3 ms·
I mean it's similar with Signal: you can send Signal messages until someone in your contacts (which are most) doesn't use Signal so you have to send an SMS. Th
by alpaca128 6y ago
I mean it's similar with Signal: you can send Signal messages until someone in your contacts (which are most) doesn't use Signal so you have to send an SMS.
The problem is that Signal prefers to also set itself up as the default SMS app and doesn't clearly show which messages in the feed are what kind. As someone who has to explain this difference to his father about twice a month I don't like this "feature", it's utterly confusing to people who don't know or don't care about the distinction between web-based messaging, SMS and MMS(now defunct here) when they want to send a picture.
- drcongo 6y agoI don't understand this, so I'm guessing this is a "feature" of Android... but Signal _mixes_ SMS messages and Signal messages inside the Signal app, and doesn't visually differentiate?
- alpaca128 6y agoOne of the fundamental differences between iOS and Android is that on Android you can replace most preinstalled apps with a third-party app for the same purpose. You can use third-party camera apps, keyboards(iOS too for some time), messaging(SMS) apps, web browser engines, ... Signal requests the status as default messaging app, which imho is a problem when combined with inexperienced users who tend to just click "OK" to get rid of popups and error messages, and now don't understand why they can't send a picture to someone in their contact list. And yes, Signal just lists everything in the same interface. For non-technical users this can lead to a lot of unexpected behaviour.
- drcongo 6y agoThanks for the explainer. I think I now see why so many Android users are so totally wedded to WhatsApp.
- developer93 6y agoHowever, you don't have to make it the default. I have separate SMS and signal apps, it's not hard to set up.
- netizen-936824 6y agoThis is incorrect, there are small minor identifiers but you need to have an eye out.
- rpdillon 6y agoIt really does differentiate. I just checked, and the input box you have to tap on to type says "Unsecured SMS". Now, some folks might not know what that means, but I think it's a stretch to say is not clearly marked.
- threatofrain 6y agoPerhaps Signal should adopt blue and green coloring so people know they’re getting protected chats, or maybe a padlock to communicate security.
- throwaddzuzxd 6y agoIt's already visible on the "send" button IIRC. I think it's blue when it's secured, grey otherwise