In its blog, Google announces that the RCS protocol, the successor to the SMS format, is now used by more than a billion users worldwide. For the occasion, the Mountain View firm is unveiling seven new features for Google Messages.
Compared to SMS and MMS, RCS drastically improves the user experience. With it, users benefit from a more modern and better secure messaging experience. It includes read receipts, threaded replies, higher quality media sharing, optimized group discussions and better privacy. Its deployment has proven to be a success for Google, since it has just crossed the one billion user mark.
Google energizes conversations
“ We’re grateful to our partners and users who have championed RCS over the years, it’s taken a lot of work to get here, and we want to thank you », Writes the Mountain View firm. She takes the opportunity to launch new messaging features for Android smartphones.
The company is introducing a tool called Photomoji which, like stickers on iMessage, allows you to react to messages with photos present in the smartphone gallery. It also improves voice notes, and adds the possibility of integrating an emoji when sending them, in order to indicate to the interlocutor the tone of the message.
Other functionality similar to iMessage, Screen Effects allows you to transform certain words into animation, like when you wish someone a birthday, for example. Google also incorporates functions to energize conversations, such as animated emojis, effects when reacting to a message, as well as the possibility of customizing the color of chat bubbles. Finally, users will now be able to personalize their profile, by modifying their name and adding a photo.
When Google congratulates Apple
Google also mentions Apple’s recent announcement that it will soon support the RCS protocol. The Apple brand refused to apply it for a long time, angering the Mountain View firm, as discussions between iOS and Android devices were greatly degraded.
“Besides Google Messages, other email clients use RCS and we are happy that Apple also took a first step two weeks ago by announcing that it was adopting RCS », rejoices the company. Apple, however, wanted to clarify that iMessage would remain an exclusive experience for iOS users.
Sources: Google, The Verge
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