Google is now releasing support for RCS chat starting today, beginning in the United States, but it’s only available through one app…
Back in February of last year, Google started an initiative to replace SMS texting with RCS chat (or, short messaging service and rich communication services). Now, over a year-and-a-half later, the tech giant is starting to make the transition.
Google’s Android Messages RCS Support Starts Rolling Out Today
With the roll out of new chat service, Google is attempting to make RCS chat Android’s primary communications platform.
RCS supports read receipts, typing indicators, improved group chats, and high-quality images. However, it doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption.
Google is rolling the service incrementally. Once available to individuals, it should display an option to upgrade. Google says it’s aiming at having a full roll out by the end of the year.
Just a few weeks ago, some people on Reddit discovered a hack to enable RCS without carrier support. Only a few days later, it stopped working.