If you use Samsung messages then you are going through the carrier RCS rather than Google. I know Samsung is supposed to merge to Google Chat soon, but I don't think it's widespread. If you both use Android Messages and their RCS, you shouldn't have any issues. Been using it for the past year with minimal problems.
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The iPhone from an Android Perspective
- Thread starter drinkingtea
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If you use Samsung messages then you are going through the carrier RCS rather than Google. I know Samsung is supposed to merge to Google Chat soon, but I don't think it's widespread. If you both use Android Messages and their RCS, you shouldn't have any issues. Been using it for the past year with minimal problems.
Umm.. maybe I don't fully understand RCS. But I was under the impression that Google developed RCS and carriers adopted it. And, by carriers supporting it that then gives Samsung the ability to implement it into their app. I haven't read anything about Samsung merging with Google Chat.
I won’t pretend to understand the intricacies of RCS—hell, probably don’t really have a firm grasp on the basics—but from everything I’ve seen/read, it’s fragmented as hell. I believe there are multiple flavors of RCS that aren‘t compatible, that from carriers and that implemented by Google. In fact, someone please correct me if I‘m wrong but I thought certain carrier implementations were necessarily compatible. And unless the carriers relent, that’s not going to change anytime soon.
Apple Messages is absolutely most prevelant in the US/Canada and if you use multiple Apple devices here, there is no better messaging platform. I know because I’ve tried ’em all.
Alright, help me understand the intrigue of WhatsApp. I've seen screenshots and everything. What features makes users prefer it to iMessage?
The fact it's completely cross-platform? Being able to receive and respond to messages on your PC desktop or laptop, your Mac, your Android tablet, your iPad etc.
iMessage is very closed. Just because someone has an iPhone doesn't mean they want or can afford a MacBook etc.
There are different versions of RCS. Some of the carrier ones are based off their own code, some are based off Googles code but are olders versions than what Google themselves have released. Some were cross compatible and some werent. It was a mess all because the carriers refused to use Googles RCS version and insisted on using their own. Finally, last year Google got pissed and released RCS for Android Messages that used Googles servers and worked over top of the carriers (as long as you used Android Messages). Since then, carriers are starting to get on board but its still a mess. That why its best to just use Android Messages and let Google handle the RCS instead of whatever mess the carriers are doing.
Plus now RCS through Google is encrypted.
Fair enough.
I’m a proponent of aesthetics, if it doesn’t look appealing... being cross-platform doesn’t mean much. Bear in mind, it’s all subjective... but I like the look of iMessage over WhatsApp. It’s why I choose Samsung Internet over Google Chrome. And you are most certainly right.. iMessage is closed to only Apple Devices. I was just mainly looking at features besides cross-platform, but perhaps... it stops there. If it isn’t cross-platform... then that’s the most important feature of all.
Android RCS is also completely cross platform. It works through any web browser.
They don't have to. Android RCS doesn't require anything on the carrier side. If you use Android Messages, then you have their RCS available to you through their servers. The only exception is which country you live in.
OK, didn’t realise that about the carriers.
I guess this is one of the problems with Android fragmentation then - most people just use the SMS app that came with their phone - e.g. Samsung Messages etc. It’s one thing to download an IM app like WhatsApp but quite another to also download a separate SMS app when there’s already one on the device. Most people probably wouldn’t contemplate it and a fair few others would simply think: why?
Maybe Google should push for Android Messages to be bundled as default on all Android devices. The OEM duplication of apps is frustrating, especially when they support less (RCS, Messages on Web etc).
Yep, I agree. The issue is most people dont know Google RCS is even an option because they tend to just use the default messaging app that comes with the phone.
I’m sure Google has tried, but I would think it’s only so much they can bundle within Android. Android has it’s hands in not only OEMs, but carriers as well. I enjoy using Android, but I wish less hands are tied to it.
There’s an irony in that. Google apparently can force OEMs to preinstall things like Chrome, Youtube and Google Photos for their GMS certification, but cannot do it for the messages app...
Like Ian mentioned, Google can force the OEMs to preinstall whatever they want. But I think Androids nature is the freedom of choice so they don't force it. But the company that controls the software controls what goes on their software. Same reason why apple doesn't allow carriers to install any apps on their phones.
And this is exactly why I’m glad WhatsApp hasn’t become the defacto messaging service here in the US. Facebook is literally the worst...
WhatsApp updates its Terms and Privacy Policy to mandate data-sharing with Facebook
And because billions of people now rely on it, Facebook knows there’s no way people can get away from this. As shady as Google‘s bait and switch with Google Photos. Actually, it’s much worse.
Whatsapp has lots of advantages, from features, open ecosystems, etc. Of course, I have some wishlist as well, such as other option to add someone other than using phone number, option to chat with someone without needed for us to add as contact (in easy way), and maybe more conventional interface design (never like the current one)
Fb messenger, IG, whatsapp, let just hope these 3 won’t get any more messier than now !
Android message, well ... i have nothing to say. How many chat apps did google try with no success. It’s a mess
Line, kakao, these 2 has a strong base at their origin country. They have a very good nationalist citizen.
iMessages, in feature wise, more lacking than whatsapp, only for apple ecosystem, allegedly secure, good interface, etc
What I missed the most BBM !!!!!
Fb messenger, IG, whatsapp, let just hope these 3 won’t get any more messier than now !
Android message, well ... i have nothing to say. How many chat apps did google try with no success. It’s a mess
Line, kakao, these 2 has a strong base at their origin country. They have a very good nationalist citizen.
iMessages, in feature wise, more lacking than whatsapp, only for apple ecosystem, allegedly secure, good interface, etc
What I missed the most BBM !!!!!
Facebook owning it really was the worse thing that could have happened....
This is the beauty of iMessage, where there’s no added step. Once iMessage is turned on... you automatically are able to iMessage anyone without the need to add or invite.
Google’s RCS is picking up. I admit that Google has experimented with many chat apps, but I think they have found a winner in RCS.... carriers are now adopting it.
Care to elaborate? I’m curious... What features is iMessage lacking besides cross-platform.
Yes, I agree. We can msg anyone without need to add. It can also hide our phone number or use alias right ? Pls correct me if i’m wrong. I don’t use iMessage, just because no one I have frequent contact use it
Let just wait and see for the google progress. It’s always a good thing for everyone if text messaging, os messaging can somehow synced no matter at what device or OS. Or at least an app alike with whatsapp with text messaging feature. Everyone will be happy
The lacking, the reason i say this is because , not too long ago apple just announce the pinned chat, mention, and inline reply feature right ? These are not new feature for whatsapp. Also, i’m not sure if iMessages has picture view tab for the group chat ? It will be nice feature for some people who only want to scroll through multiple picture posted on group chat. And I hate the app store and any of that flashy menu at the bottom of the screen. It’s too crowded and confusing for a non usual user like me. Sure the confetti or what does it called, it’s nice and fun. i like the bubble and the detail interface. Just so ... .... i like something tidy and simple. It’s a chatroom after all :v
I'm confused. Are you asking me about WhatsApp? I haven't used it. But I wasn't aware that you can message anyone without the need to add.
Oh, wasn't aware those features were on WhatsApp first. And picture view tab for group chat. That does exist on iMessage.
No, i’m asking you about iMessage (about the alias), but anyway, just ignore my quest, i just remember that we can show our email add at iMessages instead of phone number
Yeah, that’s why i said lacking. But apple is catching up lot of things nowadays, and i understand the reason is they rarely launch any services if the product/services still not stable. At least that’s the positive way of thinking for the reason LoL
My apologies. Yeah, you can use Alias. But the reason why it's lacking or late to add features. Because iMessage is tied to the OS whereas WhatsApp is a standalone app, which makes it easier for features to be added at a quicker pace.