For so long, Apple has had a sizeable lead over Google when it comes to texting, with iMessage featuring a number of exclusive features such as per-message emoji reactions and end-to-end encryption. In response, Google released RCS, bringing the messaging experience on Android much closer to that of Apple. However, one big problem that remained unresolved was cross-platform texting. For every reaction on iMessage, the same message is returned again to the other Android user, prefixed by their reaction, clogging up the chat thread with meaninglessly long messages, just because it’s not an iPhone-to-iPhone conversation. Well, it looks like those days will be over pretty soon. In fact, you could end this peril as soon as now.
Redditor details how to enable RCS messaging on any carrier and device with Google Messages
RCS (Rich Communication Services) deployment over the last 3 years seems to have been progressing at a snails pace. Just recently, the big four US carriers announced the formation of the “Cross-Carrier Messaging Initiative” (CCMI) with the goal of bringing RCS to Android by 2020. Most frustratingly, there are plans for a new app and the carriers don’t seem to be collaborating with Google at all.
Google Fi picks up RCS support with faster international coverage on the way
After more than two years since Google announced RCS support in its native messaging app for Android, support for the SMS/MMS replacement has finally come to its MVNO carrier, Google Fi.
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Google confirms Allo will be killed, Hangouts Chat and Meet will work for consumers
Let’s face it: Google’s messaging strategy has been a mess ever since it’s inception. After several failed attempts, the company has gone ahead and published a blog post detailing its future plans in the messaging space, particularly with Messages, Duo, Allo, and Hangouts.
Android Messages v3.5 adds Material Theme and dark mode
Recently, Google rolled out an update to Phone, Contacts, and Duo adding Material Theme. Now, it’s time for Android Messages to get its treatment, along with a sweet dark mode.
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Android Messages for web is going live
There is no denying the fact that the situation of messaging on Android was in dire need of some work, especially when compared to its iOS counterpart. But that might change now with the launch of a web client for Android Messages, or at least it’s a step in the right direction.
“Chat” RCS protocol by Google could make Android Messages an iMessage competitor
Yesterday, Dieter Bohn of The Verge got an exclusive update on Google’s next big fix for Android’s messaging mess. That big fix being “Chat.” Google plans on launching “Chat,” the RCS-based iMessage alternative, in the near future; announcing it potentially on stage on May 8th at Google I/O.
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Can Android Messages unify Google’s biggest problem?
Google I/O is coming up in a couple of months, and I think now’s a fair time to discuss messaging in the Android ecosystem.
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