Verizon to Make Messages by Google the Default Texting App on Android

Verizon has announced that it will make Messages by Google the default texting app on the Android devices it sells. This means all three major carriers will make the switch from SMS to the Rich Communications Service (RCS) standard. According to GSMA, the standard has been building momentum with over 444 million monthly active users in 60 countries.

Messages by Google will be preloaded, starting next year, on all Verizon Android devices, enabling consumers to enjoy rich messaging features, such as sending and receiving higher-quality photos and videos, chatting over Wi-Fi or data, knowing when your message is read, enjoying more dynamic and engaging group chats, and securely chatting with other Messages users in available one-on-one conversations with end-to-end encryption.

“Our customers depend on us to provide a reliable, advanced and simple messaging platform to stay in touch with the people that matter the most in their lives,” said Ronan Dunne, executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group. “By working with Google, Verizon will offer our Android users a robust messaging experience that allows them to engage with loved ones, brands and businesses in new and innovative ways.”


“Verizon and Google have been working together on Android since the early days of smartphones, and we’re excited to be working with Verizon today to bring a modern-messaging experience to our users," said Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s senior vice president of Platforms & Ecosystems.

Customers using Verizon's Message+ app will also get full access to RCS capabilities by the end of the year, including embedded high-res pictures and videos, real-time conversation notifications, animated GIFs and more.

Apple has yet to voice any support for the RCS standard. This means that once Android users are all using RCS, communication between platforms will be less secure than communications within each platform.

You can learn more about Messages by Google at the link below...


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