SMSNotify 2004 Version 2.2 Released

[Guest]

Hello.

I just purchased 2.3 tonight from Smartphone.net, and I have to say great program!

I had a couple of questions/comments:

1. Any word on the extensions/plugins page? I read in the earlier posts that there will be some plugins that will allow users to turn on reminders on a global level to all users - right now I have to do it to all users individually :lol:

2. I heard that earlier versions let you use the default system sounds for SMS notifications (actually the built-in MIDI and other tones are loud and would be nice to assign instead of having to use a WAV file - I used to use Trill on MPX220)

3. I agree with an earlier post that being able to open/delete a new SMS completely from the app would be great.

Other than those things, great app!! Keep up the great work!

[Guest spvdk]

I have no answers, just comments...

This great program severely lacks global settings. If you can't assign something on individual basis, you can't assign it - period!

For example... I get a SMS notice every time I receive an email. But as I have described earlier in this thread, there is no sender telephone number, just a name - "New email" or something like that. SMSNotify is completely unprepaired for this, so there is no way it can handle events like that. I just have to accept the standard settings, like messages NOT being marked as read, even though that is my own preference. Also sound and vibrate settings settings are driving me mad.

So, now I run version 2.2. At least the messages are marked as read now, so I don't have to read them in SMSNotify first and then go to the Inbox and read them again!

It's also frustrating that the sound level is based on the leved of the speaker, and not on the messages settings. I really struggle to find the logic in that...

In short: All settings, which changes the standard SMS settings, should be user costumizeable. And of course both on individual and global level.

[Guest jasonh]

I have no answers, just comments...

This great program severely lacks global settings. If you can't assign something on individual basis, you can't assign it - period!

For example... I get a SMS notice every time I receive an email. But as I have described earlier in this thread, there is no sender telephone number, just a name - "New email" or something like that. SMSNotify is completely unprepaired for this, so there is no way it can handle events like that. I just have to accept the standard settings, like messages NOT being marked as read, even though that is my own preference. Also sound and vibrate settings settings are driving me mad.

So, now I run version 2.2. At least the messages are marked as read now, so I don't have to read them in SMSNotify first and then go to the Inbox and read them again!

It's also frustrating that the sound level is based on the leved of the speaker, and not on the messages settings. I really struggle to find the logic in that...

In short: All settings, which changes the standard SMS settings, should be user costumizeable. And of course both on individual and global level.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi

To answer some of your questions

1) The email you get when a new email is received must be passed in a special way through your carrier if it does not contain a number with it. Just like caller id for calls, if there is no number to associate an event with, you can't really do anything with it.

Other people get email notifications from a number such as 05. These people can assign events successfully to them with no problems.

2) Version 2.2 has mark messages as read by default on the photo display popup feature, *however* as soon as a message is read, the Windows Mobile OS stops processing that SMS message. This means, if the message is marked as read, any profile settings for the profile "notification" will not happen. For example, if your notification profile is set to play tone and vibrate, on reception of the SMS message, SMSNotify plays a tone or executes whatever events, it then passes control back to the OS. As the message is now read, it thinks it must have been handled and so then does not play any system notification tones OR vibrate the device.

Not marking the message as read resolves this.

In saying this, and you are like me and probably many others, having to go into your inbox and read them to mark them read, even though you have probably already replied and previewd the message via the photo popup display, is a real pain.

If you have version 2.3, go into the Registry, navigate to the following key.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\developer.net.nz\SMSNotify 2004\ and find the string value "msgReadAfterPhotoPopup" Default value will be "0". Change this to "1" and ALL messages will be marked as read if the Photo Display popup is set to show for them!

Please dont change any other keys as doing so will not warrant support.

3) The sound levels in 2.3 now utilise the notification volume setting specified in the profiles. That is, The notification sound volume can be set as 1,2,3,4,LOUD

The catch again here is that if you set the notification evenbt to play sound (at volume 1,2,3,4 or LOUD) and Vibrate as well, the tone will play at the correct tone but no vibrate event will occur (By the OS) unless you specify a VIbrate event for the contact.

As for global events, well yes, there is demand for the Reminder feature to be global, which I am working on, in regards to vibrate as well.

At present though, you can set Out Of Office messages as a global setting, Show photo diaply for all contacts, override sound profile settings for all users and stopping all user events as well.

There are alot of options which can occur and its just a case of finding the right balance.

SMSNotify does allow application extensions so custom add ons can be created. This is how the vibrate for all users and contact reminder for all will be implemented, sometime.....

I hope this clears some matters up for you.

Jason

[Guest jasonh]

Hello.

I just purchased 2.3 tonight from Smartphone.net, and I have to say great program!

I had a couple of questions/comments:

1.  Any word on the extensions/plugins page?  I read in the earlier posts that there will be some plugins that will allow users to turn on reminders on a global level to all users - right now I have to do it to all users individually :lol:

2.  I heard that earlier versions let you use the default system sounds for SMS notifications (actually the built-in MIDI and other tones are loud and would be nice to assign instead of having to use a WAV file - I used to use Trill on MPX220)

3.  I agree with an earlier post that being able to open/delete a new SMS completely from the app would be great.

Other than those things, great app!!  Keep up the great work!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi There,

1) I will try and get the vibrate plugin available soon. I will keep you and everyone posted.

Maybe within a week or 2?

2) SMSNotify V1 played the system tone by default as well as a custom tone if applicable. As of the V2 series, you can only assign WAV files (Though watch this space for new extensions coming)

3) Im not sure by what you mean open? do you mean mark as read? If so, read a reply to a post just after yours. V2.3 allows you to delete SMS messages on arrival if you want by going into 'Advanced Options' (2.3 only)

I hope this helps.

Jason

[Guest spvdk]

Maybe I am stupid, or maybe this is just getting too complicated. But in reality I just want a simple function, that 2.2 was able to provide. Everything on top of that function is what I right now would consider a bonus.

Here's what I want: SMSNotify should pop up when one of a selected few contacts send me an SMS. When I have read the message in SMSNotifys windows and closed it/replied, the window is shut and that's the end of that. No going into the inbox to read again to remove the message icon or anything like that. All other messages should be treated as if SMSNotify isn't installed. This also include the now (in-)famous no-phone-number email notification.

Is that possible? And if so, how is it done?

[Guest iunlocku]

Yet another thing that only half works on the Samsung I600.

Yes it loads and works

What doesn't work:

1) Photo pop up

2) assinged .wav only default on receipt of SMS

3) SMS reminder

Wish I knew what I know now when I purchased the I600, I think I would have stayed with Palm.

[Guest]

Hi There,

1) I will try and get the vibrate plugin available soon.  I will keep you and everyone posted.

Maybe within a week or 2?

2) SMSNotify V1 played the system tone by default as well as a custom tone if applicable. As of the V2 series, you can only assign WAV files (Though watch this space for new extensions coming)

3) Im not sure by what you mean open? do you mean mark as read? If so, read a reply to a post just after yours. V2.3 allows you to delete SMS messages on arrival if you want by going into 'Advanced Options' (2.3 only)

I hope this helps.

Jason

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Any news on this front for the plugins?

[Guest]

Any news on this front for the plugins?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Anyone? :?:

I also sent an email to the developer - but no response....

Is there anymore development on this product or is it dead? :exclaim:

[Guest jasonh]

Anyone? :?:

I also sent an email to the developer - but no response....

Is there anymore development on this product or is it dead?  :exclaim:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi

We are currently testing the Inbox Recorder plugin. It is in a very early stage and unsigned.

At this stage, upon reception of a SMS message, it appends the senders number, and message to a text file in the root folder (/Storage) of your device.

Future release will append more information to this log and allow the placement of the file instead of just /Storage.

If anyone wants to run the BETA, your device must be unlocked, you must have the full release of Version 2.3 and email [email protected] with your intereset and a copy will be sent to you.

Jason

[Guest jasonh]

Hi Everyone

We are looking for user feedback for any new features that you may like incorporated into future builds of SMSNotify. This can include anything from the GUI to the evnts that can be assigned.

We are currently working on a small patch for MPX220 users to the photo popup diaplays that will change the front LCD image to that of the contact who has sent a SMS message.

I recently obtained a MPX220 and find it a pain that the only way to see who last sent a SMS message is to open the flip. Work is in progress and an updated to registered users will be provided when available.

Thanks to all the support so far from everyone.

[Guest TKJ]

Hi Everyone

We are looking for user feedback for any new features that you may like incorporated into future builds of SMSNotify. This can include anything from the GUI to the evnts that can be assigned.

We are currently working on a small patch for MPX220 users to the photo popup diaplays that will change the front LCD image to that of the contact who has sent a SMS message.

I recently obtained a MPX220 and find it a pain that the only way to see who last sent a SMS message is to open the flip. Work is in progress and an updated to registered users will be provided when available.

Thanks to all the support so far from everyone.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I use and like the program very much. Only thing I would like, is that you can mark the message as read, after you read it, without having to go into the inbox..

TKJ

[Guest jasonh]

I use and like the program very much. Only thing I would like, is that you can mark the message as read, after you read it, without having to go into the inbox..

TKJ

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, will look at adding a delete feature as well so you can delete from the message popup window as well.

will add to the todo list

[Guest]

I'd really like to see global settings like being able to turn on reminders and vibration for all contacts (including non-listed ones) all in one setting, or at least be apply to apply to multiple contacts at once.

[Guest MPJ]

The ability to retain the photos assigned to enties when upgrading would be useful, will save having to set it all up again

[Guest jasonh]

The ability to retain the photos assigned to enties when upgrading would be useful, will save having to set it all up again

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thanks for all the feedback. Am hoping to create a export tool which will migrate all settings which can be reapplied after an update.

[Guest birlest]

I am interested in your program...actually the main feature I'm interested in, is the SMSNotify Contact Reminder, but I wonder why this feature is not available in the trial version (if I correctly understand the specs in Smartphone.net). Can you allow it? otherwise is not a real trial version!

Beside SMS, is it possible with your program to set reminders (a sort of ringtone that plays every certain time, until dismissed from the popup screen) also for lost phone calls; and reminder for calendar events (as far as I know now, with Smartphone 2003 you can only set a certain number of reminders every certain period, but not indefinitely)?

One more question, does you program work properly with MPX220?

Thanks

Edited April 18, 2005 by birlest

[Guest Griff_FFOC]

I am interested in your program...actually the main feature I'm interested in, is the SMSNotify Contact Reminder, but I wonder why this feature is not available in the trial version (if I correctly understand the specs in Smartphone.net). Can you allow it? otherwise is not a real trial version!

This is the part that I am most interest in, but can't test to see if it works the way I like. Guess I'll just have to buy it and hope. :?:

[Guest jasonh]

This is the part that I am most interest in, but can't test to see if it works the way I like. Guess I'll just have to buy it and hope.  :?:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi

Ill have a look, Im pretty sure its available in the trial but only for 1 contact at a time. If not, due to demand, Ill have a look at implementing it.

Jason

[Guest Griff_FFOC]

Hi

Ill have a look, Im pretty sure its available in the trial but only for 1 contact at a time. If not, due to demand, Ill have a look at implementing it.

Jason

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've bought a copy now anyway. It seems to work fine, only you can't set it globally for every contact, only one at a time it would seem. :?:

Also the menu option to switch it on for a contact is a little confusing, but i've added that in an e-mail to their support address.

Otherwise, a great application, gets my thumbs up. ;)

I'm not keen on the idea of the message being on the notify screen so i've removed it in the html templates. Anyone else got any customised templates for it they'd like to share.

Edited April 28, 2005 by Griff_FFOC

[Guest leviking]

Why buy this?

SMS Notify 2004 is the best example of a piece of software, you don't really need. It does not make your life easier - it will complicate it.

- The new message screen uses a big icon (that gives you no information), and writes the message itself in a smaller font. Text is presented in a column. The notify screen can actually take fewer characters, before user has to scroll. Bad readability!

- Notify2004 does a scan of all contacts when you launch it. Takes forever. Bad performance!

- User cannot go from new message screen to actual application to change setup (i.e. modify sender settings). Bad usability!

- New message screen only provides you with one piece of information, that the standard smartphone message screen does not: Message count. But how useful is that really? Do I need to know that my friend sent me 5 messages since I installed SMSNotify 2004? Usefull statistics would be information about message frequency and message/reply ratios - but this SMSnotify does not give you.

- SMSNotify 2004 allows to set ringtones and phone behavior for each sender. But how useful is that really? It gets really complicated if you change profiles on your phone (indoor, outdoor, meeting) regularly. And you set it PER SENDER for most events - very cumbersome! Most likely you will find yourself settings events for senders that will annoy you when you need it the least! Instead - let the PDA / smartphone profiles do the job.

Long conclusion: SMSNotify 2004 does not make your life easier. You will quickly find yourself spending hours of configuring events for contacts, finding it useless in the end. And it does not what you would expect: It does not make messaging easier.

Short conclusion: Save your money and don't buy this - your PDA / phone probably works better as it is now.

Note: This is my personal opinion... but just to let you know I am not a clueless newbie: I work as a user experience engineer for software to handheld devices. and yes - I unfortunately did buy this piece of software!

[Guest fozzie]

Feel better after getting that off your chest? :roll:

Fortunately I did buy this software and find it meets my needs perfectly. I get photos with my contacts when I receive an SMS which is great. But for me, the best part of the app is the contact reminder. It will give repeat reminders/alarms when I receive a text from nominated contacts. Extremely useful if your phone is on silent/vibrate and you miss the initial alert.

I would say go for it, cancel the summer holidays and splash out the 6 quid for this app. Your phone will be better for it.

[Guest Griff_FFOC]

Only point I would add, is the menu labelling, some of it is confusing.

Also i'd LOVE an option to turn reminders or vibrate on on a global scale, as i only does it for the the couple of contacts I can be bothered to set up.

As for the templates, i just edited the html to suit as i didn't want the message on the screen. :)

[Guest pcbinternet]

Hi, i have jusy upgraded to C550, unfortunately smsnotify crashes when it attempts to load the the Contacts. I have tried emailing the support team using the email address's on their web site, but keep on getting emails bounced back with info saying relayed not allowed. These address's have workd for me in the past. Any idea whats happened to this company, great pity of they are no longer around as i really do find this a very useful program.

[Guest jasonh]

Hi, i have jusy upgraded to C550, unfortunately smsnotify crashes when it attempts to load the the Contacts. I have tried emailing the support team using the email address's on their web site, but keep on getting emails bounced back with info saying relayed not allowed. These address's have workd for me in the past. Any idea whats happened to this company, great pity of they are no longer around as i really do find this a very useful program.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi

Yes we are still here. We havnt had any other reports of email bounces to the support email address. If you could try the email again ( smsnotify-support@developer...... ) it should go through... please make sure you are sending to this address.

In regards to your problem, how many contacts do you have on your device? Are they stored on your sim card only, or a mix of your sim and phone memory. Are the numbers stored in the mobile number field? Also, if your device is on the orange network, has your device been unlocked?

If you still get this problem, and you can get through to the email (let me know if you have problems, We are still receiving email on this alias ? ) please supply a screen shot if you can of the error.

Thanks

Jason

[Guest spyda]

I purchased this software and it is not user-friendly. I have several issues;

1. There are so many options and, due to sub-menus, it isn't clear what features are set. There should be one page for all the options available. When I select a contact from the list, there should be one page displaying all options.

2. There are few global options.

3. I have over 200 contacts. It takes forever to load the program. It may be best to load the program on startup. I manually did this myself.

4. I use Xbar and many times, close all running applications. Can we keep this program resident in memory?

5. I have configured my contacts in categories. For example..family members. It'll be helpful to have a global ringtone for categories.

6. I set up a ringtone and photo for one contact. I also setup a default ringtone for all my contacts. When that one contact sends me an message, I hear the default ringtone and default template. I do not see the photo assigned.

7. It isn't clear what options and do right off the bat.

-icky