Handle VCF files shared by third-party apps

[N1N74]

Problem

Some contact apps only support sharing VCF files and do not have an option to share a single phone number, forcing users to copy-paste the phone number into Launch Chat

Solution

Add the ability to handle VCF files, presenting users with the phone number(s) available in the contact file or auto-filling the phone number if there is a single phone number

Requirements

1. Add Launch Chat as an "Open with" intent option when a VCF file is shared/exported.
2. If the shared VCF file has a single phone number, auto-fill the phone number input field
3. If the shared VCF file has multiple phone numbers, show a dialog with the phone numbers and wait for selection before filling the input field.

Original request

App should be able to intercept and read vcf to display a choice for phone numbers (or even email). Saves the hassle of copying phone numbers, very minor inconvenience. Adding SMS support also covers another minor inconvenience lol.

[vinaygopinath]

Hi @N1N74 thanks for the feedback. It seems like there are two asks here, can you please confirm?

1. When a third-party app shares a VCF file, "Launch Chat" should show up as an option and, when selected, present a choice of phone numbers (if the contact has multiple phone numbers)
2. "Launch Chat" should add "Open SMS" as an option in addition to Signal/WhatsApp/Telegram. a. If you click on a phone number, wouldn't the SMS app presumably already show up as an option? What need would adding this button be addressing?

[N1N74]

1. Yup. Some apps store contacts locally and only allow sharing vcf. Any other option is used to perform default action, eg. call using default caller or sms using default sms app.
2. SMS apps do not show up for tel: links, it only shows up for sms: links so the app will save time copy pasting the contact for texting.

PS seems like "Launch Chat" is not intercepting sms: links.

[vinaygopinath]

Can you give me an example of an app that (only) allows sharing VCF, if you're familiar with one?

PS seems like "Launch Chat" is not intercepting sms: links.

Oh, good point - I'll check it out.

[N1N74]

Sure, locally stored contacts in Fossify Contacts or ConnectYou. The only alternative for using them alongside Launch Chat app is copy and pasting numbers which is a minor inconvinience lol

Since phone numbers are stored locally, Whatsapp, Telegram and Signal cannot access it and thus won't be able to start a chat with. Seems like ConnectYou sends SMS intent which only signal seems to supports and Fossify Contacts opens the default SMS app directly. The remaining option is share which sends vcf.