Android Messages (v2.9) with RCS Support Starts Rolling Out

google huawei android messages

Earlier this month, a teardown of Android Messages (v2.9) revealed that Google was working to introduce RCS messaging for the platform. For the uninitiated, RCS or Rich Communication Services is an enhanced messaging experience which allows users to share media, including images, emoji, stickers, location and audio messages, along with the usual text messages.

Android Messages RCS

Now, the company seems to be rolling out the feature to some users. According to a recent post on Reddit, an Android Messages user from Philippines has received the new features in v2.9.051 of the app. The user has attached screenshots of the same, which showcase Android Messages’ ability to send media files via SMS, send messages over data/WiFi, see when friends are typing, and display read receipts.

Android Messages No RCS

 

However, even though Google has started rolling out the RCS features, enabling them depends on the carriers. This means that users with carriers that support RCS will be able to use the features, while others will be limited to simple text messages. The author of the Reddit post was able to access the features because their carrier, Globe Telecom, supports RCS messaging. We tested the latest update for Android Messages on a number of devices at our office, but the RCS features were not available in India for any of the carriers.

comment Comments 2
  • Ananthapadmanabha Kurup says:

    Guys, I think you should call out the service providers and Google here because even though Airtel and Jio are advertised as being early adopters the service has not been available for anyone in India that I know of. In fact, Airtel was in the list of supported carriers when Google announced it in 2016 (I think). How can they claim that the carrier supports it if no one has ever been allowed to use the feature?

  • Murali Ippili says:

    I got this Update today morning but nothing has changed,but the version is 2.9.I am from Vizag using Motorola g5s plus and my carrier is jio

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