The messaging app war has been raging on for years now, with multiple popular platforms vying for users’ attention. Google has been an important player in this space, previously relying on its chat app, Hangouts, for messaging. However, with the recent update to its Google Messages app, the company could be making waves in messaging.
The update not only gives the Messages app an improved look and feel, it also took another step forward in its mission to become the go-to messaging option. It introduced a plethora of features, ranging from a convenient colorful “chat heads” UI to a long-awaited support for dark mode.
But the update’s biggest draw is arguably its integration with Google’s RCS, or Rich Communication Services. This essentially makes Messages a powerful SMS-cum-chat platform, using the traditional short message service protocol unless both devices using the app have this feature enabled.
This means that users can continue using it like they use an SMS, except they don’t have to worry about the text or character limit, and they can send images, videos, and other files without any issue. On the other hand, if the sender and recipient have the feature enabled, they can communicate like they do on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.
On top of that, the update brings an interesting read receipts feature. It allows users to see when their messages have been seen, similarly to WhatsApp’s read receipts, and users have the option to switch the feature off.
The fact that users don’t have to opt out of the key Messages features gives users complete control over their messaging experience, without feeling forced into using anyone platform or feature. And that’s why this update could be a game changer for the messaging space.
Google Messages’ all-in-one approach to messaging offers a unique and powerful solution that allows users to use the app as they please without having to miss out on basic functionalities. If all goes according to plan, it could easily become the go-to choice for messaging.
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