Matti Robinson
10 Feb 2018 11:57
Android's default messaging apps are probably used by a minority small enough to fit on a palm of a regular sized human hand. Yes, no one uses them.
In most cases you either pick up WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger – both owned by Facebook, mind you – and only open up Messages, or whatever it's called, when absolutely necessary.
Now, this isn't the case on iOS. Apple has managed to capture many, perhaps even most, iPhone users with their iMessage. And I say capture, because it really limits their options moving forwards as there is no iMessage for Android, and likely never will.
So Apple knows that they have built a walled garden, with oh so delicious blue dots and off-putting green ones.
Obviously Google wants to be part of this messaging game. After all, Google wants to play all the games. However, every single approach since Gchat, later Hangouts, have been utter failures in the grand scheme of things. Google seems to be horrible at implementing social media and messaging.
Another try might be on the way, as Android Police have found proof, albeit very unofficial, about a new iteration of messaging on Android.
According to AP, Google is developing an improved Android Messages that includes Rich Communication Services (RCS) support, desktop messaging, and free messages via data connection like on iMessage.
As mentioned, none of this is official, but Google desperately needs to get their game together when it comes to messaging, so one can hope all this is coming soon.