Google and select carriers pushing for improved messaging system

Google has partnered with Sprint, Orange, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom (owner of T-Mobile US), and more alongside the GSMA to push for an improved messaging system to replace the aging and limited SMS/MMS service we currently use. The RCS (Rich Communications Services) standard will be used to achieve this.

With the use of RCS, a standard messaging app will be able to send high quality photos, do video calling, and do proper group chats. It would be much like Apple’s iMessage, which admittedly is quite great. T-Mobile is already using RCS for video chatting, and AT&T uses RCS for larger MMS attachments and rear receipts, so it’s not that tough. All it requires is a standardized way of implementing it.

Sadly, this might not happen as idealistically as necessary. AT&T and Verizon have not joined Google in this push, so a universal system for all Android phones isn’t too likely at the moment. However, it would greatly improve the user experience of Android devices. Yes, there are apps that already do this, but they requires that everyone have the same app, and a lot of people prefer different apps. A native solution would be best.

source: androidandme