Samsung today said it has acquired NewNet Communication Technologies, a Canadian company that provides rich communication services (RCS) infrastructure. NewNet offers standards-based RCS tools that allow phone makers and network operators to deploy advanced messaging services, such as group chats, multimedia support, and enhanced calling. Samsung says the acquisition will allow it to add RCS to its own devices. The company also plans to offer RCS services to its network operator partners that don't have their own RCS infrastructure in place. NewNet will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung's Canadian business unit. Sprint and Google recently deployed a standards-based RCS service to the carrier's Android handsets. T-Mobile also offers a standards-based RCS service. AT&T and Verizon offer their own, proprietary RCS services that only work within their respective networks.


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