Google’s wager on RCS is paying off, or at the least that’s what it needs us to suppose. After a number of minor wins, together with Apple quietly confirming RCS support within the subsequent iPhone and formally surpassing 1 billion month-to-month energetic customers, Google is celebrating its successes by announcing new options for Messages customers on Android.
I do need an official rely on what number of of these billion customers felt compelled onto the usual as a result of it was the platform’s only option for iMessage-style options. A minimum of RCS is higher than SMS in myriad methods: there’s no character restrict, it’s encrypted, and it enables you to use emoji reactions for messages, identical to iPhone customers have been capable of do all this time. It received’t supply the identical advantages if you’re messaging with an iPhone consumer, 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 enables you to make emoji reactions for messages from an image in your cellphone. I fear in regards to the shenanigans that would come from this sort of characteristic. Google doesn’t point out how the Photomoji shows between RCS customers and iOS. Voice moods, introduced as part of a extra important rollout that features updates to Put on OS, add artwork to your voice message to offer the particular person 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 will probably be loud and clear. Since RCS is about wealthy communication, Google added Display Results, which characteristic “vibrant animations” if you kind oft-used phrases like “I like you.” Google says there are about 15 Display Results immediate phrases to unlock.
A few of the further options are plucked from different platforms. Animated emojis, for example, exist on social media and elsewhere, and Profiles sounds just like the equal of swapping iOS’s verified Contact Cards. Talking of the iPhone, Customized Bubbles enables you to change the colour and background of your conversations. The concept 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.
Certain, this seems like a recreation of catchup to different messaging apps, however Android customers want the win. Maybe Google additionally wished to increase the celebration after Apple’s reluctant acquiescence. It’s extra enjoyable to make this look like a Cleaning soap Opera drama as a substitute of 1 firm maintaining its dominance via a proprietary customary.
The brand new Google Messages options will finally roll out to all RCS customers however have began rolling out to beta customers first. You’ll must sign up to get in on the motion earlier than everybody else.
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