Encourage your friends to use RCS messaging

Google Messages is making it easier to get everyone on board with RCS, the modern upgrade to texting. If you have a friend still stuck on old-school SMS, the app might soon nudge you to send them a friendly message to switch to RCS. This feature, spotted in an app teardown, aims to boost the use of RCS, which offers a richer texting experience. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, brings cool features like emoji reactions, read receipts, and high-quality photo and video sharing.

It’s a big step up from basic SMS, making chats with other Android users more fun and engaging. For RCS to work its magic, everyone in the conversation needs to have it turned on. That’s where Google Messages steps in—it may detect when someone isn’t using RCS and suggest you send them a quick invite to join in. The invite could say something like, “Hey! I noticed you’re using SMS.

Let’s switch to RCS for better-quality photos and secure messages!” This gentle push might encourage those hesitant friends to make the change. While it could feel a bit pushy for some, it’s a smart way to spread the word about RCS’s benefits. As RCS grows, especially with iPhones now supporting it, texting across Android and iOS is getting smoother. Google’s move to promote RCS through Messages could make your chats more lively and connected. Got friends who need a nudge? Soon, Google Messages might help you convince them.