The Future of Messaging
&
The Successor to SMS
Texting changed the way we communicate, but it’s out of date. Today we want messaging that lets us do things like share high-res photos and larger files, chat with a group, know when messages are read, or make video calls.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) makes all this possible.
Send large, high-res images and videos
Better group chat capabilities
Typing indicator and read receipts
Messages sent via WIFI vs. cell networks
Send longer messages with 8000 character limit
What is RCS?
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a type of messaging protocol that will upgrade and replace SMS. RCS will allow for improved media handling via Android messaging such as high-resolution photos, GIFs and videos.
Similar to iMessage you’ll be able to see when a contact is typing a message and when they have received a message when you both use RCS.
RCS will replace SMS and finally allow Android phones to compete with iMessage and over-the-top messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and WeChat. Think of it as iMessage for Android.
Carriers around the world are adopting what is being referred to as the “Universal Profile” of RCS and in several countries (Japan, S. Korea, and recently, the US) carriers have formed joint ventures to build and offer RCS services. Google, the market leader, has in parallel been slowly rolling out its own version of RCS across several countries.
How to build an
rcs chatbot
Soon, a chatbot that communicates through RCS will be the equivalent of the website to every consumer-facing business.  Business owners can tremendously benefit from being an early adopter. You can get started in several ways, from programming it yourself, to using a third party, to completely outsourcing – similar to the options for creating a website.
We’re working on ways for Mei to help you with this, but in the meantime, here are some resources to help you get started…
What has mei built?
Mei was the first independent SMS app to launch RCS. This enhances the advanced messaging features we already offer (such as Folders and Blast Messages). Our RCS is available to all Android users on Mei.
You are able to send larger videos, higher quality pictures and GIFs to other Mei users. We will be adding in typing indicators and read receipts shortly.
To begin with this is only working between Mei users, but as soon as Google and/or the carriers share their APIs, it will work with other messaging platforms that support RCS.
End-to-End Encrypted RCS
Mei’s RCS is the first end-to-end encrypted RCS on the market. This means we can offer you the improved messaging functionality of RCS, along with a more secure messaging protocol. Messages will only be encrypted when sent between you and another Mei user and you are both using RCS.
How do I use RCS
on Mei?
If you use Mei and have RCS turned on, Mei will automatically try and send a message/picture/video via RCS. If you are outside of a connectivity area (no WiFi or LTE) and/or the person you are texting doesn’t have RCS on Mei activated (or has no connectivity), the message will automatically revert back to SMS.
All you need to do is make sure you have RCS turned on in Settings:
Settings>Account and Advanced Features>Data Messages (RCS)
Once activated, RCS will be the new default between you and other Mei users and SMS the fallback.
Try out sending messages via RCS with your friends on Mei and let us know what you think!
