Android Messages

Google Would Love to Bring RCS to Your Phone, but US Carriers are Bad

Kellen July 28, 2019

If you assumed that your US carrier is the reason you haven't been given access to RCS, which should be the future of SMS, you are probably right. Google's Hiroshi Lockheimer said as much in a Tweet this weekend, while sharing news that they have fully rolled...

Google Says It’s Ready to Bring RCS to Your Phone, Carriers be Damned

Kellen June 17, 2019

Less than two weeks ago, just as Verizon gave the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ access to RCS messaging, I shared with you a few pointed thoughts on how bad the RCS situation has become. In fact, I said that "RCS is dumb" because of the way Google has tried to roll...

Google Messages on Web is Changing Addresses

Kellen March 27, 2019

When Google's Messages app gained web support in June of last year, you accessed it by visiting messages.android.com and then scanning a QR code from your phone to pair up your computer's browser. That original address you visited is likely going to change to...

How to Get “Chat” RCS Features on Verizon Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL

Kellen December 6, 2018

Verizon confirmed earlier this week that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL would see support for RCS Universal Profile "Chat" features starting today. We are still awaiting their arrival to the majority of phone owners, but can at least help you see if your phone has...

Google Lays Out Messaging Plans, Including the Fate of Allo and Hangouts

Kellen December 5, 2018

After a couple of new reports attempted to share Google's timeline for shuffling around its messaging apps, possibly killing a couple of them, the company decided to explain their plans in their own words. In a way, this should provide some clarity on the...

Android Messages Gets Much Improved Search Options

Tim September 24, 2018

Looking through conversations in chat apps in an attempt to locate shared photos or address can be a real pain. In a move announced this week, Android Messages is getting a comprehensive search feature, allowing you to pinpoint the exact information you're...

Samsung and Google are RCS Besties Now

Kellen September 12, 2018

RCS will be cool in like 5 years when we have more than 1.5 carriers and some phones that can utilize it. Messages will be filled with typing indicators and higher-res images and all the group sh*t you could ever get into, in a group message. Trust me, we've...

People Really Aren’t Happy With the New Android Messages, Even With Dark Mode

Kellen September 6, 2018

The new Android Messages should have arrived on your phone today if it hadn't already. That means you get the new super-white UI skin and optional dark mode. Hopefully, you like those two options a lot because two other changes that come with the update have...