The latest version of the Google messaging app supports the new RCS communication protocol. As a reminder, this new standard aims to replace the aging SMS in the short term. You will find in this tutorial all the information necessary to activate the RCS on your smartphone..
What is RCS?
We have been hearing about the replacement for SMS and MMS for over a year without seeing anything coming. It seems that the implementation of the new RCS protocol is more complicated than expected. However this one is not really new since it was adopted in 2008 by the GSM Association. But unfortunately the telephone operators are struggling to get along with each other.
While everyone thought of the future stillborn RCS, Google has announced that it would take care of the deployment of this new messaging on its own. But in fact what is RCS and how to take advantage of it?
What you can do with RCS
The RCS is a communication protocol allowing users to benefit from a communication service equivalent to what Apple offers with iMessage. The user will be able to send messages without worrying about the length of the text but also exchange multimedia content (photos, videos, animated GIF, APK, PDF, sounds)..
He will also be able to know if the message has been read and if his friends are online (activity status). Overall, all of these features are reminiscent of what instant chat platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook Messenger offer.
However the RCS format does not equal the iMessage service of the firm with the apple. For example, it is impossible to use an augmented reality avatar to express yourself in a conversation. The other big problem is security..
In fact, unlike iMessage, messages or group conversations sent via Google's messaging service are not encrypted from start to finish. This means that encryption only concerns data in transit. Intermediaries such as your internet service provider or that of your contact will be able to read your messages.
How to use the RCS service on your smartphone?
RCS, the next generation SMS protocol, offers everything you would expect from a modern messaging service. For example, it eliminates the 160 character limit imposed by texting. Pending its adoption by all mobile operators, Google will support this new message format.
This means that the transfer of your discussions will be done from the servers of the American giant. Google still specifies that if your ISP has an infrastructure compatible with RCS, your messages will be able to use their servers.
To be able to use RCS messaging, you will need to equip yourself with a 4G compatible Android smartphone and install the Google Messages app on it. The latter is generally present by default on most devices.
- Open the Google Play Store
- Click on the Menu button then on My games and applications
- Select the installed apps option and update Google Messages
- If you do not have this email client, you will need to install it by clicking on this link: Google Messages
- When Messages are launched for the first time, the application will offer to activate support for the RCS protocol.
- Click on I accept
- If no message is displayed, click on the Menu button at the top right of the window
- Select the Settings option then Chat Features
- A message will notify you of the availability of the service on your smartphone
Then simply press the Activate chat features switch and enter your phone number to activate RCS support on your device. Once the process is complete, you should see the mention connected in the chat features section of Google Messages settings.
Do not hesitate to modify the options available to you in the personalization section. You will be able to block the sending of the read receipt or prevent your correspondents from being informed when you type text.
Remember that sending RCS messages can only be done via the internet connection of your smartphone (4G or Wi-Fi). If there is no data network, the Google Messages app will take care of sending the message as an SMS.