Google’s wager on RCS is paying off, or no less than that’s what it desires us to suppose. After a couple of minor wins, together with Apple quietly confirming RCS assist within the subsequent iPhone and formally surpassing 1 billion month-to-month lively customers, Google is celebrating its successes by saying new options for Messages customers on Android.
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I do need an official depend on what number of of these billion customers felt compelled onto the usual as a result of it was the platform’s solely possibility for iMessage-style options. At the very least RCS is healthier than SMS in myriad methods: there’s no character restrict, it’s encrypted, and it allows you to use emoji reactions for messages, similar to iPhone customers have been capable of do all this time. It received’t supply the identical advantages while you’re messaging with an iPhone person, however that’s simply how the cookie crumbles on this aggressive dual-platform society.
Right here’s the lowdown on the enjoyable options coming to Google Messages for Android: Photomoji allows you to make emoji reactions for messages from an image in your telephone. I fear concerning the shenanigans that might come from this type of characteristic. Google doesn’t point out how the Photomoji shows between RCS customers and iOS. Voice moods, introduced as part of a extra vital rollout that features updates to Put on OS, add artwork to your voice message to provide the individual on the opposite finish a heads up on the vibe earlier than they tune in.
The bitrate and sampling charge of voice messages have additionally improved between RCS customers, so offended rants can be loud and clear. Since RCS is about wealthy communication, Google added Display screen Results, which characteristic “vibrant animations” while you sort oft-used phrases like “I like you.” Google says there are about 15 Display screen Results immediate phrases to unlock.
A few of the extra options are plucked from different platforms. Animated emojis, as an example, exist on social media and elsewhere, and Profiles sounds just like the equal of swapping iOS’s verified Contact Playing cards. Talking of the iPhone, Customized Bubbles allows you to change the colour and background of your conversations. The thought is that there’s not a blue versus inexperienced bubble battle. However it’s unclear if iPhone customers will see this coloration change, so it received’t do a lot to repair the inexperienced bubble debate.
Positive, this looks like a recreation of catchup to different messaging apps, however Android customers want the win. Maybe Google additionally needed to increase the social gathering after Apple’s reluctant acquiescence. It’s extra enjoyable to make this seem to be a Cleaning soap Opera drama as an alternative of 1 firm sustaining its dominance by means of a proprietary customary.
The brand new Google Messages options will ultimately roll out to all RCS customers however have began rolling out to beta customers first. You’ll want to enroll to get in on the motion earlier than everybody else.