Google aims to beef up text messages with new open source system

[Wireless News]

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/9edsIzJmHpQbFO6wmCtKQg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9ODY7cT03NTt3PT EzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/digital_trends_973/18a5c7bdf2d4dd2ef4e7c28c7d764b42 (http://news.yahoo.com/google-aims-beef-text-messages-143128651.html)In a world of messaging services that let you-attach-just about every conceivable form of animation, video, and file under the sun, plain old text messages seem-positively archaic.-That’s-why a cellular and tech company-collective is attempting-to spur adoption of a new GSMA-standard, Rich Communications Services (RCS), that’s designed to-replace the aging-SMS still in use by more than four billion mobile users. And-Google’s now leading the charge: today at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the search giant-announced an open source-RCS client and profile-that will debut on Android later this year. Google’s Universal RCS platform, the fruit-of the company’s Jibe Mobile acquisition in September of last year, will support a “consistent” and “interoperable” version-of the recently standardized-RCS spec. Google’s-client will support such-features as-high-resolution photo sharing, and read receipt, the company-says, and is even designed to play nicely with non-Android devices. Related: Why text messaging is here to stay Interestingly, the profile and client-can-be tweaked to work on third-party-operating systems: Google’s making available APIs and open source tools. “Today marks an important step forward in bringing a better messaging experience for Android users everywhere,” said Google Vice President of Communications Products Nick Fox in a statement. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with our partners across the industry to make this happen.” That view is perhaps a bit-optimistic. RCS hasn’t exactly seen the level of adoption-the GSMA (the-industry association which certifies cellular standards like RCS) was probably hoping for. In point of fact, only 19-carriers have pledged to support RCS so far, and-a few of the bigger-players, notably-Verizon and AT&T, have yet to sign on. Related: Finally! Google Hangouts 7.0 speeds up quick replies on Android Still, RCS has the backing of more than a few cellular movers and shakers (Deutsche Telekom, Sprint, Orange, and Vodafone, among others), and the-potential to shift texting paradigms.-Third-party services like Whatsapp (which has more than a billion active users) may have momentum on their side , but-there’s a reason-texting’s obsolescence is far from within sight: it just works. As anyone who’s ever attempted to-invite a non-user to a Line or iMessage group chat can tell you, texting has ease of use as aally. Even though your next device might support RCS, don’t expect to be able to use it anytime soon — carriers are just beginning to transition to the new standard. But someday, sending a cat meme or starting a video chat may be as simple as tapping the corresponding buttons within your phone’s default messaging app. Also watch: Apple iPhone 6S Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Please enable Javascript to watch this video



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