Just downloaded HANDCENT and i need help using it!

G

Giggidy!!

New member
Just downloaded HANDCENT and i need help using it!

Dont laugh, but the MyTouch 3G Slide is my 1st Android device cause all the other ones i had like the G1, MyTouch, and CLIQ have all been returned due to poor battery life and the slow azz OS.

Anyways, i downloaded Handcent the app and dont know how to even use it. What do i click to make it work? Someone please be detailed with the instructions. I hate the threaded text messaging on Anroid 2.1. Its not bubbly like the iPhone or the CLIQ. Its HORRID!

SOMEONE HELP!!!!
 
I would also like to add that if you've opened handcent, you're using it. So be sure the notifications is turned off on the stock messaging app. Then, go into Hancent's settings, look around, and play with them. Handcent is feature-rich.
 
I know detailed instructions on what to do after i download it. It doesnt give you any explanation on what to do in the ANdroid MArket place after you download an app.

Someone please be detailed.
 
I didn't really know how to answer this without seeming really condescending. So I apologise in advance, but you did ask...

In normal operation, when a message comes in, you pull the notification bar down like you would normally, and select the text message, like you would normally, and Handcent will load and display your message, just like the standard Messaging app does. It's all exactly the same only you'll be using Handcent instead of Messaging.

If you want to write a text message, then you just open the app drawer (where you see a list of all your apps), and press your finger on Handcent, in exactly the same way you would run any other app on your phone. There's no difference. Once Handcent has loaded, press on the little icon at the top left that looks like a piece of paper with a pen writing on it (that's a big clue) to write a message. Alternatively, to read a message from this screen, just press your finger on the message thread you want to read - again, exactly the same as the standard Messaging app.

There are a few of things you may want to do to make this whole process easier. Firstly, when a message comes in the phone won't know which SMS application you want to use so when you get a SMS message and pull the notification bar down and select the message, it will ask you which app you want to use (Handcent, or the default one). When this happens you want to check the box that says "Always use this app" or "Make default" or whatever it says, and press on Handcent. From then on it'll default to reading messages in Handcent.

You may also want to make a shortcut to Handcent on your home screen. Handcent has a widget, which is better than a plain shortcut, so you want to use that. Long press on a blank space on your home screen, select Widgets, and find Handcent, and add it. You can then see how many unread messages you have on the Widget. If you press on the widget it'll load Handcent - brilliant eh?

Finally, you want to turn off notifications in the standard Messaging app, otherwise you will get TWO notifications in the notification bar (one from each app) every time a text comes in. You may also get two lots of beeps. To do this, run the Messaging app (find it in the app drawer like before), go to Menu, Settings, and uncheck the Notifications option.

Done!
 
How about this, you get some questions together and we'll answer them for you...you're asking for details but that could take all day to type...so play with the app; what you dont know ask and we'll answer.

Ive been using handcent for a LONG LONG time, i dont think there is anything about the app i dont know....so fire questions based on what you cant figure out or having issues with.
 
I forgot to add... once in Handcent, hit Menu and settings to configure it to look and feel however you want it to. Want it to look like an iPhone? Easy... it's all in the settings.
 
I am being serious. This is my 1st Android handset, so please forgive me for not being an expert.

I dont like the way the Text messages look on Android 2.1 for MyTouch 3G Slide. I was told to download "Handcent" and i did. Once i download the app, i dont know what to do next.

Can someone please help me and give detailed instructions on what 2 do? Do i send a regular text message and hit options or settings before i send in order to change the layout? Please advise in full detail.
 
Why not try and experiment yourself?

Like I said in my post above (post #7), to change the layout, run Handcent, press Menu, settings, Custom style, Skin (and set it to look like the iPhone or Hero). From that menu you can also change the Theme colour, conversation list settings, etc... It's really self-explanatory when you get there as it shows you what the conversations will look like while you select them. Try it for yourself.
 
Like I said in my post above (post #7), to change the layout, run Handcent, press Menu, settings, Custom style, Skin (and set it to look like the iPhone or Hero). From that menu you can also change the Theme colour, conversation list settings, etc... It's really self-explanatory when you get there as it shows you what the conversations will look like while you select them. Try it for yourself.

How do i run HANDCENT?
All i know how to do is browse the web and send text messages. You can be detailed? I told you that i downloaded HANDCENT and the device gives you no instructions on what to do after you download it. The only other option i have when i go to HANDCENT is to UNINSTALL. That is my only option.
 
So in post #5 I said:



Surely you've ran apps on your phone before? You do it in exactly the same way...

On standard Android phones you press the button at the very bottom of the home screen, or drag it upwards, to open the "app drawer". This is a screen that shows you all of your apps. You can run all apps from there by simply pressing your finger on the one you want.

Also in that post I gave you a 2nd way to run Handcent...



Did you try that? That's a better way, but, you really need to learn how to run applications or your life will suck.
 
hold down your finger on the screen and add handcent to the applications you have on the main screen. Click on it and open it. I don't even think you have it open based on your very up in the air questions. You don't access it from the existing message app that is a default in android.

Once you download it you have to open it. This is either done from the gallery browser where all your apps are stored or by simply adding it with a long press on the main screen. This may seem basic but based on every answer here I am giving you what you think you need.

no one cares if you are an expert. Just be calm and concise when you ask questions.
 
I went 2 setting and there is no option for CUSTOM STYLE.

Everything that everyone tells me is not working. This is the MyTouch 3G Slide, not the regular MyTouch and not the CLIQ. Its probably different. Everytime i download an APP, i have no idea where it goes or how 2 use.

Can someone PLEASE HELP ME???!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Ah, so you found the Custom style bit then? From there you go to Bubble settings, then Conversation style, then select iPhone. Press the back button four times to exit back out of all of those menus. Now your settings should be saved and every time you go to a message thread it will be in bubbles.

What do you mean by you have to keep opening the app to make it stay like the iPhone bubble chat? You would have to open to see your messages at all - I don't understand.

Do you mean that when you run Handcent again the settings have reset back to the default settings and have to set them back to the iPhone style? If this is the case then I have to ask - are you doing something really weird like uninstalling the app and re-installing the app every time you run it?

Your phone has the HTC Espresso interface, which is similar to HTC Sense. This is why some of the advice people has given you may work for you - the interface is a little different. However, the basics do appear to be exactly the same, and this is where you're stuck.

So - time to refer to your manual (you've read that right?)... I downloaded it just for you, but if you've lost it or something you can get your own copy here: http://support.t-mobile.com/doc/tm30284.pdf

If you refer to section 1.7 on that (page 23) you will see your home screen, and a little grey button at the centre bottom of your screen. That is your "applications tab", also called your App Drawer. Have you tried pressing your finger on that, or sliding your finger upwards from that point? Does a list of applications not appear on your screen?

From here, can you not scroll around (press your finger on the screen and "fling" the screen upwards/downwards to scroll) to see all your apps?

Can you not load your apps like Handcent from this screen just by pressing on them?

Section 1.9 covers all of this and even has pictures and screenshots. You really can't go wrong. But read section 1.5 too which tells you how to use the touch screen - long presses, short presses, dragging, etc.
 


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