RCS Archives

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.

AppWizard

September 30, 2024

Google Messages might add a special folder for annoying international texts

Google Messages beta is introducing a "Cross-Country" folder for better spam detection of international texts, similar to the existing Spam & Blocked bin. The app has also rolled out Gemini, an AI model that assists users with drafting ideas and planning events, available for devices with at least 6GB of RAM. Additionally, Google Messages now allows users to text 911 authorities through RCS-enabled chats, enhancing emergency communication capabilities.

AppWizard

September 7, 2024

Meta Gives In To DMA Pressure, Allows WhatsApp And Messenger To Interoperate With Third-Party Apps

Meta is enhancing interoperability for its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Users will soon be able to connect with various messaging services, facilitating group chats and video calls. This requires third-party applications to support WhatsApp and Messenger through message encryption and XML communication. Meta will provide notifications about third-party app compatibility and will introduce a new onboarding process to educate users about these integrations. Enhancements will include Rich Communication Services (RCS) functionalities like reading receipts and direct responses. No specific timeline for the rollout has been provided.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 101: Transfer Your Old Chats from Samsung to Google Messages App

Samsung is transitioning from its Messages app to the Google Messages app on Galaxy devices, encouraging users to migrate for a smoother experience. The switch is not mandatory, but Google Messages offers advanced features like Rich Communication Services (RCS) and end-to-end encryption. Migrating from Samsung Messages to Google Messages is simplified, requiring just a few taps without losing existing messages or chat history. Users should ensure Google Messages is installed and that they are logged into the same Google account used with Samsung Messages. The migration process involves launching Google Messages, setting it as the default app, and confirming the change. If old messages do not sync, users should check their internet connection and ensure they are using the correct Google account.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Not all messaging apps are equal when it comes to encryption

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France on serious charges including facilitating illegal transactions, failing to comply with document requests, complicity in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), drug distribution, organized fraud, and money laundering. The situation has sparked controversy, with claims that the charges are politically motivated and an attack on free speech and encrypted messaging services. Not all messaging applications provide the same level of encryption; SMS is unencrypted, while Apple's iMessage offers encryption only among compatible devices. Signal and WhatsApp provide end-to-end encryption by default, while Google Messages and Facebook Messenger have conditional encryption based on user compatibility. Social media direct messages on platforms like X or Instagram lack encryption entirely.

AppWizard

July 29, 2024

Sorry, custom ROM fans: Google would rather have broken apps than insecure apps

Android's open-source nature allows users to explore apps beyond the Play Store and experiment with custom ROMs, but it creates security challenges for developers. The Play Integrity API has been developed to ensure applications run only on genuine Android devices. Custom ROM users face obstacles as more apps implement Play Integrity checks, leading to operational failures, such as with the Authy app on GrapheneOS. Google’s Shawn Willden acknowledged the dilemma posed by Play Integrity, stating unofficial OSs are assumed to be bad. However, he mentioned the possibility of developing a certification process for third-party ROMs to pass Android’s Compatibility Test Suite, though interest in such a program is low. Most Android users prefer a seamless experience on mainstream devices, prompting discussions about collaborating with developers to create apps that do not rely on Play Integrity checks.