Google begins to roll out Chat app for Android users. (via Euronews, Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

Chat: Google to Launch Android Version of iMessage

Kinanty Nadia Putri
Business & Industry
Internet & IT
Jun 20, 2019
2386
Later this month, Google is bringing Android version of iMessage out in the UK and France. The new texting service which the company calls—Chat—will offer an easier way for people with Android phone to text.

Google first unveiled the app in April 2018 that is intended to replace the current SMS and MMS messaging services, and will possibly be a rival to Apple’s iMessage service.

Similar to iMessage, Chat will provide an ellipsis symbol to indicate when people are typing and read receipt. The app lets people send texts through Wi-Fi which also allows users to send higher resolution images, videos, and attachments. But importantly, people will be able to save their cellular data. In addition, just like iMessage, Chat users can choose if they want to opt into the service or disable it when they don’t want it.

Google’s product management director Sanaz Ahari told CNN Business that the company is now pleased with the progress of delivering a modern messaging experience to every Android user around the world, regardless of device or carrier people have. The company also said that Chat will be rolled out to other countries this year, but didn’t specify details.

Even though the goal is still a way off, but the statement has indicated that more people outside the UK and France will soon get access to Chat.

In spite of its similarity with iMessage, there will be a major drawback to Chat app that doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption which could be a concern for Android users and security advocates.

But Ahari said Google fundamentally believes that messaging is highly personal and users have a right to privacy so that the company has pledged to deliver this encryption going forward.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/18/business/google-rcs-protocol-chat-android-imessage/index.html

Google , Business , Internet , IT , Android , Chat , iMessage