Messages App - April Update

[Jonny25]

Hi, 

In the new update (S8), Messages has a bar at the top of the app that says "Messages, # unread messages". 


It takes up 40% of the screen.

I would like it to not do this.


I would like to adjust the amount of space this takes up (less).

Or know of alternative apps I could download for messaging that reflect the prior minimalist theme. Preferably one I could transfer contacts/messages to. 


Thank you for helping.

[Shaggyskunk1BLM]

I'm using Android Messages (mostly because I have RCS with Rogers) and yes your Contacts will be available - I also have my Contacts saved to my Gmail account 🐧

[mumbles1]

hey shaggy great suggestion I changed the message app to android message and at least my text messages work fine with that app

[SnowCat19]

I used to use android messages but the edge lighting is not supported :(

[Cprice]

@Jonny25, you can't change the amount of space it takes up, that's just the way One UI is, you can try Android Messages as @Shaggyskunk1 suggested, I know he uses it and if he recommends it, you should definitely give it a try.

[Mathsss]

That's the worst they removed also the."phrase block" feature so I can block the stupid messages from Rogers telling me yhat I have a voicemail. that feature was there since Galaxy S 10 years ago... I wouldn't be surprised Rogers asked to remove that option...Also we can't change the background except if we change the wholr Theme.

[LastS8Ever]

Why did they change the closing apps and now an individual app keeps running unless you close all?

[Shaggyskunk1BLM]

@SnowCat19 - And for me with Rogers - RCS isn't supported with Samsung Messages... Be great if there was *uniform* support across the Carriers...What's weird about Edge Lighting is that it supports Greenify...which is an app that doesn't need any notification..

[SnowCat19]

Oh ya totally, its too bad the factory apps dont support everything :(

[Mathsss]

where can we give bad feedback to this update? looks like nobody from Samsung is watching. They removed all the options like change the background, phrases block... Defaut icons are like icons for kids games. I would like to use google messages too for RCS on Rogers but no phrase block too on this app. Pretty sure this is carriers that block the option through CSC (others.xml)... Why Samsung permit to block features on their phones like hotspot within drop down menu. Will think about moving to other brand for my next phone.