Access to preferences moved to global utility class ConversationsPlusPreferences. Unused imports removed. Unnecessary references to XmppConnectionService removed. Bug in call order in StartConversationActivity for the setting hide_offline fixed.

24 files changed, 532 insertions, 350 deletions

diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusApplication.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusApplication.java
index dfe67cb7..5c669650 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusApplication.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusApplication.java
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package de.thedevstack.conversationsplus;
 import android.app.Application;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.pm.PackageManager;
+import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 
 import java.io.File;
 
@@ -21,6 +22,7 @@ public class ConversationsPlusApplication extends Application {
     public void onCreate(){
         super.onCreate();
         ConversationsPlusApplication.instance = this;
+        ConversationsPlusPreferences.init(PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(getAppContext()));
     }
 
     /**
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusPreferences.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusPreferences.java
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..788aed41
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ConversationsPlusPreferences.java
@@ -0,0 +1,294 @@
+package de.thedevstack.conversationsplus;
+
+import android.content.SharedPreferences;
+
+import java.util.Set;
+
+import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
+
+/**
+ * Utility Class to access shared preferences of Conversations+.
+ */
+public class ConversationsPlusPreferences extends Settings {
+    private static ConversationsPlusPreferences instance;
+    private final SharedPreferences sharedPreferences;
+
+    public static boolean showDynamicTags() {
+        return getBoolean("show_dynamic_tags", false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Whether to send report to developer or not.
+     * @return
+     */
+    public static boolean neverSend() {
+        return getBoolean("never_send", false);
+    }
+
+    public static void applyNeverSend(boolean neverSend) {
+        applyBoolean("never_send", neverSend);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * The name used for the resource part of the accounts' JID.
+     * @return the resource name, <i>mobile</i> as default value
+     */
+    public static String resource() {
+        return getString("resource", "mobile");
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Whether to enable legacy SSL support.
+     * @return <code>true</code>if legacy support for SSL is enabled, <i>false</i> as default value
+     */
+    public static boolean enableLegacySSL() {
+        return getBoolean("enable_legacy_ssl", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean useSubject() {
+        return getBoolean("use_subject", true);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean displayEnterKey() {
+        return getBoolean("display_enter_key", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean useLargerFont() {
+        return getBoolean("use_larger_font", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean hideOffline() {
+        return getBoolean("hide_offline", false);
+    }
+
+    public static void commitHideOffline(boolean hideOffline) {
+        commitBoolean("hide_offline", hideOffline);
+    }
+
+    public static String recentlyUsedQuickAction() {
+        return getString("recently_used_quick_action", "text");
+    }
+
+    public static void applyRecentlyUsedQuickAction(String recentlyUsedQuickAction) {
+        applyString("recently_used_quick_action", recentlyUsedQuickAction);
+    }
+
+    public static String quickAction() {
+        return getString("quick_action", "recent");
+    }
+
+    public static boolean sendButtonStatus() {
+        return getBoolean("send_button_status", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean enterIsSend() {
+        return getBoolean("enter_is_send", false);
+    }
+
+    public static long autoAcceptFileSize() {
+        return getLongFromStringPref("auto_accept_file_size", 524288);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean vibrateOnNotification() {
+        return getBoolean("vibrate_on_notification", true);
+    }
+
+    public static String notificationRingtone() {
+        return getString("notification_ringtone", null);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean alwaysNotifyInConference() {
+        return getBoolean("always_notify_in_conference", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean showNotification() {
+        return getBoolean("show_notification", true);
+    }
+
+    public static long quietHoursEnd() {
+        return getLong("quiet_hours_end", 0);
+    }
+
+    public static long quietHoursStart() {
+        return getLong("quiet_hours_start", 0);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean enableQuietHours() {
+        return getBoolean("enable_quiet_hours", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean dontTrustSystemCAs() {
+        return getBoolean("dont_trust_system_cas", false);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean grantNewContacts() {
+        return getBoolean("grant_new_contacts", true);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean keepForegroundService() {
+        return getBoolean("keep_foreground_service", false);
+    }
+
+    public static void commitKeepForegroundService(boolean keepForegroundService) {
+        commitBoolean("keep_foreground_service", keepForegroundService);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean forceEncryption() {
+        return getBoolean("force_encryption", false);
+    }
+    public static boolean confirmMessages() {
+        return getBoolean("confirm_messages", true);
+    }
+
+    public static boolean dontSaveEncrypted() {
+        return getBoolean("dont_save_encrypted", false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Whether the chat states should be send or not.
+     * @return
+     */
+    public static boolean chatStates() {
+        return getBoolean("chat_states", false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Whether the receipient notification should be requested from the counterpart or not.
+     * <br>Default value is <code>false</code>
+     * @return <code>true</code> if the receipt should be requested, <code>false</code> otherwise
+     */
+    public static boolean indicateReceived() {
+        return getBoolean("indicate_received", false);
+    }
+
+    private ConversationsPlusPreferences(SharedPreferences sharedPreferences) {
+        this.sharedPreferences = sharedPreferences;
+    }
+
+    public synchronized static void init(SharedPreferences sharedPreferences) {
+        if (null == instance) {
+            instance = new ConversationsPlusPreferences(sharedPreferences);
+            initSettingsClassWithPreferences(sharedPreferences);
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences getSharedPreferences() {
+        return instance.sharedPreferences;
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences.Editor getSharedPreferencesEditor() {
+        return getSharedPreferences().edit();
+    }
+
+    private static String getString(String key, String defValue) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().getString(key, defValue);
+    }
+
+    private static float getFloat(String key, float defValue) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().getFloat(key, defValue);
+    }
+
+    private static float getFloatFromStringPref(String key, float defValue) {
+        try {
+            return Float.parseFloat(getString(key, String.valueOf(defValue)));
+        } catch (NumberFormatException e) {
+            return defValue;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static int getInt(String key, int defValue) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().getInt(key, defValue);
+    }
+
+    private static int getIntFromStringPref(String key, int defValue) {
+        try {
+            return Integer.parseInt(getString(key, String.valueOf(defValue)));
+        } catch (NumberFormatException e) {
+            return defValue;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static Set<String> getStringSet(String key, Set<String> defValues) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().getStringSet(key, defValues);
+    }
+
+    private static boolean contains(String key) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().contains(key);
+    }
+
+    private static long getLong(String key, long defValue) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().getLong(key, defValue);
+    }
+
+    private static long getLongFromStringPref(String key, long defValue) {
+        try {
+            return Long.parseLong(getString(key, String.valueOf(defValue)));
+        } catch (NumberFormatException e) {
+            return defValue;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static boolean getBoolean(String key, boolean defValue) {
+        return getSharedPreferences().getBoolean(key, defValue);
+    }
+
+    private static void commitBoolean(String key, boolean value) {
+        putBoolean(key, value).commit();
+    }
+
+    private static void applyBoolean(String key, boolean value) {
+        putBoolean(key, value).apply();
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences.Editor putBoolean(String key, boolean value) {
+        return getSharedPreferencesEditor().putBoolean(key, value);
+    }
+
+    private static void commitString(String key, String value) {
+        putString(key, value).commit();
+    }
+
+    private static void applyString(String key, String value) {
+        putString(key, value).apply();
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences.Editor putString(String key, String value) {
+        return getSharedPreferencesEditor().putString(key, value);
+    }
+
+    private static void commitInt(String key, int value) {
+        putInt(key, value).commit();
+    }
+
+    private static void applyInt(String key, int value) {
+        putInt(key, value).apply();
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences.Editor putInt(String key, int value) {
+        return getSharedPreferencesEditor().putInt(key, value);
+    }
+
+    private static void commitLong(String key, long value) {
+        putLong(key, value).commit();
+    }
+
+    private static void applyLong(String key, long value) {
+        putLong(key, value).apply();
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences.Editor putLong(String key, long value) {
+        return getSharedPreferencesEditor().putLong(key, value);
+    }
+
+    private static void commitFloat(String key, float value) {
+        putFloat(key, value).commit();
+    }
+
+    private static void applyLong(String key, float value) {
+        putFloat(key, value).apply();
+    }
+
+    private static SharedPreferences.Editor putFloat(String key, float value) {
+        return getSharedPreferencesEditor().putFloat(key, value);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/crypto/OtrService.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/crypto/OtrService.java
index ee7f492f..c9ee53ae 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/crypto/OtrService.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/crypto/OtrService.java
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import org.json.JSONObject;
 import android.util.Log;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Conversation;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.XmppConnectionService;
@@ -188,7 +189,7 @@ public class OtrService extends OtrCryptoEngineImpl implements OtrEngineHost {
 			Jid jid = Jid.fromSessionID(session);
 			Conversation conversation = mXmppConnectionService.find(account,jid);
 			if (conversation != null && conversation.setOutgoingChatState(Config.DEFAULT_CHATSTATE)) {
-				if (mXmppConnectionService.sendChatStates()) {
+				if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.chatStates()) {
 					packet.addChild(ChatState.toElement(conversation.getOutgoingChatState()));
 				}
 			}
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/entities/Conversation.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/entities/Conversation.java
index 8d4b3c27..e26f7944 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/entities/Conversation.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/entities/Conversation.java
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ import java.util.Iterator;
 import java.util.List;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.chatstate.ChatState;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.jid.InvalidJidException;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.jid.Jid;
@@ -764,7 +765,7 @@ public class Conversation extends AbstractEntity implements Blockable {
 					return count;
 				}
 				if (getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE
-						|| account.getXmppConnectionService().getNotificationService().conferenceNotificationsEnabled()
+						|| ConversationsPlusPreferences.alwaysNotifyInConference()
 						|| account.getXmppConnectionService().getNotificationService().wasHighlightedOrPrivate(message)
 						) {
 					++count;
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/AbstractGenerator.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/AbstractGenerator.java
index 3f4bb839..5a6c6ebf 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/AbstractGenerator.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/AbstractGenerator.java
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ import java.util.TimeZone;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusApplication;
 import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
-import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.XmppConnectionService;
 
 public abstract class AbstractGenerator {
 	private final String[] FEATURES = {
@@ -39,12 +38,6 @@ public abstract class AbstractGenerator {
 
 	private static final SimpleDateFormat DATE_FORMAT = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd'T'HH:mm:ss'Z'", Locale.US);
 
-	protected XmppConnectionService mXmppConnectionService;
-
-	protected AbstractGenerator(XmppConnectionService service) {
-		this.mXmppConnectionService = service;
-	}
-
 	public String getCapHash() {
 		StringBuilder s = new StringBuilder();
 		s.append("client/" + IDENTITY_TYPE + "//" + ConversationsPlusApplication.getNameAndVersion() + "<");
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/IqGenerator.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/IqGenerator.java
index 3382ee23..3d3dd360 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/IqGenerator.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/IqGenerator.java
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 package de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.generator;
 
-
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
 
@@ -9,7 +8,6 @@ import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Conversation;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.DownloadableFile;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.MessageArchiveService;
-import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.XmppConnectionService;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.utils.Xmlns;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xml.Element;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.forms.Data;
@@ -19,10 +17,6 @@ import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.stanzas.IqPacket;
 
 public class IqGenerator extends AbstractGenerator {
 
-	public IqGenerator(final XmppConnectionService service) {
-		super(service);
-	}
-
 	public IqPacket discoResponse(final IqPacket request) {
 		final IqPacket packet = new IqPacket(IqPacket.TYPE.RESULT);
 		packet.setId(request.getId());
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/MessageGenerator.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/MessageGenerator.java
index fa327141..af496fe1 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/MessageGenerator.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/MessageGenerator.java
@@ -7,19 +7,17 @@ import java.util.TimeZone;
 
 import net.java.otr4j.OtrException;
 import net.java.otr4j.session.Session;
+
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Conversation;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Message;
-import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.XmppConnectionService;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xml.Element;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.chatstate.ChatState;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.jid.Jid;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.stanzas.MessagePacket;
 
 public class MessageGenerator extends AbstractGenerator {
-	public MessageGenerator(XmppConnectionService service) {
-		super(service);
-	}
 
 	private MessagePacket preparePacket(Message message, boolean addDelay) {
 		Conversation conversation = message.getConversation();
@@ -29,13 +27,13 @@ public class MessageGenerator extends AbstractGenerator {
 			packet.setTo(message.getCounterpart());
 			packet.setType(MessagePacket.TYPE_CHAT);
 			packet.addChild("markable", "urn:xmpp:chat-markers:0");
-			if (this.mXmppConnectionService.indicateReceived()) {
+			if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.indicateReceived()) {
 				packet.addChild("request", "urn:xmpp:receipts");
 			}
 		} else if (message.getType() == Message.TYPE_PRIVATE) {
 			packet.setTo(message.getCounterpart());
 			packet.setType(MessagePacket.TYPE_CHAT);
-			if (this.mXmppConnectionService.indicateReceived()) {
+			if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.indicateReceived()) {
 				packet.addChild("request", "urn:xmpp:receipts");
 			}
 		} else {
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/PresenceGenerator.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/PresenceGenerator.java
index 896aad71..1656bd51 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/PresenceGenerator.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/generator/PresenceGenerator.java
@@ -2,16 +2,11 @@ package de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.generator;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Contact;
-import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.XmppConnectionService;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xml.Element;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.stanzas.PresencePacket;
 
 public class PresenceGenerator extends AbstractGenerator {
 
-	public PresenceGenerator(XmppConnectionService service) {
-		super(service);
-	}
-
 	private PresencePacket subscription(String type, Contact contact) {
 		PresencePacket packet = new PresencePacket();
 		packet.setAttribute("type", type);
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/parser/MessageParser.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/parser/MessageParser.java
index 1977e126..2969a18d 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/parser/MessageParser.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/parser/MessageParser.java
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import android.util.Pair;
 import net.java.otr4j.session.Session;
 import net.java.otr4j.session.SessionStatus;
 
-import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Contact;
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ public class MessageParser extends AbstractParser implements
 				mXmppConnectionService.updateConversationUi();
 			}
 
-			if (mXmppConnectionService.confirmMessages() && remoteMsgId != null && !isForwarded) {
+			if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.confirmMessages() && remoteMsgId != null && !isForwarded) {
 				if (packet.hasChild("markable", "urn:xmpp:chat-markers:0")) {
 					MessagePacket receipt = mXmppConnectionService
 							.getMessageGenerator().received(account, packet, "urn:xmpp:chat-markers:0");
@@ -364,7 +364,7 @@ public class MessageParser extends AbstractParser implements
 				conversation.endOtrIfNeeded();
 			}
 
-			if (message.getEncryption() == Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE || mXmppConnectionService.saveEncryptedMessages()) {
+			if (message.getEncryption() == Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE || !ConversationsPlusPreferences.dontSaveEncrypted()) {
 				mXmppConnectionService.databaseBackend.createMessage(message);
 			}
 			final HttpConnectionManager manager = this.mXmppConnectionService.getHttpConnectionManager();
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/AbstractConnectionManager.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/AbstractConnectionManager.java
index 0dedc01d..00c78348 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/AbstractConnectionManager.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/AbstractConnectionManager.java
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 package de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
+
 public class AbstractConnectionManager {
 	protected XmppConnectionService mXmppConnectionService;
 
@@ -12,12 +14,6 @@ public class AbstractConnectionManager {
 	}
 
 	public long getAutoAcceptFileSize() {
-		String config = this.mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences().getString(
-				"auto_accept_file_size", "524288");
-		try {
-			return Long.parseLong(config);
-		} catch (NumberFormatException e) {
-			return 524288;
-		}
+		return ConversationsPlusPreferences.autoAcceptFileSize();
 	}
 }
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/NotificationService.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/NotificationService.java
index e6692d40..1536e8b1 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/NotificationService.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/NotificationService.java
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import android.app.NotificationManager;
 import android.app.PendingIntent;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
-import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.graphics.Bitmap;
 import android.net.Uri;
 import android.os.Build;
@@ -32,6 +31,7 @@ import java.util.regex.Matcher;
 import java.util.regex.Pattern;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusApplication;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
@@ -40,7 +40,6 @@ import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Conversation;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Message;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.ConversationActivity;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.ManageAccountActivity;
-import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.TimePreference;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.utils.GeoHelper;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.utils.UIHelper;
 
@@ -64,10 +63,10 @@ public class NotificationService {
 
 	public boolean notify(final Message message) {
 		return (message.getStatus() == Message.STATUS_RECEIVED)
-			&& notificationsEnabled()
+			&& ConversationsPlusPreferences.showNotification()
 			&& !message.getConversation().isMuted()
 			&& (message.getConversation().getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE
-					|| conferenceNotificationsEnabled()
+					|| ConversationsPlusPreferences.alwaysNotifyInConference()
 					|| wasHighlightedOrPrivate(message)
 				 );
 	}
@@ -93,17 +92,12 @@ public class NotificationService {
 		mXmppConnectionService.sendBroadcast(i);
 	}
 
-
-	public boolean notificationsEnabled() {
-		return mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences().getBoolean("show_notification", true);
-	}
-
 	public boolean isQuietHours() {
-		if (!mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences().getBoolean("enable_quiet_hours", false)) {
+		if (!ConversationsPlusPreferences.enableQuietHours()) {
 			return false;
 		}
-		final long startTime = mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences().getLong("quiet_hours_start", TimePreference.DEFAULT_VALUE) % Config.MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY;
-		final long endTime = mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences().getLong("quiet_hours_end", TimePreference.DEFAULT_VALUE) % Config.MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY;
+		final long startTime = ConversationsPlusPreferences.quietHoursStart() % Config.MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY;
+		final long endTime = ConversationsPlusPreferences.quietHoursEnd() % Config.MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY;
 		final long nowTime = Calendar.getInstance().getTimeInMillis() % Config.MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY;
 
 		if (endTime < startTime) {
@@ -113,10 +107,6 @@ public class NotificationService {
 		}
 	}
 
-	public boolean conferenceNotificationsEnabled() {
-		return mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences().getBoolean("always_notify_in_conference", false);
-	}
-
 	@SuppressLint("NewApi")
 	@SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
 	private boolean isInteractive() {
@@ -184,12 +174,10 @@ public class NotificationService {
 	}
 
 	private void updateNotification(final boolean notify) {
-		final NotificationManager notificationManager = (NotificationManager) mXmppConnectionService
-			.getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE);
-		final SharedPreferences preferences = mXmppConnectionService.getPreferences();
+		final NotificationManager notificationManager = (NotificationManager) ConversationsPlusApplication.getAppContext().getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE);
 
-		final String ringtone = preferences.getString("notification_ringtone", null);
-		final boolean vibrate = preferences.getBoolean("vibrate_on_notification", true);
+		final String ringtone = ConversationsPlusPreferences.notificationRingtone();
+		final boolean vibrate = ConversationsPlusPreferences.vibrateOnNotification();
 
 		if (notifications.size() == 0) {
 			notificationManager.cancel(NOTIFICATION_ID);
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/XmppConnectionService.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/XmppConnectionService.java
index 5e529f3c..212bc76a 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/XmppConnectionService.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/services/XmppConnectionService.java
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import android.app.PendingIntent;
 import android.app.Service;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
-import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.database.ContentObserver;
 import android.graphics.Bitmap;
 import android.net.ConnectivityManager;
@@ -20,7 +19,6 @@ import android.os.Looper;
 import android.os.PowerManager;
 import android.os.PowerManager.WakeLock;
 import android.os.SystemClock;
-import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.provider.ContactsContract;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.util.LruCache;
@@ -49,6 +47,7 @@ import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.concurrent.CopyOnWriteArrayList;
 
 import de.duenndns.ssl.MemorizingTrustManager;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
@@ -175,7 +174,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 			}
 		}
 	};
-	private final IqGenerator mIqGenerator = new IqGenerator(this);
+	private final IqGenerator mIqGenerator = new IqGenerator();
 	public DatabaseBackend databaseBackend;
 	public OnContactStatusChanged onContactStatusChanged = new OnContactStatusChanged() {
 
@@ -222,8 +221,8 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 			}
 		}
 	};
-	private MessageGenerator mMessageGenerator = new MessageGenerator(this);
-	private PresenceGenerator mPresenceGenerator = new PresenceGenerator(this);
+	private MessageGenerator mMessageGenerator = new MessageGenerator();
+	private PresenceGenerator mPresenceGenerator = new PresenceGenerator();
 	private List<Account> accounts;
 	private JingleConnectionManager mJingleConnectionManager = new JingleConnectionManager(
 			this);
@@ -343,7 +342,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	public void attachLocationToConversation(final Conversation conversation,
 											 final Uri uri,
 											 final UiCallback<Message> callback) {
-		int encryption = conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption());
+		int encryption = conversation.getNextEncryption(ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption());
 		if (encryption == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
 			encryption = Message.ENCRYPTION_DECRYPTED;
 		}
@@ -362,12 +361,13 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 			final Uri uri,
 			final UiCallback<Message> callback) {
 		final Message message;
-		if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption()) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
+		boolean forceEncryption = ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption();
+		if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
 			message = new Message(conversation, "",
 					Message.ENCRYPTION_DECRYPTED);
 		} else {
 			message = new Message(conversation, "",
-					conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption()));
+					conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption));
 		}
 		message.setCounterpart(conversation.getNextCounterpart());
 		message.setType(Message.TYPE_FILE);
@@ -403,12 +403,13 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	public void attachImageToConversation(final Conversation conversation,
 			final Uri uri, final UiCallback<Message> callback) {
 		final Message message;
-		if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption()) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
+        final boolean forceEncryption = ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption();
+		if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
 			message = new Message(conversation, "",
 					Message.ENCRYPTION_DECRYPTED);
 		} else {
 			message = new Message(conversation, "",
-					conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption()));
+					conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption));
 		}
 		message.setCounterpart(conversation.getNextCounterpart());
 		message.setType(Message.TYPE_IMAGE);
@@ -418,7 +419,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 			public void run() {
 				try {
 					getFileBackend().copyImageToPrivateStorage(message, uri);
-					if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption()) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
+					if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
 						getPgpEngine().encrypt(message, callback);
 					} else {
 						callback.success(message);
@@ -462,7 +463,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 					mNotificationService.clear();
 					break;
 				case ACTION_DISABLE_FOREGROUND:
-					getPreferences().edit().putBoolean("keep_foreground_service",false).commit();
+					ConversationsPlusPreferences.commitKeepForegroundService(false);
 					toggleForegroundService();
 					break;
 				case ACTION_TRY_AGAIN:
@@ -555,7 +556,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	private void resetAllAttemptCounts(boolean reallyAll) {
-		Log.d(Config.LOGTAG,"resetting all attepmt counts");
+		Log.d(Config.LOGTAG, "resetting all attepmt counts");
 		for(Account account : accounts) {
 			if (account.hasErrorStatus() || reallyAll) {
 				final XmppConnection connection = account.getXmppConnection();
@@ -628,7 +629,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	public void toggleForegroundService() {
-		if (getPreferences().getBoolean("keep_foreground_service",false)) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.keepForegroundService()) {
 			startForeground(NotificationService.FOREGROUND_NOTIFICATION_ID, this.mNotificationService.createForegroundNotification());
 		} else {
 			stopForeground(true);
@@ -638,7 +639,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	@Override
 	public void onTaskRemoved(final Intent rootIntent) {
 		super.onTaskRemoved(rootIntent);
-		if (!getPreferences().getBoolean("keep_foreground_service",false)) {
+		if (!ConversationsPlusPreferences.keepForegroundService()) {
 			this.logoutAndSave();
 		}
 	}
@@ -672,9 +673,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	public XmppConnection createConnection(final Account account) {
-		final SharedPreferences sharedPref = getPreferences();
-		account.setResource(sharedPref.getString("resource", "mobile")
-				.toLowerCase(Locale.getDefault()));
+		account.setResource(ConversationsPlusPreferences.resource().toLowerCase(Locale.getDefault()));
 		final XmppConnection connection = new XmppConnection(account, this);
 		connection.setOnMessagePacketReceivedListener(this.mMessageParser);
 		connection.setOnStatusChangedListener(this.statusListener);
@@ -688,7 +687,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	public void sendChatState(Conversation conversation) {
-		if (sendChatStates()) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.chatStates()) {
 			MessagePacket packet = mMessageGenerator.generateChatState(conversation);
 			sendMessagePacket(conversation.getAccount(), packet);
 		}
@@ -813,14 +812,14 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 			}
 		} else {
 			conversation.add(message);
-			if (saveInDb && (message.getEncryption() == Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE || saveEncryptedMessages())) {
+			if (saveInDb && (message.getEncryption() == Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE || !ConversationsPlusPreferences.dontSaveEncrypted())) {
 				databaseBackend.createMessage(message);
 			}
 			updateConversationUi();
 		}
 		if (packet != null) {
 			if (conversation.setOutgoingChatState(Config.DEFAULT_CHATSTATE)) {
-				if (this.sendChatStates()) {
+				if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.chatStates()) {
 					packet.addChild(ChatState.toElement(conversation.getOutgoingChatState()));
 				}
 			}
@@ -1213,17 +1212,17 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	public void updateAccountPasswordOnServer(final Account account, final String newPassword, final OnAccountPasswordChanged callback) {
 		final IqPacket iq = getIqGenerator().generateSetPassword(account, newPassword);
 		sendIqPacket(account, iq, new OnIqPacketReceived() {
-			@Override
-			public void onIqPacketReceived(final Account account, final IqPacket packet) {
-				if (packet.getType() == IqPacket.TYPE.RESULT) {
-					account.setPassword(newPassword);
-					databaseBackend.updateAccount(account);
-					callback.onPasswordChangeSucceeded();
-				} else {
-					callback.onPasswordChangeFailed();
-				}
-			}
-		});
+            @Override
+            public void onIqPacketReceived(final Account account, final IqPacket packet) {
+                if (packet.getType() == IqPacket.TYPE.RESULT) {
+                    account.setPassword(newPassword);
+                    databaseBackend.updateAccount(account);
+                    callback.onPasswordChangeSucceeded();
+                } else {
+                    callback.onPasswordChangeFailed();
+                }
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	public void deleteAccount(final Account account) {
@@ -1558,7 +1557,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 			conversation.getMucOptions().setOffline();
 			conversation.deregisterWithBookmark();
 			Log.d(Config.LOGTAG, conversation.getAccount().getJid().toBareJid()
-					+ ": leaving muc " + conversation.getJid());
+                    + ": leaving muc " + conversation.getJid());
 		} else {
 			account.pendingConferenceLeaves.add(conversation);
 		}
@@ -1642,23 +1641,23 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 		request.setTo(conversation.getJid().toBareJid());
 		request.query("http://jabber.org/protocol/disco#info");
 		sendIqPacket(conversation.getAccount(), request, new OnIqPacketReceived() {
-			@Override
-			public void onIqPacketReceived(Account account, IqPacket packet) {
-				if (packet.getType() != IqPacket.TYPE.ERROR) {
-					ArrayList<String> features = new ArrayList<>();
-					for (Element child : packet.query().getChildren()) {
-						if (child != null && child.getName().equals("feature")) {
-							String var = child.getAttribute("var");
-							if (var != null) {
-								features.add(var);
-							}
-						}
-					}
-					conversation.getMucOptions().updateFeatures(features);
-					updateConversationUi();
-				}
-			}
-		});
+            @Override
+            public void onIqPacketReceived(Account account, IqPacket packet) {
+                if (packet.getType() != IqPacket.TYPE.ERROR) {
+                    ArrayList<String> features = new ArrayList<>();
+                    for (Element child : packet.query().getChildren()) {
+                        if (child != null && child.getName().equals("feature")) {
+                            String var = child.getAttribute("var");
+                            if (var != null) {
+                                features.add(var);
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                    conversation.getMucOptions().updateFeatures(features);
+                    updateConversationUi();
+                }
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	public void pushConferenceConfiguration(final Conversation conversation, final Bundle options, final OnConferenceOptionsPushed callback) {
@@ -1802,9 +1801,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	public void createContact(Contact contact) {
-		SharedPreferences sharedPref = getPreferences();
-		boolean autoGrant = sharedPref.getBoolean("grant_new_contacts", true);
-		if (autoGrant) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.grantNewContacts()) {
 			contact.setOption(Contact.Options.PREEMPTIVE_GRANT);
 			contact.setOption(Contact.Options.ASKING);
 		}
@@ -1820,27 +1817,27 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 						+ otrSession.getSessionID().getUserID());
 		conversation.findUnsentMessagesWithOtrEncryption(new Conversation.OnMessageFound() {
 
-			@Override
-			public void onMessageFound(Message message) {
-				SessionID id = otrSession.getSessionID();
-				try {
-					message.setCounterpart(Jid.fromString(id.getAccountID() + "/" + id.getUserID()));
-				} catch (InvalidJidException e) {
-					return;
-				}
-				if (message.needsUploading()) {
-					mJingleConnectionManager.createNewConnection(message);
-				} else {
-					MessagePacket outPacket = mMessageGenerator.generateOtrChat(message, true);
-					if (outPacket != null) {
-						message.setStatus(Message.STATUS_SEND);
-						databaseBackend.updateMessage(message);
-						sendMessagePacket(account, outPacket);
-					}
-				}
-				updateConversationUi();
-			}
-		});
+            @Override
+            public void onMessageFound(Message message) {
+                SessionID id = otrSession.getSessionID();
+                try {
+                    message.setCounterpart(Jid.fromString(id.getAccountID() + "/" + id.getUserID()));
+                } catch (InvalidJidException e) {
+                    return;
+                }
+                if (message.needsUploading()) {
+                    mJingleConnectionManager.createNewConnection(message);
+                } else {
+                    MessagePacket outPacket = mMessageGenerator.generateOtrChat(message, true);
+                    if (outPacket != null) {
+                        message.setStatus(Message.STATUS_SEND);
+                        databaseBackend.updateMessage(message);
+                        sendMessagePacket(account, outPacket);
+                    }
+                }
+                updateConversationUi();
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	public boolean renewSymmetricKey(Conversation conversation) {
@@ -2040,31 +2037,31 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	private void fetchAvatarVcard(final Account account, final Avatar avatar, final UiCallback<Avatar> callback) {
 		IqPacket packet = this.mIqGenerator.retrieveVcardAvatar(avatar);
 		this.sendIqPacket(account, packet, new OnIqPacketReceived() {
-			@Override
-			public void onIqPacketReceived(Account account, IqPacket packet) {
-				synchronized (mInProgressAvatarFetches) {
-					mInProgressAvatarFetches.remove(generateFetchKey(account, avatar));
-				}
-				if (packet.getType() == IqPacket.TYPE.RESULT) {
-					Element vCard = packet.findChild("vCard", "vcard-temp");
-					Element photo = vCard != null ? vCard.findChild("PHOTO") : null;
-					String image = photo != null ? photo.findChildContent("BINVAL") : null;
-					if (image != null) {
-						avatar.image = image;
-						if (getFileBackend().save(avatar)) {
-							Log.d(Config.LOGTAG, account.getJid().toBareJid()
-									+ ": successfully fetched vCard avatar for " + avatar.owner);
-							Contact contact = account.getRoster()
-									.getContact(avatar.owner);
-							contact.setAvatar(avatar);
-							getAvatarService().clear(contact);
-							updateConversationUi();
-							updateRosterUi();
-						}
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		});
+            @Override
+            public void onIqPacketReceived(Account account, IqPacket packet) {
+                synchronized (mInProgressAvatarFetches) {
+                    mInProgressAvatarFetches.remove(generateFetchKey(account, avatar));
+                }
+                if (packet.getType() == IqPacket.TYPE.RESULT) {
+                    Element vCard = packet.findChild("vCard", "vcard-temp");
+                    Element photo = vCard != null ? vCard.findChild("PHOTO") : null;
+                    String image = photo != null ? photo.findChildContent("BINVAL") : null;
+                    if (image != null) {
+                        avatar.image = image;
+                        if (getFileBackend().save(avatar)) {
+                            Log.d(Config.LOGTAG, account.getJid().toBareJid()
+                                    + ": successfully fetched vCard avatar for " + avatar.owner);
+                            Contact contact = account.getRoster()
+                                    .getContact(avatar.owner);
+                            contact.setAvatar(avatar);
+                            getAvatarService().clear(contact);
+                            updateConversationUi();
+                            updateRosterUi();
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	public void checkForAvatar(Account account, final UiCallback<Avatar> callback) {
@@ -2158,14 +2155,14 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	public void invite(Conversation conversation, Jid contact) {
-		Log.d(Config.LOGTAG,conversation.getAccount().getJid().toBareJid()+": inviting "+contact+" to "+conversation.getJid().toBareJid());
+		Log.d(Config.LOGTAG, conversation.getAccount().getJid().toBareJid() + ": inviting " + contact + " to " + conversation.getJid().toBareJid());
 		MessagePacket packet = mMessageGenerator.invite(conversation, contact);
 		sendMessagePacket(conversation.getAccount(), packet);
 	}
 
 	public void directInvite(Conversation conversation, Jid jid) {
 		MessagePacket packet = mMessageGenerator.directInvite(conversation, jid);
-		sendMessagePacket(conversation.getAccount(),packet);
+		sendMessagePacket(conversation.getAccount(), packet);
 	}
 
 	public void resetSendingToWaiting(Account account) {
@@ -2224,30 +2221,6 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 		updateConversationUi();
 	}
 
-	public SharedPreferences getPreferences() {
-		return PreferenceManager
-				.getDefaultSharedPreferences(getApplicationContext());
-	}
-
-	public boolean forceEncryption() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("force_encryption", false);
-	}
-	public boolean confirmMessages() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("confirm_messages", true);
-	}
-
-	public boolean sendChatStates() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("chat_states", false);
-	}
-
-	public boolean saveEncryptedMessages() {
-		return !getPreferences().getBoolean("dont_save_encrypted", false);
-	}
-
-	public boolean indicateReceived() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("indicate_received", false);
-	}
-
 	public int unreadCount() {
 		int count = 0;
 		for(Conversation conversation : getConversations()) {
@@ -2357,8 +2330,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 
 	public void updateMemorizingTrustmanager() {
 		final MemorizingTrustManager tm;
-		final boolean dontTrustSystemCAs = getPreferences().getBoolean("dont_trust_system_cas", false);
-		if (dontTrustSystemCAs) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.dontTrustSystemCAs()) {
 			 tm = new MemorizingTrustManager(getApplicationContext(), null);
 		} else {
 			tm = new MemorizingTrustManager(getApplicationContext());
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ContactDetailsActivity.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ContactDetailsActivity.java
index bf0c126e..e8d822c8 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ContactDetailsActivity.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ContactDetailsActivity.java
@@ -6,10 +6,8 @@ import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.DialogInterface;
 import android.content.Intent;
 import android.content.IntentSender.SendIntentException;
-import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.net.Uri;
 import android.os.Bundle;
-import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.provider.ContactsContract;
 import android.provider.ContactsContract.CommonDataKinds;
 import android.provider.ContactsContract.Contacts;
@@ -32,6 +30,7 @@ import org.openintents.openpgp.util.OpenPgpUtils;
 
 import java.util.List;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.crypto.PgpEngine;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
@@ -208,8 +207,7 @@ public class ContactDetailsActivity extends XmppActivity implements OnAccountUpd
 			getActionBar().setDisplayHomeAsUpEnabled(true);
 		}
 
-		final SharedPreferences preferences = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(this);
-		this.showDynamicTags = preferences.getBoolean("show_dynamic_tags",false);
+		this.showDynamicTags = ConversationsPlusPreferences.showDynamicTags();
 	}
 
 	@Override
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationActivity.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationActivity.java
index 2aeeb9c7..4f30cda3 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationActivity.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationActivity.java
@@ -28,6 +28,8 @@ import android.widget.PopupMenu.OnMenuItemClickListener;
 import android.widget.Toast;
 
 import net.java.otr4j.session.SessionStatus;
+
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.timroes.android.listview.EnhancedListView;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
@@ -47,7 +49,6 @@ import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.services.XmppConnectionService.OnRosterU
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.adapter.ConversationAdapter;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.utils.ExceptionHelper;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.OnUpdateBlocklist;
-import github.ankushsachdeva.emojicon.EmojiconEditText;
 
 public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 	implements OnAccountUpdate, OnConversationUpdate, OnRosterUpdate, OnUpdateBlocklist, XmppConnectionService.OnShowErrorToast {
@@ -297,12 +298,12 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 	public void switchToConversation(Conversation conversation) {
 		setSelectedConversation(conversation);
 		runOnUiThread(new Runnable() {
-			@Override
-			public void run() {
-				ConversationActivity.this.mConversationFragment.reInit(getSelectedConversation());
-				openConversation();
-			}
-		});
+            @Override
+            public void run() {
+                ConversationActivity.this.mConversationFragment.reInit(getSelectedConversation());
+                openConversation();
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	private void updateActionBarTitle() {
@@ -316,7 +317,7 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 			if (titleShouldBeName && conversation != null) {
 				ab.setDisplayHomeAsUpEnabled(true);
 				ab.setHomeButtonEnabled(true);
-				if (conversation.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE || useSubjectToIdentifyConference()) {
+				if (conversation.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE || ConversationsPlusPreferences.useSubject()) {
 					ab.setTitle(conversation.getName());
 				} else {
 					ab.setTitle(conversation.getJid().toBareJid().toString());
@@ -377,7 +378,7 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 		} else {
 			menuAdd.setVisible(!isConversationsOverviewHideable());
 			if (this.getSelectedConversation() != null) {
-				if (this.getSelectedConversation().getNextEncryption(forceEncryption()) != Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE) {
+				if (this.getSelectedConversation().getNextEncryption(ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption()) != Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE) {
 					if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.LOLLIPOP) {
 						menuSecure.setIcon(R.drawable.ic_lock_white_24dp);
 					} else {
@@ -477,20 +478,20 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 	public void attachFile(final int attachmentChoice) {
 		switch (attachmentChoice) {
 			case ATTACHMENT_CHOICE_LOCATION:
-				getPreferences().edit().putString("recently_used_quick_action","location").apply();
+				ConversationsPlusPreferences.applyRecentlyUsedQuickAction("location");
 				break;
 			case ATTACHMENT_CHOICE_RECORD_VOICE:
-				getPreferences().edit().putString("recently_used_quick_action","voice").apply();
+                ConversationsPlusPreferences.applyRecentlyUsedQuickAction("voice");
 				break;
 			case ATTACHMENT_CHOICE_TAKE_PHOTO:
-				getPreferences().edit().putString("recently_used_quick_action","photo").apply();
+                ConversationsPlusPreferences.applyRecentlyUsedQuickAction("photo");
 				break;
 			case ATTACHMENT_CHOICE_CHOOSE_IMAGE:
-				getPreferences().edit().putString("recently_used_quick_action","picture").apply();
+                ConversationsPlusPreferences.applyRecentlyUsedQuickAction("picture");
 				break;
 		}
 		final Conversation conversation = getSelectedConversation();
-		final int encryption = conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption());
+		final int encryption = conversation.getNextEncryption(ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption());
 		if (encryption == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
 			if (hasPgp()) {
 				if (conversation.getContact().getPgpKeyId() != 0) {
@@ -627,19 +628,19 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 		builder.setView(dialogView);
 		builder.setNegativeButton(getString(R.string.cancel), null);
 		builder.setPositiveButton(getString(R.string.delete_messages),
-				new OnClickListener() {
+                new OnClickListener() {
 
-					@Override
-					public void onClick(DialogInterface dialog, int which) {
-						ConversationActivity.this.xmppConnectionService.clearConversationHistory(conversation);
-						if (endConversationCheckBox.isChecked()) {
-							endConversation(conversation);
-						} else {
-							updateConversationList();
-							ConversationActivity.this.mConversationFragment.updateMessages();
-						}
-					}
-				});
+                    @Override
+                    public void onClick(DialogInterface dialog, int which) {
+                        ConversationActivity.this.xmppConnectionService.clearConversationHistory(conversation);
+                        if (endConversationCheckBox.isChecked()) {
+                            endConversation(conversation);
+                        } else {
+                            updateConversationList();
+                            ConversationActivity.this.mConversationFragment.updateMessages();
+                        }
+                    }
+                });
 		builder.create().show();
 	}
 
@@ -766,14 +767,15 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 			MenuItem otr = popup.getMenu().findItem(R.id.encryption_choice_otr);
 			MenuItem none = popup.getMenu().findItem(R.id.encryption_choice_none);
 			MenuItem pgp = popup.getMenu().findItem(R.id.encryption_choice_pgp);
+			boolean forceEncryption = ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption();
 			if (conversation.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_MULTI) {
 				otr.setEnabled(false);
 			} else {
-				if (forceEncryption()) {
+				if (forceEncryption) {
 					none.setVisible(false);
 				}
 			}
-			switch (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption())) {
+			switch (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption)) {
 				case Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE:
 					none.setChecked(true);
 					break;
@@ -797,24 +799,24 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 		final int[] durations = getResources().getIntArray(
 				R.array.mute_options_durations);
 		builder.setItems(R.array.mute_options_descriptions,
-				new OnClickListener() {
+                new OnClickListener() {
 
-					@Override
-					public void onClick(final DialogInterface dialog, final int which) {
-						final long till;
-						if (durations[which] == -1) {
-							till = Long.MAX_VALUE;
-						} else {
-							till = System.currentTimeMillis() + (durations[which] * 1000);
-						}
-						conversation.setMutedTill(till);
-						ConversationActivity.this.xmppConnectionService.databaseBackend
-							.updateConversation(conversation);
-						updateConversationList();
-						ConversationActivity.this.mConversationFragment.updateMessages();
-						invalidateOptionsMenu();
-					}
-				});
+                    @Override
+                    public void onClick(final DialogInterface dialog, final int which) {
+                        final long till;
+                        if (durations[which] == -1) {
+                            till = Long.MAX_VALUE;
+                        } else {
+                            till = System.currentTimeMillis() + (durations[which] * 1000);
+                        }
+                        conversation.setMutedTill(till);
+                        ConversationActivity.this.xmppConnectionService.databaseBackend
+                                .updateConversation(conversation);
+                        updateConversationList();
+                        ConversationActivity.this.mConversationFragment.updateMessages();
+                        invalidateOptionsMenu();
+                    }
+                });
 		builder.create().show();
 	}
 
@@ -872,7 +874,7 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 	public void onResume() {
 		super.onResume();
 		final int theme = findTheme();
-		final boolean usingEnterKey = usingEnterKey();
+		final boolean usingEnterKey = ConversationsPlusPreferences.displayEnterKey();
 		if (this.mTheme != theme || usingEnterKey != mUsingEnterKey) {
 			recreate();
 		}
@@ -895,7 +897,7 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 					conversation.getUuid());
 		}
 		savedInstanceState.putBoolean(STATE_PANEL_OPEN,
-				isConversationsOverviewVisable());
+                isConversationsOverviewVisable());
 		if (this.mPendingImageUris.size() >= 1) {
 			savedInstanceState.putString(STATE_PENDING_URI, this.mPendingImageUris.get(0).toString());
 		}
@@ -1079,23 +1081,23 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 		if (conversation == null) {
 			return;
 		}
-		xmppConnectionService.attachLocationToConversation(conversation,uri, new UiCallback<Message>() {
+		xmppConnectionService.attachLocationToConversation(conversation, uri, new UiCallback<Message>() {
 
-			@Override
-			public void success(Message message) {
-				xmppConnectionService.sendMessage(message);
-			}
+            @Override
+            public void success(Message message) {
+                xmppConnectionService.sendMessage(message);
+            }
 
-			@Override
-			public void error(int errorCode, Message object) {
+            @Override
+            public void error(int errorCode, Message object) {
 
-			}
+            }
 
-			@Override
-			public void userInputRequried(PendingIntent pi, Message object) {
+            @Override
+            public void userInputRequried(PendingIntent pi, Message object) {
 
-			}
-		});
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	private void attachFileToConversation(Conversation conversation, Uri uri) {
@@ -1105,22 +1107,22 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 		prepareFileToast = Toast.makeText(getApplicationContext(),getText(R.string.preparing_file), Toast.LENGTH_LONG);
 		prepareFileToast.show();
 		xmppConnectionService.attachFileToConversation(conversation, uri, new UiCallback<Message>() {
-			@Override
-			public void success(Message message) {
-				hidePrepareFileToast();
-				xmppConnectionService.sendMessage(message);
-			}
+            @Override
+            public void success(Message message) {
+                hidePrepareFileToast();
+                xmppConnectionService.sendMessage(message);
+            }
 
-			@Override
-			public void error(int errorCode, Message message) {
-				displayErrorDialog(errorCode);
-			}
+            @Override
+            public void error(int errorCode, Message message) {
+                displayErrorDialog(errorCode);
+            }
 
-			@Override
-			public void userInputRequried(PendingIntent pi, Message message) {
+            @Override
+            public void userInputRequried(PendingIntent pi, Message message) {
 
-			}
-		});
+            }
+        });
 	}
 
 	private void attachImageToConversation(Conversation conversation, Uri uri) {
@@ -1208,18 +1210,6 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 				});
 	}
 
-	public boolean forceEncryption() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("force_encryption", false);
-	}
-
-	public boolean useSendButtonToIndicateStatus() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("send_button_status", false);
-	}
-
-	public boolean indicateReceived() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("indicate_received", false);
-	}
-
 	@Override
 	protected void refreshUiReal() {
 		updateConversationList();
@@ -1273,10 +1263,6 @@ public class ConversationActivity extends XmppActivity
 		xmppConnectionService.sendUnblockRequest(conversation);
 	}
 
-	public boolean enterIsSend() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("enter_is_send",false);
-	}
-
 	@Override
 	public void onShowErrorToast(final int resId) {
 		runOnUiThread(new Runnable() {
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationFragment.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationFragment.java
index d715aee2..3fbe59f4 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationFragment.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/ConversationFragment.java
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ import android.content.IntentSender.SendIntentException;
 import android.os.Bundle;
 import android.support.v4.widget.SwipeRefreshLayout;
 import android.text.InputType;
-import android.util.Log;
 import android.view.ContextMenu;
 import android.view.ContextMenu.ContextMenuInfo;
 import android.view.Gravity;
@@ -42,6 +41,7 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.NoSuchElementException;
 import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentLinkedQueue;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.dialogs.MessageDetailsDialog;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.listeners.ConversationSwipeRefreshListener;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
@@ -213,16 +213,17 @@ public class ConversationFragment extends Fragment implements EditMessage.Keyboa
 		if (body.length() == 0 || this.conversation == null) {
 			return;
 		}
-		Message message = new Message(conversation, body, conversation.getNextEncryption(activity.forceEncryption()));
+		boolean forceEncryption = ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption();
+		Message message = new Message(conversation, body, conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption));
 		if (conversation.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_MULTI) {
 			if (conversation.getNextCounterpart() != null) {
 				message.setCounterpart(conversation.getNextCounterpart());
 				message.setType(Message.TYPE_PRIVATE);
 			}
 		}
-		if (conversation.getNextEncryption(activity.forceEncryption()) == Message.ENCRYPTION_OTR) {
-			sendOtrMessage(message);
-		} else if (conversation.getNextEncryption(activity.forceEncryption()) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
+		if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption) == Message.ENCRYPTION_OTR) {
+            sendOtrMessage(message);
+		} else if (conversation.getNextEncryption(forceEncryption) == Message.ENCRYPTION_PGP) {
 			sendPgpMessage(message);
 		} else {
 			sendPlainTextMessage(message);
@@ -236,7 +237,7 @@ public class ConversationFragment extends Fragment implements EditMessage.Keyboa
                     R.string.send_private_message_to,
                     conversation.getNextCounterpart().getResourcepart()));
 		} else {
-			switch (conversation.getNextEncryption(activity.forceEncryption())) {
+			switch (conversation.getNextEncryption(ConversationsPlusPreferences.forceEncryption())) {
 				case Message.ENCRYPTION_NONE:
 					mEditMessage
 							.setHint(getString(R.string.send_plain_text_message));
@@ -255,7 +256,7 @@ public class ConversationFragment extends Fragment implements EditMessage.Keyboa
 	}
 
 	private void setupIme() {
-		if (((ConversationActivity) getActivity()).usingEnterKey()) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.displayEnterKey()) {
 			mEditMessage.setInputType(mEditMessage.getInputType() & (~InputType.TYPE_TEXT_VARIATION_SHORT_MESSAGE));
 		} else {
 			mEditMessage.setInputType(mEditMessage.getInputType() | InputType.TYPE_TEXT_VARIATION_SHORT_MESSAGE);
@@ -963,11 +964,11 @@ public class ConversationFragment extends Fragment implements EditMessage.Keyboa
 				if (conference && c.getNextCounterpart() != null) {
 					action = SendButtonAction.CANCEL;
 				} else {
-					String setting = activity.getPreferences().getString("quick_action", "recent");
+					String setting = ConversationsPlusPreferences.quickAction();
 					if (!setting.equals("none") && UIHelper.receivedLocationQuestion(conversation.getLatestMessage())) {
 						setting = "location";
 					} else if (setting.equals("recent")) {
-						setting = activity.getPreferences().getString("recently_used_quick_action", "text");
+						setting = ConversationsPlusPreferences.recentlyUsedQuickAction();
 					}
 					switch (setting) {
 						case "photo":
@@ -991,7 +992,7 @@ public class ConversationFragment extends Fragment implements EditMessage.Keyboa
 				action = SendButtonAction.TEXT;
 			}
 		}
-		if (activity.useSendButtonToIndicateStatus() && c != null
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.sendButtonStatus() && c != null
 				&& c.getAccount().getStatus() == Account.State.ONLINE) {
 			if (c.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE) {
 				status = c.getContact().getMostAvailableStatus();
@@ -1178,7 +1179,7 @@ public class ConversationFragment extends Fragment implements EditMessage.Keyboa
 
 	@Override
 	public boolean onEnterPressed() {
-		if (activity.enterIsSend()) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.enterIsSend()) {
 			sendMessage();
 			return true;
 		} else {
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/SettingsActivity.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/SettingsActivity.java
index 46a68f65..c364ff00 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/SettingsActivity.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/SettingsActivity.java
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import java.util.Arrays;
 import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.Locale;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
 import de.duenndns.ssl.MemorizingTrustManager;
 
@@ -15,7 +16,6 @@ import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.XmppConnection;
 import github.ankushsachdeva.emojicon.EmojiconHandler;
 
 import android.app.AlertDialog;
-import android.app.Fragment;
 import android.app.FragmentManager;
 import android.content.DialogInterface;
 import android.content.SharedPreferences;
@@ -135,11 +135,10 @@ public class SettingsActivity extends XmppActivity implements
 	public void onSharedPreferenceChanged(SharedPreferences preferences,
 			String name) {
         // need to synchronize the settings class first
-        Settings.synchronizeSettingsClassWithPreferences(getPreferences(), name);
+        Settings.synchronizeSettingsClassWithPreferences(preferences, name);
         switch (name) {
             case "resource":
-                String resource = preferences.getString("resource", "mobile")
-                        .toLowerCase(Locale.US);
+                String resource = ConversationsPlusPreferences.resource().toLowerCase(Locale.US);
                 if (xmppConnectionServiceBound) {
                     for (Account account : xmppConnectionService.getAccounts()) {
                         account.setResource(resource);
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/StartConversationActivity.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/StartConversationActivity.java
index c5ac3985..4cd24a4b 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/StartConversationActivity.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/StartConversationActivity.java
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.List;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Blockable;
@@ -185,6 +186,7 @@ public class StartConversationActivity extends XmppActivity implements OnRosterU
 	public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
 		super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
 		setContentView(R.layout.activity_start_conversation);
+        this.mHideOfflineContacts = ConversationsPlusPreferences.hideOffline();
 		mViewPager = (ViewPager) findViewById(R.id.start_conversation_view_pager);
 		ActionBar actionBar = getActionBar();
 		actionBar.setNavigationMode(ActionBar.NAVIGATION_MODE_TABS);
@@ -241,7 +243,6 @@ public class StartConversationActivity extends XmppActivity implements OnRosterU
 				}
 			});
 
-		this.mHideOfflineContacts = getPreferences().getBoolean("hide_offline", false);
 
 	}
 
@@ -533,12 +534,13 @@ public class StartConversationActivity extends XmppActivity implements OnRosterU
 				new IntentIntegrator(this).initiateScan();
 				return true;
 			case R.id.action_hide_offline:
-				mHideOfflineContacts = !item.isChecked();
-				getPreferences().edit().putBoolean("hide_offline", mHideOfflineContacts).commit();
+				mHideOfflineContacts = !item.isChecked(); // the item is the menu item which is displayed, the inversion here calculates the new value
+				ConversationsPlusPreferences.commitHideOffline(mHideOfflineContacts);
 				if (mSearchEditText != null) {
 					filter(mSearchEditText.getText().toString());
 				}
-				invalidateOptionsMenu();
+				invalidateOptionsMenu(); // Since the selection of this item changed the checked value, the options menu is now invalid
+				return true;
 		}
 		return super.onOptionsItemSelected(item);
 	}
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/XmppActivity.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/XmppActivity.java
index 8341e631..f0e5992f 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/XmppActivity.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/XmppActivity.java
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ import android.content.DialogInterface.OnClickListener;
 import android.content.Intent;
 import android.content.IntentSender.SendIntentException;
 import android.content.ServiceConnection;
-import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.content.pm.PackageManager;
 import android.content.pm.ResolveInfo;
 import android.content.res.Resources;
@@ -36,7 +35,6 @@ import android.os.Bundle;
 import android.os.Handler;
 import android.os.IBinder;
 import android.os.SystemClock;
-import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.text.InputType;
 import android.util.DisplayMetrics;
 import android.util.Log;
@@ -63,8 +61,8 @@ import java.util.Hashtable;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.concurrent.RejectedExecutionException;
 
-import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Contact;
@@ -98,8 +96,6 @@ public abstract class XmppActivity extends Activity {
 	protected int mColorGreen;
 	protected int mPrimaryColor;
 
-	protected boolean mUseSubject = true;
-
 	private DisplayMetrics metrics;
 	protected int mTheme;
 	protected boolean mUsingEnterKey = false;
@@ -345,10 +341,7 @@ public abstract class XmppActivity extends Activity {
 		mSecondaryBackgroundColor = getResources().getColor(R.color.grey200);
 		this.mTheme = findTheme();
 		setTheme(this.mTheme);
-		this.mUsingEnterKey = usingEnterKey();
-		mUseSubject = getPreferences().getBoolean("use_subject", true);
-		
-        Settings.initSettingsClassWithPreferences(getPreferences());
+		this.mUsingEnterKey = ConversationsPlusPreferences.displayEnterKey();
 		
 		final ActionBar ab = getActionBar();
 		if (ab!=null) {
@@ -356,19 +349,6 @@ public abstract class XmppActivity extends Activity {
 		}
 	}
 
-	protected boolean usingEnterKey() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("display_enter_key", false);
-	}
-
-	protected SharedPreferences getPreferences() {
-		return PreferenceManager
-			.getDefaultSharedPreferences(getApplicationContext());
-	}
-
-	public boolean useSubjectToIdentifyConference() {
-		return mUseSubject;
-	}
-
 	public void switchToConversation(Conversation conversation) {
 		switchToConversation(conversation, null, false);
 	}
@@ -786,7 +766,7 @@ public abstract class XmppActivity extends Activity {
 	}
 
 	protected int findTheme() {
-		if (getPreferences().getBoolean("use_larger_font", false)) {
+		if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.useLargerFont()) {
 			return R.style.ConversationsTheme_LargerText;
 		} else {
 			return R.style.ConversationsTheme;
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ConversationAdapter.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ConversationAdapter.java
index dab291cc..1fc6e066 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ConversationAdapter.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ConversationAdapter.java
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import java.lang.ref.WeakReference;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.concurrent.RejectedExecutionException;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ui.listeners.ShowResourcesListDialogListener;
 import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
@@ -59,7 +60,7 @@ public class ConversationAdapter extends ArrayAdapter<Conversation> {
             view.findViewById(R.id.conversationListRowFrame).setBackgroundColor(c);
 		}
 		TextView convName = (TextView) view.findViewById(R.id.conversation_name);
-		if (conversation.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE || activity.useSubjectToIdentifyConference()) {
+		if (conversation.getMode() == Conversation.MODE_SINGLE || ConversationsPlusPreferences.useSubject()) {
 			convName.setText(conversation.getName());
 		} else {
 			convName.setText(conversation.getJid().toBareJid().toString());
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ListItemAdapter.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ListItemAdapter.java
index 114e5cff..3f342528 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ListItemAdapter.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/ListItemAdapter.java
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import java.lang.ref.WeakReference;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.concurrent.RejectedExecutionException;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.ListItem;
@@ -12,13 +13,11 @@ import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.utils.UIHelper;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp.jid.Jid;
 
 import android.content.Context;
-import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.content.res.Resources;
 import android.graphics.Bitmap;
 import android.graphics.drawable.BitmapDrawable;
 import android.graphics.drawable.Drawable;
 import android.os.AsyncTask;
-import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.view.LayoutInflater;
 import android.view.View;
 import android.view.ViewGroup;
@@ -46,8 +45,7 @@ public class ListItemAdapter extends ArrayAdapter<ListItem> {
 	public ListItemAdapter(XmppActivity activity, List<ListItem> objects) {
 		super(activity, 0, objects);
 		this.activity = activity;
-		SharedPreferences preferences = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(activity);
-		this.showDynamicTags = preferences.getBoolean("show_dynamic_tags",false);
+		this.showDynamicTags = ConversationsPlusPreferences.showDynamicTags();
 	}
 
 	@Override
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/MessageAdapter.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/MessageAdapter.java
index 48debdaf..550e3c4e 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/MessageAdapter.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/ui/adapter/MessageAdapter.java
@@ -25,8 +25,7 @@ import android.widget.Toast;
 
 import java.util.List;
 
-import de.tzur.conversations.Settings;
-import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Contact;
@@ -129,12 +128,12 @@ public class MessageAdapter extends ArrayAdapter<Message> {
 				info = getContext().getString(R.string.offering);
 				break;
 			case Message.STATUS_SEND_RECEIVED:
-				if (activity.indicateReceived()) {
+				if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.indicateReceived()) {
 					viewHolder.indicatorReceived.setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
 				}
 				break;
 			case Message.STATUS_SEND_DISPLAYED:
-				if (activity.indicateReceived()) {
+				if (ConversationsPlusPreferences.indicateReceived()) {
 					viewHolder.indicatorReceived.setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
 				}
 				break;
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/utils/ExceptionHelper.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/utils/ExceptionHelper.java
index 492c65d2..d25e6d35 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/utils/ExceptionHelper.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/utils/ExceptionHelper.java
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import java.io.InputStreamReader;
 import java.util.List;
 
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.Config;
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusPreferences;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.R;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Account;
 import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.entities.Conversation;
@@ -38,9 +39,7 @@ public class ExceptionHelper {
 	public static void checkForCrash(Context context,
 			final XmppConnectionService service) {
 		try {
-			final SharedPreferences preferences = PreferenceManager
-					.getDefaultSharedPreferences(context);
-			boolean neverSend = preferences.getBoolean("never_send", false);
+			boolean neverSend = ConversationsPlusPreferences.neverSend();
 			if (neverSend) {
 				return;
 			}
@@ -107,8 +106,7 @@ public class ExceptionHelper {
 
 						@Override
 						public void onClick(DialogInterface dialog, int which) {
-							preferences.edit().putBoolean("never_send", true)
-									.apply();
+							ConversationsPlusPreferences.applyNeverSend(true);
 						}
 					});
 			builder.create().show();
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/xmpp/XmppConnection.java b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/xmpp/XmppConnection.java
index 1687ef4b..79556a0a 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/xmpp/XmppConnection.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/thedevstack/conversationsplus/xmpp/XmppConnection.java
@@ -1,13 +1,11 @@
 package de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.xmpp;
 
 import android.content.Context;
-import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.os.Bundle;
 import android.os.Parcelable;
 import android.os.PowerManager;
 import android.os.PowerManager.WakeLock;
 import android.os.SystemClock;
-import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.util.Pair;
 import android.util.SparseArray;
@@ -26,7 +24,6 @@ import java.net.IDN;
 import java.net.InetAddress;
 import java.net.InetSocketAddress;
 import java.net.Socket;
-import java.net.SocketAddress;
 import java.net.UnknownHostException;
 import java.security.KeyManagementException;
 import java.security.NoSuchAlgorithmException;
@@ -521,14 +518,6 @@ public class XmppConnection implements Runnable {
 		tagWriter.writeTag(startTLS);
 	}
 
-	private SharedPreferences getPreferences() {
-		return PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(applicationContext);
-	}
-
-	private boolean enableLegacySSL() {
-		return getPreferences().getBoolean("enable_legacy_ssl", false);
-	}
-
 	private void switchOverToTls(final Tag currentTag) throws XmlPullParserException, IOException {
 		tagReader.readTag();
 		try {
diff --git a/src/main/java/de/tzur/conversations/Settings.java b/src/main/java/de/tzur/conversations/Settings.java
index c919d60c..23eb3ee4 100644
--- a/src/main/java/de/tzur/conversations/Settings.java
+++ b/src/main/java/de/tzur/conversations/Settings.java
@@ -3,11 +3,13 @@ package de.tzur.conversations;
 import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.util.Log;
 
+import de.thedevstack.conversationsplus.ConversationsPlusApplication;
+
 /**
  * This class is used to provide access to settings which have to be accessed frequently.
  * Every setting in this class has to be updated using @see SettingsActivity#onSharedPreferenceChanged.
  */
-public final class Settings {
+public abstract class Settings {
 
     /**
      * Initializes the settings provided via this static class.
@@ -56,6 +58,7 @@ public final class Settings {
                 break;
         }
     }
+
     /**
      * Boolean if emoticons should be parsed to emoticons or not.
      */
@@ -85,10 +88,4 @@ public final class Settings {
      */
     public static boolean CONFIRM_MESSAGE_READ = true;
 
-    /**
-     * This is a utility class - private constructor avoids any instantiation.
-     */
-    private Settings() {
-        // Private constructor to avoid instantiation
-    }
 }