Google has not been in a hurry to roll out RCS ((Rich Communication Services) messaging to users across the world. The company has never shared its roll out strategy so we were never sure when we were to get this feature.
The good news for those in Kenya is that Google Messages RCS support is finally rolling out to this part of the world. I have it on my end and with that it is safe to assume other users in Kenya are getting it too.
RCS support is available to those using Google messages app as their default app for text messages. If you are using third party messaging apps you are out of luck. I woke up today to a prompt notification to use Google Messages with ‘Chat Features’ and had to agree to that to get started.
I followed the steps and got connected on Safaricom’s network and haven’t checked out any of the others. My bet is they should work just fine too.
The RCS Protocol allows users to send and receive messages over a Wi-Fi network or mobile data. With traditional SMS services, users could only receive messages through their cellular networks. In addition to this, RCS messaging can also rival apps like WhatsApp and Telegram as it allows users to send images, GIFs, emoji, stickers, videos, and audio messages. Google hopes RCS will in the long run replace the aging SMS format.
You can check if your device is connected to RCS Chat by heading to Setting > Chat features on the Google Messages app.
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