The two biggest companies in the Android world are coming together to improve messages. Google, the developer of Android, has announced a collaboration with Samsung, the biggest company on the platform. Specifically, the companies are integrating Android Messages and Samsung Messages together.
Using Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, the messaging services will work more efficiently together. Google and Samsung say the idea behind the project is to bring more interaction features.
Android and Samsung Messages will be able to initiate chats between one service and another over Wi-Fi. Other features will include chat groups, read receipts, and the ability to share media like photos and videos.
“Working together, Google and Samsung will ensure that our messaging clients, Android Messages and Samsung Messages, work seamlessly with each company’s RCS technology, including cloud and business messaging platforms.”
Samsung Messages is already available on the company’s newer smartphones. Google says the integrated features will also come to older devices. Indeed, users of the Galaxy, S8+, S8 Active, S9, S9+, Note8, Note9, and select A and J series running Android 9.0 or later.
Availability
All new Galaxy smartphones released with get the RCS messaging support as new. It is worth noting the network carrier will have to support RCS for it to work.
Speaking about integration, Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of Product & Services Innovation Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics, said:
“By furthering our robust partnership with Google, we will bring a richer messaging experience to our customers, letting them seamlessly chat with their friends and family across messaging platforms. This collaboration will help further the industry’s momentum toward advanced messaging and global RCS coverage.”
