Google's RCS protocol replaces SMS

Till now, millions of users around the world rely on SMS. Especially in countries where it is free to use. However, Google plans to dramatically change the messaging and chat experience, through the RCS protocol.

US telecom companies such as AT&T and T-Mobile have announced the addition of the Google Messages application in the new Android phones, which raised the importance of this protocol, as it is integrated into this application.

This protocol can be simply defined as the latest alternative to the old SMS/MMS messaging standards. As it provides support for a large number of features and features that transform the experience of exchanging text messages to an experience similar to chat applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

Google started providing this feature for the first time in mid-2019. The final experience of this technology can be described as similar to the famous iMessage messaging application, which is available in Apple products, the most important of which are iPhones.

Also read: Google announces seven new features for Android

RCS protocol from Google

The Rich Communication Services standard or protocol is defined as an integrated standard for communication and chat, with a user experience very similar to WhatsApp and Telegram as mentioned above. But it needs support from service providers - that is, telecom companies - in order to work.

Google Messages is the main app to access this feature. And other applications could theoretically support the same protocol. But until now, this has not happened.

There is no doubt that this standard offers a lot compared to SMS and MMS standards. It also supports high-quality images, as well as support for voice and video calls. Messages through RCS are up to 160 characters long.

The user can - through the Google Messages application - add reactions to messages such as Messenger and Twitter. In addition to the ability to send animated GIFs or even stickers. With the support of the geographical location as well.

Also read: Google brings a new privacy feature to old phones

RCS can work over Wi-Fi just like traditional messaging applications. But it also needs communication networks. Google introduced a major and very important feature last June, which is support for end-to-end encryption via RCS.

Also read: What is end-to-end encryption and why should you use it

When relying on end-to-end encryption, no party will be able to view the content of messages. Including Google itself and the carrier whose services you use. Google, in cooperation with Samsung, began adopting the concept of RCS starting in 2007 with the main goal of providing an iMessage-like experience built into Android phones.

Also read: Google Messages adds a great feature to compete with iMessage.. Here are the details

How to use RCS on your phone

In order to use this new standard, it must be supported by your carrier. And if you don't know if it is supported or not, you can try it yourself.

The first step is to download the Google Messages application from the Play Store, then go to the settings, then go to the Chat Features settings, and then activate the chat features through the “Enable Chat Features” option.

Of course, if you do not find these options present or not activated, this means that your phone or carrier does not support this feature.

Also read: 4 different ways to communicate via WhatsApp without saving the number

It is also mentioned that the RCS feature is available built-in in Samsung phones, through the default messaging application, but you cannot turn it off or on as it is on by default. You can access it through the Messages app options.