Written by Peter Karleskint
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. For a while now, google has been trying to push this out as the new standard for text messaging. Currently, most phones still run on SMS and MMS. For some time now, there has been a lot of talk about some of the major networks adapting this type of messaging. For instance, Verizon has RCS messaging available, but the caveat is that it only works for Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones, not including any other androids. And these limitations are abundant throughout all major providers, if providers include RCS at all.
RCS was created to be a new standard for text messaging meant to improve upon what SMS started. A big call to action for this is the fact that iPhones have had their own iMessaging and SMS has not been really improved upon since the 90s during its inception. Google has been pushing to get RCS compatible with all major providers, but the process has been slow and constantly losing steam.
Updates regarding major providers and RCS:
- Spring: Already using RCS, but all parties must be using an RCS capable device
- T-Mobile: Has begun rolling out to some Androids, most recently working on rolling out to the new Samsung phones
- AT&T: Agreed to RCS standard but no word on timeline for rolling out
- Verizon: RCS on Pixel 3 and Pixel XL, planning to carry out support to other devices in the coming months
- Google Fi: As expected, all Fi phones already support RCS
RCS has been designed in a way that requires both devices communicating need to be RCS capable, otherwise it will revert back to SMS. And since iPhones are not RCS capable at this time since they are all about iMessage, it can be tough, especially in the U.S. to convince providers to buy into RCS. Not to mention, RCS is only available on Samsung or Android messages which alienates a large portion of 3rd party chat apps that are often used on Android phones.
To give you an idea of RCS Functionality, here is a list of what RCS in Android Messages can do:
- Group chat functionality
- See when friends join, type, and respond
- Read receipts
- Send high quality stickers, videos, and photos
- Send Gifs
- Send and receive messages through browser on computer
These functions may not be things we have not seen or used before through other services, but now they can be done directly from a text message vs. having to use a third party app or complete messages through other means. Supposedly, we can expect a total rollout of RCS in the next year or two. However, with how slow this process has been to come to fruition, it can be hard to say that our trust is in google to get this out. Only time will tell, but hopefully this can get a rollout soon. This could finally eliminate the need for third party apps or for every person to own a specific type of phone just to have a conversation where there’s no frustration.
Reference for list:
Android. (2018, September 27). Messages: The messaging app built for Android [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItlbCTCex-E&feature=youtu.be)