Verizon will be launching RCS Chat on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL on December 6th. For now, only these two phones on Verizon will have the feature. But, we are getting it way ahead of schedule. Last month, Verizon said that support for Chat would be available “early 2019.”
What is RCS Chat?
It is the text-messaging standard set to replace SMS for phones on the Android platform. Google’s Messages app is touted as the place to access the new functionalities. Here are some notable features:
- Users can now send larger messages up to 8000 characters long – No longer restricted to 160 characters.
- Create group chats with up to 100 participants who also have chat features enabled.
- WiFi chat. Sending messages over WiFi, despite having no cellular connection.
- Allowing larger transfer of files than previously available.
RCS effectively replaces Google’s own offerings like Hangouts and Allo. All these text messaging apps and their predecessors failed to create lasting impact on users. This also means Google no longer competes directly with its rivals (iMessenger, WhatsApp, etc). Now, we have RCS Chat.
For the time being, Verizon’s implementation of RCS Chat will be only be compatible with other carriers, when they eventually roll it out based on the “Universal Profile.” However, some carriers have yet to begin implementation – think Apple, who did not give a slightest hint of adopting RCS. On the other hand, other carriers have implemented their own proprietary versions of RCS, but will hop onto the “Universal Profile” eventually.
An excerpt of Verizon’s statement:
Verizon and Google will be rolling out enhanced messaging (RCS) in the Messages app on Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL beginning this Thursday, December 6th. This messaging service brings, for example, typing indicators, very large group chats and the ability to transfer large files between the owners of these smartphones.
