Messages app update

[japitts]

My A14 is running messages app 15.2.40.5 and has been prompting for an update that seems related to chat functions or RCS.

I've had all those options disabled since quite a while, but have read a few places about a push away from "Samsung messages" to "Google messages".

I'm of the "if it's not broke don't fix it" and tend to text more than use apps (except for photos/videos & groups) anyway - so am inclined to keep the current version of this app. But can any users of "Google Messages" advise on the differences?

[japitts]

Lonsa please start your own thread rather than replying to one about something completely unrelated!

(Replying to someone who asked about a microphone problem)

[Msharp95]

I've just switched. I prefer the samsung messages app though as I like the categories and the dark mode is better. It also looks cleaner in my opinion.
However, I was getting the message to upgrade to Google messages and it was annoying, so I switched. Honestly, the only thing I have noticed is anyone with an iphone can now give a thumbs up to your message like they do on imessage, and you can do the same to another android user. I haven't used it enough to give anything further though, sorry.

[Sonora]

RCS is the new standard for SMS apps. The advantage of Google Messages is that you can send RCS messages even if your carrier doesn't support chat. You can send them to anyone (Androids) because the vast majority of Androids already have Google Messages as their default SMS app. The advantage is that you can decide who you want to talk to and who you just want regular SMS and MMS messages with. So you can turn off RCS for anyone you don't want to talk to. Some Samsung features are already available in Google Messages, it would be great if Google added Samsung's extensive customization options, I've read that this could happen

[japitts]

Interesting and useful - thankyou. In your experience, does Google Messages allow RCS &/or "chat" functions to be disabled completely, thus just rendering it a pure SMS app?

[Sonora]

I'm not sure, because I turned on RCS and I remember it took a few days for Google's Jibs to accept and verify my number. It might be possible if you don't open the Chat settings in Google Messages settings at all, but I'm not sure the app won't bother you with the question "Do you want to turn on RCS?" Without RCS, you won't be able to use Gemini in Google Messages, I forgot to mention that Gemini and the ability to chat with it is another benefit of Google Messages.

 

[japitts]

Thanks for the responses - interesting to know. Can't say I'm taken with anything about RCS at all, but to be informed is half the battle - so all replies much appreciated.