Google is making some big improvements to its Google Fi wireless service.
First up, Google Fi is rolling out RCS messaging to its devices. This includes the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto G6, LG V35 ThinQ, LG G7 ThinQ, and Android One Moto X4. Google says that RCS will also work on Fi-compatible Android phones. RCS messaging should be available on these phones starting today.
On phones that are designed for Google Fi, like the ones mentioned above, RCS messaging will be automatically enabled. Users with "compatible Android phones" will need to download the Messages app and set it as their default messaging app. They'll then get prompts to help them to enable RCS messaging.
RCS messaging has several benefits over standard SMS messaging. These include typing indicators and read receipts, improved group chats, chatting over Wi-Fi, and high-res image and video sharing. So far we've seen Verizon and T-Mobile roll out RCS messaging to a handful of devices, so it's great to see Google rolling out RCS to all of its Fi phones and Fi-compatible Android devices.
Also coming to Google Fi is faster 4G LTE coverage on phones designed for Fi. Google explains that in the coming weeks, its designed for Fi phones will get speedier LTE in 33 countries around the world, including France, Germany, Hong Kong, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The full list of countries looks like this:
