SMS Tool

A collection of tools around SMS,
including the possibility to enable
and disable them by SMS. No costs,
no adds.

Overview

SMS Tool for Android phones can be installed from Google Play. The main features, Auto-reply, SMS-forward and Geoposition, can be seperately switched on or off. This can be done in the settings dialog of the application, or by SMS. The user can set up an auto-reply text and a number to forward SMS to in the settings dialog. Some additional features are described below.

SMSTool does not interfear with any other SMS application on the phone. SMSTool does not have to be started or active in order to work. It also works when the phone is in standby mode.
If all SMSTool features are disabled, the application just chills on the phone, doing nothing.

Automatically answering SMS carries the risk that the recipient also automatically answers, resulting in an expensive loop of SMS. Some people may also voluntarily inflict costs to other user, by sending unnecessary SMS. To prevent this, a security filter is implemented: SMSTool automatically sends a maximum of 5 SMS per hour to each received number, and a maximum of 20 SMS per hour to the specified number (the number to auto-forward SMS to, and from which to enable/disable SMSTool options). However, the author (developer) does not take any responsibility or reimbursement for costs resulting from installation or use of SMSTool, even in the case of a malfunction.

Main screen and Option menu

The main sreen is designed to send SMS. The user can directly load the phone contacts (Cont./Hist. button), or a history list of the last sent SMS (long-press of Cont./Hist. button). The recipient field contains a name if one is available, otherwise a number. Remember to use the full number starting with plus and country code. The Send button is self explaining, but has a second function on long-press: It enters the geolocation in the text field, so that the user can notyfy someone else of his location (only works if wireless network location is available and enabled on phone settings).
The buttom left area displays a text field with the options currenty set for SMSTool (info area). Per default, only the ability to enable/disable options is set ("Remote control: allowed).

The Option Menu incudes the option to delete the History list (list on long-press Cont./Hist. button), delete Log File content (If enabled by Settings, all incoming and outgoing SMS can be logged for later review- this text file is being created in the root directory of the external memory). About and Exit are self explaining.

Main app screen

Setting page and Features

Forward SMS: All incoming SMS are forwarded to a second phone number, which has to be specified under "Specified number". If enabled, "Forward" together with the configured number, appear in the Main screen. A maximum of 20 SMS during the last 60 minutes will be forwarded to the specified number, to prevent misuse and high costs.
Auto-reply to SMS: SMS to all incoming numbers will be generated, containing the text entered under "Reply text". This could be "I am out of office, but you know how to reach me". The wording "Auto-Reply active" will appear as a reminder on the Main screen info area . A maximum of 5 Reply-SMS per incoming number will be generated, to prevent misues. Auo-reply can be combined with Forward SMS.
Geoposition of device: If an SMS with the content "Geo" (all commands not case-sensitive) is received, a reply containing the current geoposition will be sent. The option can be turnet on for all incoming numbers, or only for the specified number. Personal freedom and laws have to be respected. The function works with Network location, which requires internet connection.
Echo SMS: Returnes the incoming SMS to the sender, either all numbers or specified number only. This function was designed for testing purposes.
Calculation results: If an SMS in the format of "calc 4*145" is received, it will return an SMS containing "580" to all or the specified number. The option should not be seen as the newest application of cloud computing, but is came at low cost when developing SMSTool.
Specified number: The number to which Forward-SMS will be sent, and the number from which the Reote control commands "geo on", "geo off", "reply on", "reply off", "forward on", "forward off" can be sent. It is recommended to enter the full number, starting with + and country code.
Reply text: The text for the Auto-reply (SMS-answering-machine) option
Remote control SMS Tool: If this checkbox is enabled, 6 commands can be executed from the specified number. The commands are "geo on", "geo off", "reply on", "reply off", "forward on", "forward off". They should be self explaining, as they are mentioned above.
Notification messages on send/receive: Even if SMS Tool is not running, messages will appear on an incoming or outgoing SMS, so that the user knows something is goin on. This is also useful to test the application.
LOG all SMS to file: All incoming SMS and outgoing SMS generated by SMS tool (not the ones written with the built-in SMS application) will be logged to file. It is possible to review who receifed auto-replies during a holiday, who requested the phones geolocation. The file SMSLog.txt can be found in the root of the SD card. It can be deleted manually or via the Option Menu (deletes its content but preserves the file), and will be recreated automatically if needed.

For any questions, commends, recommendations, please contact:
klpdevelop@gmail.com