Advertisement
Sections
Google has started rolling out its version of iMessage for users in the US
Chat has a bunch of feature that are similar to the ones seen on Apple's iMessage.

Google has rolled out the answer to iMessage called Chat. The new messaging platform by Android is now available for all users in the US. Currently, its unknown when Chat will be rolled out for users in other markets.Chat has a bunch of feature that are similar to the ones seen on Apple's iMessage. Android users on Chat will now be have read receipts. They will also see an ellipsis symbol when someone on the other side of the chat is typing. Chat will also add the ability to send higher-resolution images and videos.[caption id="attachment_6914101" align="alignnone" width="1280"]
Android Message[/caption]In a tweet last week, Sanaz Ahari, Google's product management director said that people will need to update both their Messages app and carrier services to receive the new tools.Chat has been available for users in UK, France, and Mexico since June this year.Similar to iMessage, Chat also gives Android users the option to opt in or out of the service. All Messages users in the US will be able to use the new Chat features with any phone that has Rich Communications Services (RCS, a successor to SMS) enabled.Notably, though, since Chat is based on RCS, it's not entirely like iMessage, in the sense that RCS doesn't offer end-to-end encryption. There is also a limitation to what all networks can connect to RCS.
Android Message[/caption]In a tweet last week, Sanaz Ahari, Google's product management director said that people will need to update both their Messages app and carrier services to receive the new tools.Chat has been available for users in UK, France, and Mexico since June this year.Similar to iMessage, Chat also gives Android users the option to opt in or out of the service. All Messages users in the US will be able to use the new Chat features with any phone that has Rich Communications Services (RCS, a successor to SMS) enabled.Notably, though, since Chat is based on RCS, it's not entirely like iMessage, in the sense that RCS doesn't offer end-to-end encryption. There is also a limitation to what all networks can connect to RCS.First Published:Dec 18, 2019, 10:23:59 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement

Why AI notetakers are raising serious privacy and security concerns
AI notetakers promise effortless meeting summaries, but experts warn they could expose confidential conversations, corporate secrets and personal voiceprints. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered meeting assistants, questions over data storage, privacy, consent and legal risks are becoming impossible to ignore
5 min read
China's low-cost AI models are changing the global AI race. Here's why Silicon Valley is worried
As Chinese firms continue to improve performance while keeping prices low, the AI race is no longer just about building the smartest model—it is increasingly becoming a battle over who can deliver the best value
2 min read
China's Kimi K3 challenges US AI leaders with frontier-level performance at lower cost
Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has unveiled its latest open-weight AI model, Kimi K3, with early results suggesting it could compete with some of the world's most advanced AI systems developed by leading US companies
2 min read
How did Instagram run ads promoting child abuse in India?
India has issued a notice to Meta after an investigation alleged that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. MeitY ordered Meta to remove such Instagram ads and explain within seven days how they were approved
8 min read
Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?
India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India
3 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
