Messenger is just one app on Google’s list of many communication platforms including Allo, Hangouts, Google Voice, and Duo. Messenger has been the one Google tends to make your default on Nexus and Pixel smartphones. However, it has also been available as a seperate app download for those running a specified version of Android or higher. Today, the platform is receiving an update that changes the name to ‘Android Messages’.

Google’s Messenger application, the company’s primary platform for sending SMS, is now called ‘Android Messages’. We’re not too sure as to why Google made the change, however, it could be that it’s Messenger app needed some distinction from other apps simply called ‘Messenger‘. Since the app is now called ‘Android Messages’ named after the mobile platform, expect no iOS nor web support to come in the future. The latest word according to sources and word of mouth has been that Google’s newer Allo app for instant messaging, may later down the road include support for web, as it already does for both Android and iOS mobile platforms. This could be the addition Google Allo needs.

Taking a look further into Android Message’s changelog, we see hints at a few new features. Along with your standard bug fixes and stability improvements, the sign-up seems to have been revised to bring bonus features to supported carriers. Anyone say RCS support?

As per the latest word, RCS is likely to be the next big thing for Android Messages. Google in fact recently spoke with those at The Verge, and confirmed that the tech giant is working with carriers to make Android Messages the default SMS app on phones. Google and carriers are also working to come to agreements for RSC messaging support. This is SMS activity giving users the ability to chat in groups, share files and get read receipts on any outgoing and incoming messages.

If Google wants to make this happen, they’ll have to get support from not only major carriers, but also the most popular Android device makers such as Samsung and Huawei. Otherwise, sending RCS to people could default back to old SMS depending on the network and phone in which the receiver has. It’s going to take conversation, but if Google can pull it off, it would be a welcome improvement for Android Messaging and frequent texters.

Below listed are the carriers and device makers in which Google has already marked off as compatible.

LG, Motorola, Sony, HTC, ZTE, Micromax, Nokia, Archos, BQ, Cherry Mobile, Condor, Fly, General Mobile, Lanix, LeEco, Lava, Kyocera, MyPhone, QMobile, Symphony and Wiko, along with Pixel and Android One devices.

SOURCE [Android Messages – Download Link]

VIA [The Verge]