The Vergecast Let's Chat about RCS
Nov 16, 2021
Sanaz Ahari, Senior Director of Communications Products at Google, joins the discussion to unpack the evolution of messaging from SMS to Rich Communication Services (RCS). They delve into the challenges of implementing RCS and its potential to transform texting for Android users. The conversation touches on the involvement of major U.S. carriers in adopting RCS and the intriguing possibility of Apple joining the RCS movement. Additionally, they highlight Google's push for encryption and the need for a standardized messaging experience across platforms.
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Episode notes
The Vergecast Interruption
- Dieter Bohn abandoned a Vergecast recording upon discovering breaking RCS news.
- Carriers formed a consortium seemingly to hijack RCS from Google.
RCS vs. SMS
- RCS is better than SMS due to its internet-based nature and advanced features.
- It's not controlled by a single company, offering flexibility in message routing.
The Rise and Fall of SMS
- Carriers initially overlooked texting's potential, leading to SMS limitations.
- High SMS costs spurred the creation of free texting apps, impacting carrier revenue.