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RCS Messaging between Android and iPhone: Key features and Google Chat enhancements you need to know

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RCS (Rich Communication Services) has begun bridging the communication gap between Android and iPhone users, improving cross-platform messaging. While it’s not perfect, RCS marks a significant step forward in making messaging more seamless across different operating systems. This is especially beneficial in regions where iPhone usage is dominant, as iMessage previously limited the communication experience for Android users. Alongside this, Google Chat has added notable features, such as voice clip transcripts and the ability to send video messages.

Let’s take a closer look at what RCS offers between Android and iPhone, as well as the recent updates in Google Chat.

RCS Messaging: What’s New?

RCS isn’t a magical solution that will eliminate the longstanding iPhone “green bubble” stigma for Android users, but it does offer a range of modern messaging features that both platforms can use. One of the most significant advantages of RCS is that it doesn’t require iMessage to be active on iPhones for it to function. However, it does depend on carrier support, and users need to ensure that RCS is enabled on their devices.

On Android, you can enable RCS by going to Google Messages > Profile icon > Message settings > RCS chats > Turn on RCS chats. On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging to check if it’s active.

Delivery and Read Receipts

RCS eliminates the uncertainty of SMS messages by providing real-time delivery updates. Android and iPhone users can now see when a message is sent, delivered, and read. On Android, this is shown with checkmarks: a single checkmark for sent and a double checkmark for delivered. iPhone users see a simple “Delivered” label.

Read receipts are equally useful, displaying whether the recipient has seen your message and at what time. On Android, a color-filled double checkmark shows a message has been read, while iPhone users see a “Read” label with the exact time. These read receipts can be disabled if users prefer more privacy.

Typing Indicators and High-Resolution Media Sharing

One of the perks of RCS is typing indicators, showing when someone on either platform is typing a message. Although this feature is common in messaging apps, it’s relatively new to cross-platform communications between Android and iPhone. While typing indicators mostly work as expected, occasional glitches can occur where they don’t show up until after a message is received.

Another long-awaited feature is the ability to send high-resolution photos and videos. Previously, media was heavily compressed when sent through MMS. With RCS, larger images and videos (up to 100MB) can be shared, though very large 4K videos may still be compressed. Users can tweak their settings on both Android and iPhone to enhance image quality.

Larger File Sizes and Document Sharing

Beyond media files, RCS allows the sharing of a wide variety of file types, including documents and even APK files. This is a notable improvement over SMS and MMS, which had strict file size limitations. You can send larger file bundles, such as zip files, making it easier to share multiple items in a single message. This feature is particularly handy for sharing work-related documents or media.

Message Reactions and Group Chats

Message reactions have been a standard feature in many messaging apps, and now they work smoothly across Android and iPhone with RCS. While iPhone’s integration is not as polished as Android’s, users can still react to specific messages with emojis. This simplifies conversations and makes it easier to acknowledge messages without typing a response.

Group chats are another area where RCS shines. For years, group chats between Android and iPhone users have been a messy experience, but RCS brings more reliable functionality. Users can now enjoy more seamless group chats, provided that everyone is using an updated device that supports RCS.

Future of RCS: Encrypted Messaging

One of the most anticipated features of RCS is end-to-end encryption, which is currently only available for Android-to-Android communication through Google Messages. Google is working on bringing encryption to RCS chats between Android and iPhone, but for now, these messages remain unencrypted, making them less secure than encrypted platforms like WhatsApp or Signal.

Google Chat Updates: Voice Clip Transcripts and Video Messages

In addition to RCS improvements, Google Chat has introduced two significant features for its users: voice clip transcripts and video messages. Users with a Google Workspace subscription can now record voice clips and receive a transcript with a “View transcript” button under the waveform. This is a handy feature for quickly reviewing audio messages without needing to listen to them. However, this feature is not available for personal Google accounts, as it’s restricted to Google Workspace users.

Google Chat has also rolled out video messaging, starting with the web version at chat.google.com. Users can record and send video messages in direct messages (DMs), group DMs, and spaces, similar to other Chat messages. While the ability to send videos from mobile isn’t available yet, receiving video messages works across all platforms. This feature is particularly useful for quick updates or personal messages in workspaces.

Conclusion

RCS is revolutionizing messaging between Android and iPhone, offering a richer and more modern experience for users on both platforms. From delivery receipts to high-resolution media sharing, RCS brings a much-needed upgrade to cross-platform communication. Meanwhile, Google Chat’s new voice clip transcripts and video messages enhance collaboration and communication in professional settings.

As messaging evolves, it’s clear that both Android and iPhone users can look forward to more streamlined, feature-rich communication experiences, with RCS leading the charge.

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Google

Google is making it easier to chat and set up your TV

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Google is rolling out two new updates to help users connect and set up devices more easily.

Easier chatting with the Pixel VIPs widget

Google is testing a new widget for Android called “Pixel VIPs.” This widget puts your most important contacts right on your home screen. With it, you can quickly see recent conversations, calls, and messages from your favorite people. The goal is to make it simple to keep in touch without searching through different apps. This feature is being tested on Pixel phones and could come to other Android devices soon.

A simpler way to set up your Google TV

Google is also updating the setup process for Google TV. Now, when you get a new Google TV device, the setup is much faster and easier. You can use your phone to finish most of the steps, like signing in and connecting to Wi-Fi. The new process makes it less confusing and saves time, especially for people who aren’t tech experts. This update is rolling out to more devices, so setting up your TV will soon be a smoother experience for everyone.

What does this mean for you?

These updates show that Google wants to make technology easier for everyone. Whether you’re chatting with friends or setting up a new TV, these changes help you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying your devices.

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Google cancels Pixel 10 preview for superfans and Google adds audio overviews to search

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Pixel 10 Series

Google has decided not to hold its special early preview event for the Pixel 10, which was meant for its most dedicated fans. In past years, Google invited “superfans” to see new Pixel devices before anyone else. This year, however, Google canceled the event without giving a clear reason. Fans who were looking forward to getting an early look at the Pixel 10 will now have to wait for the official launch, like everyone else. This change has disappointed many in the Pixel community, who enjoyed feeling included and valued by Google.

At the same time, Google is making it easier for people to get information from its search engine. The company is rolling out a new feature called “audio overviews.” With this update, when you search for something, you can listen to a summary of the information instead of reading it. This is helpful for people who are busy or prefer listening over reading. The audio overview gives a quick explanation of the topic, making it more convenient to learn new things on the go.

In summary, while Google has skipped its early Pixel 10 preview for superfans, it is improving its search experience by letting users listen to summaries of their search results. These updates show Google is still working to make its products better, even if some fans are disappointed by the event cancellation.

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Android

New Android Updates: Easier call controls and earthquake alerts on your wrist

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Google is making Android and Wear OS even better with some helpful new features.

Easier call controls with Android 16

Android 16 is testing a new “call chip” that makes it easier to manage phone calls. When you’re on a call, a small button will appear at the top of your screen. This “call chip” lets you quickly get back to your call if you switch to another app. You can tap it to return to the call screen, mute yourself, or hang up, all without searching for the call app. This update should make handling calls much simpler, especially if you often multitask on your phone.

Earthquake alerts coming to wear os smartwatches

Google is also bringing earthquake alerts to Wear OS smartwatches. If there’s an earthquake nearby, your watch will vibrate and show a warning on the screen. This helps you get alerts even if your phone isn’t in your hand. The feature uses the same technology as Android’s earthquake alert system, which gathers data from phones to detect quakes quickly. Now, with alerts on your wrist, you can get to safety even faster.

What does this mean for users

These updates show that Google wants to make daily life safer and easier. With better call controls and quick earthquake warnings, Android and Wear OS devices are becoming even more helpful for everyone.

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