Google has rolled out the successor to SMS, called Rich Communication Services (RCS), worldwide. With RCS, Google wants to take text messages to the same level as messages that you send via well-known chat apps such as iMessage and WhatsApp. Especially the addition of end-to-end encryption makes RCS a much safer alternative than SMS. How can you use RCS on your phone?
Although many undoubtedly mainly use the well-known chat apps to send messages, there is sometimes a situation where you prefer to send a text message. Perhaps you use a different chat app than your friends or you want to keep the contact business-like. Google has recently started offering support to the successor to SMS, namely RCS, with many more options. Besides the fact that sending an RCS is safer due to the end-to-end encryption, you also have many more options for designing your message. You can send several photos at the same time, add stickers or videos, start group conversations or see when someone types something. SMS has never known such functions.
Google has been in talks with providers around the world for years to implement RCS, but many providers are not keen on that. As a result, the internet giant decided to take the reins itself, so that you can now send an RCS on any Android phone via the Messages app.
Turn on RCS
To turn on RCS, tap the Messages app on your Android smartphone on the three dots at the top right of the screen. Go to Settings and then to Chat features. You can access this Enable chat features Enable RCS.
Incidentally, end-to-end encryption for RCS will not be immediately available to everyone, as Google is testing this security feature among users and the feature is slowly rolling out. It may take until sometime next year before all your RCS messages are sent via end-to-end encryption. You can do if give up beta tester to test the security function in one-to-one messages.
RCS on iPhone not possible
RCS is not yet available on the iPhone. Some time ago, Apple announced that it was looking at the possibilities, but does not seem to be in a hurry. RCS would then have to be implemented in iMessage, while Apple is known for not being keen to allow third-party applications or standards. Apple prefers to keep everything in hand. It is not without reason that it took years before it was possible to choose a different default browser than Safari on iOS devices.
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