It looks like iMessage has a new rival incoming. Google new Android messaging browser ‘Chat’ is rolling out soon! Keep reading to see what this app has to offer!

Google to launch a new Android messaging app called ‘Chat’

According to The Verge, Google has already confirmed that they plan to put Allo’s resources into smoothing the way for RCS (Rich Communication Services). This sets to replace SMS default and will soon be compatible with most major carriers all over the world. The Universal RCS Profile provides read receipts, typing notifications, larger photo and video file sharing. It will also connect to Wi-Fi and LTE. For your information, this platform will simply be called “Chat”. Rather than trying to make an iMessage knock-off, Google has decided to embrace the existing RCS Profile and make it the default messaging experience on Android.

Further, there wouldn’t be a separate Chat app. Instead, this whole thing would all take place in the Android Messages app. Chat services and features will launch soon, but the timeframe may vary by carrier. If one doesn’t enable ‘Chat’ or uses a non-Android phone, SMS will be the default setup, so there isn’t any plan to phase it out. Moreover, Google has already announced its partnership with many phone makers like Huawei, Motorola, LG, HTC, and Sony to use Android Messages as the default SMS/Chat app. By far, there are 55 carriers and 11 smartphone makers that are on board with supporting Chat as the successor to SMS.

Here are some features that we expect the upcoming app to have: web-based desktop interface to carry Chats. Smart Reply mode as we’ve seen in Allo, Google Photos integration. Clearer organisation of messages, better search features, along with some new premium sticker patches to Android Messages.

The new and improved Android messaging app ‘Chat’

The RCS rollout has been long and shaky, with Google behind its rollout, Android users will finally have a better default messaging experience.