Google partners with Samsung to spread new texting standard

INQUIRER.net Stock Photo

Google has partnered with Samsung to help further spread the use of a new text-messaging standard, which may replace short messaging service (SMS).

The partnership is meant to accelerate the adoption of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) system as the new standard for communication among device users, according to a statement.

This newly created partnership will also help ensure that the Android Messages and Samsung Messages will work seamlessly through RCS.

RCS features include the ability to chat over Wi-Fi, see typing indicators, share high-resolution photos and videos, and create group chats. Such features are already available through third-party apps like Facebook Messenger, but still require a download and installation on the part of the user. Google instead wants to make the features readily available on Android smartphones as part of the standard functionality.

Smartphones that will benefit from this partnership will start from the existing Galaxy S8 and S8+ line from Samsung. Newer Android devices from the Korean smartphone maker will then support RCS as a native function.  /ra

RELATED STORIES:

Crypto mining apps get banned on Google Play Store

Facial recognition app may help protect endangered apes

Learn JavaScript coding through an app by Google developers