Android Messages is getting an upgrade!

[FidoStephane]

Hey Community!

The Android Messages app is getting an upgrade today!  This upgrade will allow for Rich Communication Services, which means an even more awesome texting experience.  Most Android models released after today will have the new Android Messages build in, however it will be available for download from the Play Store to all Android devices running 4.1 and 4.4 or higher. Note that the update is rolled out to devices in batches. You'll receive a notification to update it when it's available.

So, what’s changing exactly? Android Messages now has advanced features such as Typing Indicators, Deliver Receipts, Read Receipts, Group Messaging, and Photo/file/Location Sharing capabilities. Pretty cool eh?

Note: The advanced features only work from Messages to Messages, for now at least.

Check it out today! It’s pretty awesome.

Cheers!

-FidoStephane

[Manduh]

Very cool! Downloading as I type this!

[Original_Lucy]

Messenger for Android has been a very good app and now I'll check out the new one. I usually use BBM as my messaging app, but, will look at this one.

[sc101]

Good news! However, these days, there are so many messenger apps out there all have the name -- "Messenger". Is Messenger from Google? I had Google's Messenger 4.2 installed some time ago. I didn't see any new updates on the Play Store.

[FidoFaiza]

Hi @sc101, RCS is indeed from Google and it is available for all devices on Android 4.4 or above. If you don’t see the new features in your app you may need to update it on the Play Store. 

[Bob1232]

Is there a way to activate RCS? I have a current phone with the newest google messenger yet I don't have RCS features yet. Is it a rollout on the Fido end or can we activate it on the user end. Thanks

[FidoMaria]

Hi @Bob1232 this is something that can be activated on the user end.

[Bob1232]

How? I have the newest messenger app and am speaking with someone who also has it yet I haven't gotten any prompt and don't have anything in the settings that is different 

[FidoMegan]

Hey @Bob1232

Do you see a banner at the bottom of your screen telling you that Enhanced Features are available? As soon as it is available, you'll get that notification.  

[customer987426]

Isn't showing up on my phone. I'm running latest software updates for Galaxy S6. 

[FidoKenny]

Hey @customer987426 and thanks for reaching out.

That's odd. You should be able to use the App.

You are running running 4.1 and 4.4 or higher on your device?

And were you able to get the app from the Play Store?

Let me know.

[customer987426]

hello @FidoKenny,

it isn't downloading i have a problem with. app installed and working, using it for weeks already. 

i meant i didn't get the rcs notification nor is there an option to turn it on in the app.

[FidoKenny]

@customer987426

Thanks for the clarification.

Did you try to remove and put back the app?

You might get a different result. Let me know

[customer987426]

@FidoKenny

No change. No prompts or notifications. 

Thanks for quick turnaround.

[FidoKenny]

@customer987426

I get it.

Did you get the banner to update your app? Allowing you to have the rcs notification?

[pnbrown]

I just downloaded this app on my Samsung Galaxy S4. When I go to change the default messaging application to this app, I get the following warning "You will not be able to use some features of Samsung applications if you set Messenger instead of Messaging as your default messaging application. Setting Messenger as your default messaging application may also affect your ability to send or receive messages, in which case Samsung shall not be responsible or liable."

What features of Samsung applications will I not be able to use if I change my default messaging application to Messenger by Google? Also, for practical purposes, does this actually impact my ability to send or receive messages, or is it just Samsung protecting itself?

[customer987426]

@FidoKenny

No banners appear

[FidoKenny]

@customer987426

Thank you for flagging this.

I'm taking a look into it with our support team and we will get back to you as soon as we have news on this

[FidoKenny]

Hey @pnbrown

You will be able to use you phone without a problem.

A feature like Samsung Voice (S Voice) might not work with this messaging app. 

If you don't use Samsung apps, this won't affect you.

For more information, I would invite you to contact Samsung to have more details about the feature

[siamak__]

It is not showing up on my phone. Messenger is the default messaging app on my moto x 2014 Marshmallow.

[FidoRanya]

Hey @siamak__ ,

Did you try to download it from the Play Store? Is your device running 4.1 and 4.4 or higher ?