Google has initiated global roll-out of its new messaging system Chat with the help of mobile phone operators, whic
Google has initiated global roll-out of its new messaging system Chat with the help of mobile phone operators, which will include a number of new features for sending text message.
After Google’s instant messaging mobile application ‘Allo’ in 2016, the tech giant has extended its effort to bring an evolution to the world of SMS. According to BBC, the latest system has been under development for years but is now being made available on Android phones.
While iPhone users have had the messaging service iMessage by default, Google is making an effort to change the game of texting with Chat. The company has been in close contact with major cellphone carriers around the globe to adopt their newest technology and replace old-school SMS format, The Verge reports.
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Unlike Allo, users will not have to set up a new account or download another chat application as it is based on Rich Communication Services (RCS). RCS is a protocol which enables users to send rich text messages such as photos, videos over a cellphone carrier.
When people will start using Chat, they’ll get many features such as read receipts, typing indicators, full-resolution images and video, and group texts. However, there is one drawback, Chat won’t be as secure as iMessage. Also, if the user is texting somebody who does not have Chat enabled or is not an Android user, their messages will go back to SMS.
Till now, in the US, cellphone carrier T-Mobile has agreed to support chat on Android phones in the second quarter of this year. When The Verge asked for comment, neither Verizon nor AT&T informed any specific period when will they support Chat. Chat won’t be available to every Android user as its rollout depends upon the support from different cellphone carriers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2018