Two of the biggest names in telecommunications in the European continent -- Deutsche Telekom -- have extended their official support for Google’s RCS (Rich Communications Service) messaging service, as did Globe, a top mobile operator in the Philippines. The plan is that these carriers will preinstall Android Messages (the new rebranded version of Messenger for Android) as the default native messaging app for their respective mobile users.
Amir Sarhangi, the head of RCS at Google, has stated that the company has been busy working with the wireless industry, specifically in trying to upgrade SMS by way of a universal standard RCS, and in the process continue to improve the overall messaging experience of end users by bringing new features. According to Sarhangi, 27 mobile operators and device makers are rolling out RCS to Android powered handsets with Google. The tech giant also made special mention of Vodafone, who has already managed to deploy Android Messages to its customers in 10 markets.
For those not familiar with RCS, it is a messaging standard that wireless carriers can make full use of in incorporating enhancements to texting, like group chats and sharing of high res images, among many others. iOS mobile users may already be familiar with these functionalities -- after all, Apple’s iMessage and Facebook’s WhatsApp already basically have these capabilities. But through Android Messages, this experience can be shared by owners of devices running on the world’s most widely used mobile operating system (capturing an 81.7 percent share during final quarter of 2016).
Some may remember that back in November of last year, Sprint became the first wireless carrier in America to team up with Google in launching RCS. Still, other mobile operators in the US have yet to join in on the RCS fun. As for Android Messages, adoption has been rather slow for the messaging platform, but when Canadian carrier Rogers launched it about a couple of months ago, and with Telenor stating last that it was now offering support for RCS in European and Asian markets, Android Messages has generated some momentum.
The great thing about Android Messages and RCS in general is that not only will it benefit consumers, but also business establishments as well. In this day and age, it is now common for businesses to reach out to target audiences by way of the usual SMS. But with RCS, business owners can initiate more engaging and even meaningful interactions with their potential customers.
from
https://www.wirefly.com/blog/news/here-comes-android-messages-google-s-rcs-messaging-offering