Google brings the RCS system that allows you to send SMS 2.0 with images and multimedia content. Take the challenge on WhatsApp.
The challenge of Google to Whatsapp It's here: these days the Mountain View company and the telephone operators are activating the RCS system also in Italy. What is it? Acronym for Rich Communication Service, is a new system that allows you to send so-called SMS 2.0: that is, text messages enriched with GIF, images, videos and any type of multimedia content.
The arrival of the RCS system was highly anticipated and can open up very fascinating market opportunities: it is perfectly integrated into the Messages app Google . It allows you to activate extra features, such as message read notifications. SMS messages are sent over your data network, not your regular network. If you're wondering if this is a "copy" of WhatsApp, the answer is "not quite." Google plans to make the Messages app its alter ego. iMessage. Here's how SMS 2.0 works and how to activate them on your Android smartphone.
What is the Rich Communication Service system?
Active in the United States and some European countries, RCS is a new standard developed by Google to enhance traditional SMS. Currently, it's only available for Android smartphones, and for it to work optimally, there must be an agreement between mobile operators and the Mountain View company.
What are the characteristics of SMS 2.0?
In many ways they are identical to the messages we send every day on apps like Whatsapp, Telegram, iMessage and Direct Messages from InstagramThe only peculiarity is that they only work on the Google Messages app on every Android smartphone. SMS 2.0 allows you to send multimedia content, create groups, and check if others have read your chat messages.
Google initially intended to launch a new messaging app with RCS built-in, but ultimately opted to enhance the Messages app as much as possible. Google's ultimate goal is for Messages to become the messaging app used by all Android users, similar to iMessage's role in the iPhone world.
How the RCS system and SMS 2.0 works
SMS 2.0 and the Rich Communication Service work very simply: messages aren't sent over the "normal" network, but rather over Wi-Fi or your phone's data network. This allows you to enrich messages with multimedia content, such as high-quality images and GIFs. SMS 2.0 also includes other features typical of messaging apps, such as the ability to create groups, see when someone is typing, or check whether the recipient has read the message.
How do you activate SMS 2.0?
There's no magic button that allows you to activate the RCS standard and start using SMS 2.0. Activation in the Messages app is currently being done by various telephone operators, and the only thing to do is wait.
To check, open the Messages app, tap the three-dot icon in the top right, and then tap Settings. From the new tab that opens, select "Chat Features." If the message "Chat features Not available for this device. Your carrier doesn't currently support this feature," then you'll have to wait a few more days. If, however, some settings appear on your smartphone that need to be enabled or disabled, such as "Enable chat functionality" or "Send read receipts," then it means you can start using SMS 2.0, Google's alternative to WhatsApp.
In some cases, the Messages app may ask you to use new features via Jibe Mobile and keep the application connected to data network or Wi-Fi.
