Why should I use Pulse SMS to text from my computer when Android Messenger is free?
Pulse and Android Messages allow you to send messages through your computer's web browser. At the core, this puts them above other SMS apps in terms of functionality. Both apps accomplish this goal, but we do it very differently.
Pulse SMS is a traditional web app. Everything you do on the phone gets mirrored to a database stored in the cloud. The web/desktop/tablet apps (and Pulse's other platforms) pull messages out of that cloud database, make changes, etc., without directly connecting to your phone. The server then forwards any of those changes to your phone. That means your other devices have no direct dependency on the phone, which is suitable for battery life and data usage. It also allows us to create apps for your tablet, Android TV, and other devices that do not access your messages directly through the browser.
On the other hand, Android Messages opens up a persistent streaming connection from your phone to the web to move data between the two devices. As long as you have the website open, this connection is active. As a result, Google does not have to store your messages in a cloud database. Privacy isn't something that you have to worry about with Pulse, though. Everything in the app is end-to-end encrypted. No one can see your messages unless they have your email and password combination.
Why use Pulse SMS?
Android Messages is free and from Google. It allows you to send messages while sitting at a computer and works well enough. So, what does the Pulse desktop integration have that Android Messages does not? Being a traditional web app, instead of creating a streaming connection between your phone and the site, offers a number of sizable advantages:
- Pulse SMS has native, installable, desktop apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. You don't have to use Pulse SMS just in your browser. You can install it and have awesome system-level integrations that Android Messages will not be able to do with their streaming connection.
- Notifications for new messages, on your computer, without the need to keep a tab open in your browser.
- Automatic backup and restore of your messages. Since everything is stored (end-to-end encrypted) in the cloud, all your messages automatically get backed up and restored to any new device when you log in. No-fuss.
- It has Chrome and Firefox extensions if you want to access the app from within your browser but outside of the website.
- You can text from your tablet.
- Pulse SMS doesn't need to open a streaming connection to your phone, which drains the battery and uses data.
- Snooze notifications when you are presenting or don't want others to see them.
- View private conversations and folders.
- Manage scheduled messages and your blacklist.
- Search conversations.
- Customize conversation and global settings without opening the phone app.
- Everything is end-to-end encrypted. No one can access your messages without your email and password.
On top of all these web-specific features, here is a small taste of the features in our Android app:
- More powerful theme support and customization
- Pinned conversations
- Private conversations that are password protected
- Folder support for improved organization
- Rename group conversations
- Scheduled messages
- Delayed sending
- Message templates
- Signature support
- Auto-reply support
- Snooze notifications
- Swipe action customization to delete and archive conversations