Jun 18, 2019 14:01:00

Google plans to make the next generation messaging standard 'RCS' compatible with chat function of Android 'message' application

by

Daniel Sancho

Google is planning to make the chat function of the ' message ' app for Android compatible with Rich Communication Services (RCS) in limited areas in June 2019, according to the foreign media The Verge.

Google is finally taking charge of the RCS rollout-The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/17/18681573/google-rcs-chat-android-texting-carriers-imessage-encryption

RCS is a new instant messaging protocol adopted by GSMA in 2008, and is expected as a next-generation standard to replace Short Message Service (SMS), which has been used since the 1990s. RCS can easily send GIF files and high-resolution images and movies in addition to regular text, and can handle group messages more easily than SMS.

The main feature of RCS is that a platform called 'RCS hub' interconnects carriers, and terminals with different communication carriers can transmit texts and files as long as they know each other's phone number. In September 2015, Google, which supported RCS as the next-generation standard, is reported to have acquired Jibe Mobile , which provides the Jibe Cloud Platform that implements the RCS Universal Profile with a cloud server. Furthermore, Google announced in November 2016 that it supports RCS with the message application of Android.

Google adopts RCS platform 'Jibe' which replaces SMS corresponding to picture / movie and video call to Android terminal as standard-GIGAZINE

According to Drew Rooney, product leader for the 'messages' app, Google delivers messages to end users while removing messages from the RCS back-end service, leaving no messages passing through their servers. It seems to be a specification. However, files attached to the message, such as stickers, images, and movies, will be held on the server for a certain period of time to ensure that all recipients can download the file.

Sanaz Ahari, product manager for the 'Message' app, said that the 'chat' app for RCS support will begin in the UK and France by June 2019, but how will it expand in other countries It says that there is no official schedule. RCS chat can be used if the device supports it, and if it is officially introduced to Android, more rapid and smooth communication can be expected across communication carriers and regions.

However, a major drawback is that RCS can not perform end-to-end encryption. Ahari said Google is working to enhance the security of RCS chat.