RCS Archives

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Google Messages now finally shields you from surprise nudes

Google Messages is introducing smart alerts that automatically blur explicit images before they are viewed by the recipient. This feature is opt-in for adults, while it is enabled by default for teens. Users will receive warnings about potentially explicit images and can choose to view the image, block the sender, or check the reason for the flag. If users send a sensitive image, the app will prompt them with a caution. All processing occurs on the user's device to protect privacy, and the feature currently applies only to still images, not videos.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

The App Apocalypse: Why Messaging Will Replace Retail Apps in 2025

Standalone retail apps are predicted to become obsolete by 2025 due to advancements in Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology, which will enhance business-consumer interactions. RCS combines SMS simplicity with app interactivity, allowing consumers to engage with brands through enriched messaging experiences without needing to open separate apps. The development and maintenance costs of retail apps are significant, leading brands to reconsider their value as messaging offers similar or superior engagement at lower costs. By 2026, many brands are expected to adopt messaging-first strategies.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Which is the most secure messaging app? Expert weighs in after U.S. war plan leak blunder

A significant intelligence breach occurred when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a sensitive Signal group chat that included discussions about U.S. military operations targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, involving Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described it as "one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence." Experts emphasized that the breach resulted from human error, not flaws in encryption technology. Signal is considered the gold standard for secure messaging due to its end-to-end encryption and lack of metadata collection. Other platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp have varying levels of security, with iMessage requiring both parties to use Apple devices for full protection, and WhatsApp collecting metadata. Telegram does not enable end-to-end encryption by default for standard messages. The incident highlights that even the most secure messaging applications cannot prevent breaches caused by human oversight.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Messages addresses issues regarding media text failures in RCS chats

Google is addressing user concerns regarding media transmission issues in RCS chats within the Messages app by implementing updates to enhance media reception performance. The updates aim to improve the "receiving performance" of media texts. Additionally, Google has introduced enhanced scam detection measures for Pixel devices, utilizing AI technology to identify and flag potential scams in the Messages and Phone apps, providing real-time alerts for suspicious messages. There is also anticipation for Google's promised 911 RCS texting capabilities, which would allow users to text emergency services and send images and videos, although the timeline for this feature remains uncertain.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out new AI-powered scam detection feature in Messages app

Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

You Can Now Text Yourself via RCS on Google Messages (and You Should)

Google Messages has introduced a beta feature that allows users to send messages to themselves using RCS (Rich Communication Services), which provides advantages over SMS, such as the ability to send longer texts and high-resolution media without compression. However, RCS messages sent to oneself currently lack encryption. If the feature is active on a device, users can simply text themselves, or they may need to enroll in the Google Messages beta program. Self-messaging offers convenience and the ability to synchronize messages and media across devices, but users concerned about security may consider using encrypted platforms like Signal for sensitive information.

AppWizard

February 17, 2025

Government-linked Italian spyware maker caught distributing malicious Android apps

Recent investigations have revealed a connection between the spyware Spyrtacus and the Italian developer SIO, which supplies products to the Italian government. At least three Android applications, disguised as popular services like WhatsApp, have been identified as spyware. This discovery was first reported by an anonymous security researcher in late 2024, leading TechCrunch to notify Google and cybersecurity firm Lookout, both of which confirmed the presence of malicious code in these applications. Researchers traced a connection between SIO and Spyrtacus back to ASIGINT, a subsidiary of SIO that develops "computer wiretapping" software. SIO is listed as the cert holder for a product named SIOAGENT, owned by ASIGINT. ASIGINT's CEO, Michele Fiorentino, acknowledged his involvement in the 'Spyrtacus Project' at DataForense, another company linked to SIO’s servers. Lookout's Kristina Balaam identified 13 samples of Spyrtacus from 2019 to October 2024. Google spokesperson Ed Fernandez stated that no apps containing this malware are currently on Google Play, with protective measures in place since 2022. However, a 2024 Kaspersky report indicated that Spyrtacus has shifted from Google Play to deceptive replicas of Italian internet service provider websites. The Italian government has a history of facilitating spyware manufacturers, exemplified by Israeli developer Paragon Solutions terminating its contract with the government in February 2025 after breaching privacy ethics. Additionally, Italian telephone operators have engaged in surveillance activities, compensated by the justice ministry, raising concerns about the presence of spyware companies in Italy over the past two decades.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Samsung keeps adding new features to the Messages app it supposedly sunset

Samsung has updated its Messages app with new features, including the ability to edit messages sent to other Galaxy devices running One UI 7, allowing up to three edits within 15 minutes after sending. Each edited message is marked, and a history of edits can be accessed. Additionally, there is an auto-delete function for one-time password (OTP) messages, which deletes them after 24 hours and permanently after 30 days. These features are reportedly available on the Galaxy S25, but some users have faced limitations based on regional software versions. The editing feature is likely limited to RCS messages, as SMS does not support it. Despite previous statements about phasing out the Messages app, the updates suggest Samsung's continued commitment to it.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Samsung just quietly retired its Google Messages rival, and not everyone will be happy about it

Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 series, making Google Messages the default messaging application and retiring the Samsung Messages app. Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra users will only have access to Google Messages, unlike previous models that allowed the option to use Samsung Messages. Existing Samsung Messages users can still use the app if it was installed prior to its removal from stores, but it is no longer available for download, raising concerns about future support and security. A Samsung spokesperson confirmed the decision to transition to Google Messages, citing improved Rich Communication Services (RCS) functionality. The response from users has been mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction about the enforced switch. This change marks a trend towards standardization in the Android messaging ecosystem.

AppWizard

December 15, 2024

AT&T shuts down its messaging apps prematurely and deletes cloud backups

AT&T has retired its pre-installed messaging applications for phones and tablets as of December 4, following an announcement in May about the closure of the AT&T Messages Backup & Sync app and the AT&T Messages for Tablet app. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which AT&T prefers due to its Rich Communication Services (RCS) capabilities. Messages stored in the cloud will be deleted, but conversations saved locally on devices will remain accessible. AT&T had made Google Messages the default Android messaging app in 2021 and transitioned to Google's Jibe platform in 2023 to improve RCS features. Unlike Verizon's experience with customer backlash, AT&T's user base has shown more acceptance of this change.