Google and Sprint are teaming up to make using SMS on Android users a much better experience.
Sprint, in partnership with Google, is launching RCS messaging support for its Android customers. With RCS support, Android users on Sprint will get features like group chat, high-res photo sharing, read receipts, and more, all built into Google’s Messenger app for Android.
Sprint customers using an LG or Nexus phone will automatically get this new RCS features through a Messenger update that’s now rolling out. Owners of other Android devices can download Messenger from the Play Store.
Also of note is that, in 2017, all new Android devices sold by Sprint will come with Google’s Messenger preloaded as the default SMS app.
Sprint isn’t the first US carrier to offer RCS features for SMS, but this is still a welcome addition to Sprint’s Android devices. Not only does it mean that Sprint customers are getting some nice new features for SMS, but they’re getting them with Google’s Messenger app, which just got a nice new look.