Skip to content
General

Google Messages to receive a much-needed update to improve RCS media quality

By Minjun Park
2 min read
Google Messages
Google Messages
In this article (4)

Google has been working on improving communication between Android and iPhone users, and it looks like they’re making some great strides. The latest Google Messages beta reveals a new feature that allows Android users to send high-quality media to iPhone users over RCS.

Currently, Google Messages compresses media heavily before sending it, which means that iPhone users often receive blurry or pixelated images and videos, even on RCS. This is a major pain point, especially when trying to share important memories or documents. Now that iOS will soon have RCS support, this is an issue that must be remedied as soon as possible.

Fortunately, as discovered in the latest beta version of the Messages app, Google is finally addressing this issue by giving users the option to send media in its original quality. In the latest beta, users will be prompted to choose between two options when sending media:

  • Optimized for chat: Send faster with reduced quality
  • Original quality: Send with no changes to quality, uses more date

Once you make your selection, this option will apply to all current and future chats.

This update is a big deal for a couple of reasons. First, it means that Android and iPhone users will finally be able to share high-quality media with each other seamlessly. No more blurry photos or pixelated videos. Second, it shows that Google is committed to improving the RCS experience. They’re listening to user feedback and making the necessary changes to make RCS a viable alternative to traditional SMS.

It’s also worth noting that this update is just one of many that Google has made to Google Messages in recent months. The company has been working hard to improve the app’s overall experience, and it’s clear that they’re committed to making it the best messaging app on the market.

That said, there are still a few unknowns. We don’t know when this feature will roll out to all users, and we don’t know when Apple will fully enable RCS support on all iPhones, as it is still in beta. However, it’s likely that both of these things will happen in the near future.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What problem does this update aim to solve for users?

A.

The update aims to stop iPhone users receiving blurry or pixelated images and videos from Android users. Currently, Google Messages heavily compresses media, causing quality loss.

Q.

How will users be able to send media with this new feature?

A.

Users will be prompted to choose between two options: 'Optimized for chat' for faster sending with reduced quality, or 'Original quality' to send with no changes.

Q.

What is the expected impact of this update on media sharing between different phone users?

A.

Android and iPhone users will finally be able to share high-quality media with each other smoothly. This means no more blurry photos or pixelated videos.

Reader pulse

Is Google's RCS media update:

23,830 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready