Not sure why your not following those guides. Heck if you don't want to root then I'll trade you phones lol.
Gmail conacts
I am transferring my contacts to the FIre phone from Android. All my phone contacts are stored in Gmail(google contacts).
Now the problem is i am not able to find a setting option which would show only contacts with Phone no.
It is showing all contacts of Gmail, but i only need contacts with phone no there.
I had the same issue in Android 2.3 or something, when Android had an option of enabling the contacts with phone no only. Later on in Android 4 they moved to keeping all contacts but at the dialup i could search for only contacts with numbers only.
Any suggestion here. May be a different launcher or app?
Thanks
I received my phone and mostly everything is working. Google voice works, and automatically places calls using my gv number. Only issue I'm having is that the hangouts doesn't send sms messages over WiFi (but will over let) and the hangouts dialer has the same issue, I can't place calls via WiFi either. Anyone else find this?

Can't seem to get Google smart passwords working on Apps?

I just got a Oneplus 5t and so far finding it great to use.
But I seem to be having a problem with saved google passwords.
All other android phones I've had of late (s8, mate 10 pro, honor 9, U11) once I am signed into my google account on desktop and phone the password for apps are saved and when I go to log in any of them I get offered the saved email/password.
This doesn't seem to happen on the Oneplus, I get the offer if using a bookmarks in the chrome browser but not for when using an app such as (Amazon, Ebay, facebook)?
I have logged out, reset the sync and rebooted then synced again but still nothing for apps?
Any idea's?

spam notification! help!

My fiance recently bought the pixel XL 2... This supposed chrome notification comes up randomly... I've run numerous scans for malware etc...he also doesn't haven't any apps I don't have myself (I have the pixel XL) I can't figure out how to get rid of these weird notifications....what is this??
Try clearing data and cache on the chrome app. You may have given something permission to send you notifications through chrome.
He or you has granted a specific website access to send notifications to your phone. In this case, it would appear to be a russian dating ad, lol.
goto settings, apps, chrome, storage, and clear all data.
Thank you! All is well now!

Un-needed Apps

At this point , and coming from Samsung's, I don't think I'll root my phone. I've already uninstalled or disabled apps from the app drawer main list and none of the system apps.
I remember when I had the Samsungs and after rooting there were long lists of apps to uninstall.
It may be quite different for this phone but Is there such a list for the Pixel 2 ?
Thanks
Not really.
The benefits of stock android is lack of bloatware.
At this point it is just preferential.
I for instance freeze android messenger and use something else
Freeze with titanium backup as my phone is rooted.
But messenger is a decent app i wouldnt knock it.
parakleet said:
Not really.
The benefits of stock android is lack of bloatware.
At this point it is just preferential.
I for instance freeze android messenger and use something else
Freeze with titanium backup as my phone is rooted.
But messenger is a decent app i wouldnt knock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too, did the same. I use Verizon's Message +
It's as bare as it gets. Just disable whatever apps you'll never use. I disabled Gmail because I use Inbox. That's it for me.
EeZeEpEe said:
It's as bare as it gets. Just disable whatever apps you'll never use. I disabled Gmail because I use Inbox. That's it for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious how google apps step on each other.
I disable android messenger because i use Hangouts
parakleet said:
Curious how google apps step on each other.
I disable android messenger because i use Hangouts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you never get any SMS messages at all? Or you have Google Voice and get your SMS in Hangouts?
EeZeEpEe said:
So you never get any SMS messages at all? Or you have Google Voice and get your SMS in Hangouts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on ProjectFI so I get to use Hangouts for everything still.
However, if messenger is thawed it gets in the way.
Sometimes AndroidAuto will use it.
Sometimes system messages will use it.
Multi Factor authentication messages always use it.
I dont so my message histories are fragmented.
Freezing Messenger resolves the issue.
parakleet said:
I am on ProjectFI so I get to use Hangouts for everything still.
However, if messenger is thawed it gets in the way.
Sometimes AndroidAuto will use it.
Sometimes system messages will use it.
Multi Factor authentication messages always use it.
I dont so my message histories are fragmented.
Freezing Messenger resolves the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I was that way before. I have Google Voice so I could use Hangouts for SMS but Messages works better for me especially if there's group messages. I actually don't use Hangouts anymore because I transitioned my most contacted friends and family to Allo/Duo.

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