Google Messages Updated With Next Generation RCS-Based Features

Google Messages app comes preinstalled on Android devices. Now, the RCS messaging experience is available in India and other countries. The Rich Communication Services or RCS was earlier limited to only a couple of network operators. Now, the latest version of the Messages app brings a worldwide update with RCS.

What Is Google RCS?

RCS messaging is the next generation of SMS that upgrades text messaging. It allows the user to perform tasks like payments, send/receive high-resolution images, video calls, location sharing, and more. To use the RCS messaging feature, the smartphone needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network or have mobile data, unlike SMS, which requires cellular connectivity.

The RCS messaging feature is a competition to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and others. Google has been trying out the RCS messaging experience with companies like Samsung, Huawei, Vodafone, and others. Now, with the Google Messages app update, the RCS messaging is available to all, irrespective of the telecom network they use.

How To Enable RCS Messaging

The RCS messaging update requires users to install the beta version 5.2.051 to update the Google Messages on Android devices. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Next, the Activity Launcher is required, which is also available via the Google Play Store.

The RCS messaging service requires the Activity Launcher to configure the RCS protocol on the Messages app. On accessing the Activity Launcher app, users need to select the 'Activities' option from the dropdown menu. Next, the Messages app should be selected, where the option to 'Set RCS Flags' is seen.

After selecting the RCS Flag option, users then need to choose the ACS URL option, followed by selecting the OTP Pattern. Once done, hitting the Apply button will set the RCS messaging platform. Also, users need to set the Google Messages app as the default app to experience most of the RCS messaging service.

It was reported that no changes appear on the home screen once the feature is enabled. The Google Messages with RCS feature requires the user to manually enter their mobile number if the network carrier is not verified automatically.