Google and Sprint today said some of Sprint’s Android phones now have access to RCS-based messaging features. Google added Rich Communication Services, powered by its Jibe cloud platform, to its own Messenger SMS application.
Some of the features of RCS include group chat, high-resolution photo sharing, advanced calling features, and read receipts. According to Sprint, select LG handsets and all Nexus handsets will automatically receive the new RCS-based Messenger app later today.
Sprint customers who own other Android devices should be able to download the app directly from the Google Play Store. The RCS-enriched Messenger app will be installed on all Sprint phones beginning in 2017. Earlier this year, the GSMA and a large number of global network operators agreed to deploy RCS with Google.
Sprint was one of the initial supporters of the GSMA’s plans, though so far AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless have remained silent on potential adoption of the Google-made RCS app.
