Google Pushing RCS With Help of Newly-Named Android Messages

Google is on a mission to make rich communication services (RCS) text messaging available across the globe.

The tech titan is partnering with 27 carriers and device manufacturers worldwide to make RCS — an upgraded version of SMS, offering a number of new capabilities such as group texting and use of high-resolution images — a reality for all texters.

“RCS will upgrade today’s business messaging experience by enabling brands to send more useful and interactive messages,” Google said in a blog post. “For example, a message from your airline reminding you to check in for a flight can now take advantage of rich media and interactivity to provide a full check-in experience, complete with boarding pass, visual flight updates, and terminal maps on demand, all directly within the messaging experience. Businesses can also have a branded messaging experience with information about the business and the ability to share content like images, video clips and GIFs.”

While Google was already partnering with Sprint in the U.S., Rogers in Canada and Telenor is some European and Asian countries, the company said Orange, Deutsche Telekom, and Globe have also committed to launching RCS messaging powered by Google’s Jibe RCS cloud. Google’s partners will be pre-loading Android Messages, formerly known as Messenger for Android, as the default native messaging app for their subscribers.

Google is also partnering with Smartphone manufacturers to make Android Messages the default messaging app. Partners include LG, Motorola, Sony, HTC, ZTE, Micromax, HMD Global – Home of Nokia Phones, Archos, BQ, Cherry Mobile, Condor, Fly, General Mobile, Lanix, LeEco, Lava, Kyocera, MyPhone, QMobile, Symphony and Wiko. Not surprisingly, Google’s Pixel and Android One devices will also use Android Messages by default.

Google has created an Early Access Program, permitting businesses to “learn and build with the technology, influence the roadmap and standards, and be first to offer their customers an upgraded messaging experience.”

Early Access partners include Virgin Trains, Walgreens, Amber Alert Europe, Baskin-Robbins, BlaBlaCar, FICO, Gamestop, G2A.com, IHG, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Naturas, Papa Murphy’s, Philips, Porto Seguro, Sky, SONIC Drive-In, Subway, and Time Inc. Messaging partners include 3C, CLX Communications, Experian Marketing Services, MessageBird, mGage A Vivial Company, Mobivity, Movile, Vonage through the Nexmo API Platform, OpenMarket, Waterfall, and Zipwhip.

To learn more about messaging with RCS, click here.

Jennifer Cowan is the Managing Editor for SiteProNews.

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