Google recently announced that it is working with AT&T to establish Messages by Google as the default messaging application for all AT&T customers in the United States using Android phones.
The collaboration aims to help accelerate the industry toward global Rich Communication Services (RCS) coverage and interoperability to offer a consistent, secure, and enhanced messaging experience for all Android users around the world.
Working together, AT&T and Google will continue the momentum to upgrade SMS with enhanced messaging features offered in Messages, which includes the support of chat features based on the open RCS standard. With Messages as the default messaging application, all AT&T customers using Android devices will get enhanced features so they can:
- Share full-resolution pictures from a recent event or vacation
- Send a higher-quality video of that soccer goal and the celebration that followed
- Know when someone is replying to a text
- Send and receive messages over Wi-Fi or data
- Participate in group chats where it’s easy to add someone else to the conversation, or let someone leave, without starting a brand new thread.
In addition to these features, Google said it is also rolling out end-to-end encryption for one-on-one RCS conversations between people using Messages and people who have chat features enabled.
David Christopher, EVP and GM, AT&T Mobility
Many AT&T customers have enjoyed the advantages of RCS for years when texting with friends and family. We look forward to working closely with Google to extend these benefits to even more of our customers as they enjoy richer conversations with others around the world.
