What you should know
- Google Messages, the default messaging app for Android devices, has surpassed one billion monthly active users with RCS enabled, marking a significant advancement in the adoption of the modern messaging standard RCS.
- RCS brings numerous enhancements to the texting experience, such as typing indicators, read receipts, threaded replies, high-quality media sharing, improved group chats, and better privacy with features like end-to-end encryption.
- To celebrate the milestone, Google is introducing seven new features to the Messages app: Photomoji, Voice Moods, Screen Effects, Custom Bubbles, Reaction Effects, Animated Emoji, and Profiles.
- Google also highlighted that the Messages app isn’t the only client that uses RCS, and expressed satisfaction with Apple‘s initial steps to support RCS within its Messages app, paving the way for a more unified messaging experience across platforms.
Full Story
Google Messages has hit a big number. It’s now got over a billion monthly active users who have RCS enabled. That’s the default messaging app for Pixel and other Android devices, by the way.
This is a big deal because it’s a step forward for RCS. What’s RCS, you ask? It’s a modern messaging standard that’s a step up from the old SMS and MMS protocols. It’s more advanced and secure, offering a better texting experience.
RCS brings a bunch of improvements. We’re talking typing indicators, read receipts, threaded replies, high-quality media sharing, and improved group chats. Plus, it’s got better privacy with features like end-to-end encryption.
To celebrate this milestone, Google’s thanking its partners and users for embracing RCS. They’re also introducing seven new features to the Messages app. These include Photomoji, Voice Moods, Screen Effects, Custom Bubbles, Reaction Effects, Animated Emoji, and Profiles.
Photomoji? It lets users turn their favorite photos into reactions using Google AI. Just select a photo, choose the object you want to turn into a Photomoji, and send it off. You can save these for later and friends can even use your Photomojis in group chats.
Voice Moods and Improved Audio Quality are also part of the package. Voice Moods add a touch of personality to voice messages with nine different emotions. Plus, audio quality’s been bumped up with increased bitrate and sampling rate.
Screen Effects transform messages into dazzling visual displays. Type in specific phrases like “it’s snowing” or “I love you” to trigger vibrant animations. There are over 15 hidden Screen Effects prompt words to discover with friends.
Custom Bubbles are another new feature. They let users customize the bubble color and backgrounds of individual conversations. This helps differentiate chats and avoid sending messages to the wrong person.
Reaction Effects add more life to conversations. You can react to a message with a simple thumbs up emoji, and an animated trio of hands dances around the message bubble.
Animated Emoji take expressions to the next level with captivating visual effects. For example, send a sparkling pink heart to express excitement when a friend shares vacation plans.
With Profiles, users can personalize their profile name and picture associated with their phone number. This helps identify yourself across Google services, especially in group chats.
In the midst of the celebration, Google pointed out that the Messages app isn’t the only client that uses RCS. They also expressed satisfaction with Apple finally supporting RCS within its Messages app. This move paves the way for a more unified messaging experience across platforms.
The new features are rolling out to Messages beta users starting today, and will be available to all users soon. If you don’t already use Messages on your Android device, you can download the app from the Google Play Store. You can also sign up to be a beta tester if you want to be one of the first to experience these new features and the enhanced messaging experience powered by RCS.
