Help Send button hidden when texting / Alternative texting app

[AccuzzamEnomis]

My HTC One was recently updated to Kit-Kat (version 4.4.2)

Since then I have a frustrating problem with the default SMS messages app. The send button is only visible if
a) the phone is in vertical position
b) the edit keypad is visible

So now after I have typed in horizontal, I have to first rotate the phone, then tap on the edit box and finally press the send button.

Has anybody experienced this ? Or know if this is bug ? Or know if there is workaround ?

Alternatively, can anybody recommend a good texting app ?
Ideally something that supports group messages from iPhones ?

Thank you

 

[Pugs1957]

Press the back key and the keyboard should disappear and reveal the send button

 

[AccuzzamEnomis]

If I press the back key (<) I go back to the main screen (message list)