Google has announced a major expansion of its Android Messages next-generation texting app to 27 more operators and device manufacturers. Shortly after launching Rich Communications Services (RCS) for Telenor’s 214 million subscribers, the company revealed in a blog statement that Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Globe and Vodafone will also preload Android Messages as the standard native messaging app for their subscribers. The company previously announced deals with Sprint in the US and Rogers in Canada. The expansion means the number of subscribers now covered by the new Android Messages app comes to well over one billion.
The company also announced that it’s working with the mobile device brands LG, Motorola, Sony, HTC, ZTE, Micromax, HMD Global, Archos, BQ, Cherry Mobile, Condor, Fly, General Mobile, Lanix, LeEco, Lava, Kyocera, MyPhone, QMobile, Symphony and Wiko, along with its own Pixel, Nexus and Android One devices, to preload Android Messages as the default messaging app on their devices.
Finally, Google is creating an early access programme to make it easier for brands to participate in RCS business messaging and be first to offer their customers an upgraded messaging experience. The initial rollout features Virgin Trains, Walgreens, Amber Alert Europe, Baskin-Robbins, BlaBlaCar, FICO, Gamestop, G2A.com, IHG, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Naturas, Papa Murphy’s, Philips, Porto Seguro, Sky, Sonic Drive-In, Subway, and Time Inc. The company added that it will be taking advantage of its appearance at Mobile World Congress to showcase the potential of RCS-based business messaging.
