RCS Archives

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

GrapheneOS is ‘slightly delaying’ its overhauled Messages app

The GrapheneOS team is working on a new OS release to fix a volume bar UI regression caused by an upstream Android security preview patch and a UI issue within the Private Space feature. The release of the revamped Messages app has been delayed to follow the upcoming OS release, and there is currently no timeline for the integration of RCS (Rich Communication Services) into the new Messages app. The team is focused on enhancing user privacy and functionality while developing applications and privacy controls to reduce Google's influence.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

GrapheneOS is building its own RCS support to cut Google Messages out of the picture

GrapheneOS is revamping its Messaging app, introducing RCS support, and implementing a secure paste feature to enhance user experience. The redesigned Messaging app will have a new interface using Android Compose, improving functionality and user satisfaction. RCS will be integrated into the Messaging app to reduce reliance on Google’s ecosystem, starting with recreating RCS functionalities from Google Messages. The secure paste feature will prevent apps from accessing sensitive clipboard data from other applications, ensuring user privacy. This feature will be user-friendly and compatible with apps built using Flutter. Additionally, GrapheneOS plans to replace the outdated AOSP Gallery and other AOSP applications to further improve the user experience and reduce dependence on Google.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

September Android Drop: 5 new features coming to all phones and how to activate them

The September Android Drop includes five significant features: Motion Assist, Gemini integrations, and various accessibility improvements. Motion Assist helps reduce motion sickness by overlaying a pattern that aligns visual perception while in motion. Gemini can remember the locations of items without a tracker, linked to the Find Hub, but requires Android 16 or higher. To install the update, users should navigate to Settings > Updates or Google Play > Manage apps and device > Updates. Features can be checked by looking for specific indicators in the settings or apps. If a feature is missing, users should update the relevant app, restart their device, and ensure compatibility with Android 16 for certain features. All Android devices will receive most updates via Google Play, while full functionality for Gemini requires Android 16. Users are advised to keep apps updated and maintain backups.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google to fix nightmare Android texting bug

A bug in SMS and RCS messaging for Android users causes old messages to be appended when sending new communications, leading to potential data privacy concerns as sensitive information may be shared with unintended recipients. The issue affects a broad range of devices and manufacturers, and Google is working on a gradual fix that may take several weeks to implement. Users are advised to consider alternative messaging platforms to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Google Messages just became a lot more fun with new chat themes, but it could learn a thing or two from Apple Messages

Google's Messages app has introduced new chat themes that allow users to change conversation backgrounds by selecting from various photos or uploading their own images. This feature personalizes the chat experience and adjusts chat bubble colors to match the background. Currently, themes are only visible to the user who applies them, limiting shared experiences. Users have suggested improvements, such as on-device background generation and syncing themes across devices. Additionally, some users have reported a bug where the app may freeze when tapping on a theme without applying it, although this issue varies among users.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Google Messages Finally Lets You Customize Chats With Others – Here’s How To Do It

Google has updated its Google Messages platform to enhance user customization options, allowing users to personalize their chat experience by changing the background and color of messaging bubbles for individual RCS chats as of late August. These new chat theme options are only visible to the user who sets them and require RCS messaging to be enabled. Users can customize their chats by accessing the "Chat theme" option in the app, which offers various color choices and background categories such as Animals, Architecture, Landscapes, Sunsets, and Space, as well as the option to select a personal photo.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Google Messages RCS is breaking for Galaxy users after using Smart Switch

Samsung Galaxy users are facing RCS issues in Google Messages after transferring data to new devices using Samsung's Smart Switch, following Samsung's shift to Google Messages as the sole RCS-supporting app in the U.S. Users report that RCS functionality stops post-transfer, with error code 3100 appearing when trying to enable RCS or send messages. A Google representative suggested that corrupted cache files from the transfer may be the cause. Some users are considering factory resets, but it's unclear if this will resolve the issue. Similar RCS problems have also been reported by users switching carriers, potentially due to incomplete number-porting processes. Google is aware of these challenges but has not provided a universal solution.

BetaBeacon

August 1, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this August

A new app called Messages by OzarksMade aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via integration with Google Messages.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Miss Samsung Messages? This Third-Party App Recreates One UI Chat Experience

Samsung has phased out its Samsung Messages app in the U.S., leading users to switch to Google Messages. A new third-party app, Messages by OzarksMade, has been developed to replicate the look and feel of Samsung's original messaging tool. This app offers two modes: Standalone Mode for SMS and MMS messaging, and Companion Mode for Rich Communication Services (RCS) features, which relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app. Messages by OzarksMade is currently in open beta testing on Google Play and will be officially launched for a one-time purchase price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Samsung has officially phased out its native Samsung Messages app in the United States, prompting long-time Galaxy users to transition to Google Messages as their default text messaging client. For those who find themselves nostalgic for the familiar interface and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new alternative has emerged to fill that void. Enter Messages by OzarksMade—a third-party application designed to replicate the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung’s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch Created by the U.S.-based developer OzarksMade, this app specifically caters to enthusiasts of One UI, incorporating classic design elements such as rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovering deleted texts, as reported by Android Authority. Messages by OzarksMade offers two distinct operational modes tailored to different texting needs: Standalone Mode: This basic setup allows users to send traditional SMS and MMS messages directly, without any additional software requirements. Companion Mode: For those seeking the full suite of Rich Communication Services (RCS) features—such as typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app seamlessly transitions into this mode. However, it’s important to note that Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. Consequently, Companion Mode operates by leveraging the pre-installed Google Messages app, which runs quietly in the background. The developer has indicated that this setup utilizes Google’s Jibe infrastructure, the same backend that powered Samsung Messages for seven years. As a result, users can enjoy the same reliable messaging experience while wrapped in the nostalgic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles Currently, Messages by OzarksMade is in an open beta testing phase available through Google Play. The developer plans to officially launch the app 14 days after its Google Group testing reaches a minimum of 12 members. Upon completion of the development phase, the app will be offered for a one-time purchase price of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Samsung officially retired its native Samsung Messages app in the U.S. Earlier this month, steering long-time Galaxy owners toward Google Messages as the default text client. However, for users who miss the familiar layout, colors, and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new third-party creation wants to bring that exact experience back. We’re talking about Messages by OzarksMade, an alternative, third-party app that recreates the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung‘s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch The tool was developed by U.S.-based creator OzarksMade. It explicitly targets One UI enthusiasts, copying classic layout touches like rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovered texts (via Android Authority). It offers two distinct operational setups depending on your texting needs. The basic Standalone Mode handles traditional SMS and MMS texting directly without extra software dependencies. Then, for full Rich Communication Services (RCS) chat features—including typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app switches to Companion Mode. Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. So, Companion Mode relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app running silently in the background. The developer notes this uses Google’s Jibe infrastructure—the same backend Samsung Messages used for seven years. This means your texts travel through identical networks while wrapped in the classic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles The app is currently running an open beta testing phase through Google Play. There are plans to officially launch 14 days after its Google Group testing threshold reaches 12 members. Once development finishes and the app leaves beta, OzarksMade plans to sell it for a one-time purchase price of $0.99. Scheduled updates already promise to add customizable chat themes, which are missing from the current beta build. That said, using an unofficial clone comes with obvious caveats. Handing text permissions to a new third-party developer requires caution, and copying Samsung’s interface, icon, and branding so closely could attract copyright scrutiny if Samsung decides the design steps on its intellectual property rights." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99. Future updates are already on the horizon, promising to introduce customizable chat themes, which are not yet available in the current beta version. Nevertheless, potential users should exercise caution when considering this unofficial clone. Granting text permissions to a new third-party developer raises privacy concerns, and the close imitation of Samsung’s interface, icons, and branding could invite copyright scrutiny if Samsung perceives that the design infringes upon its intellectual property rights." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 after reaching a minimum of 12 testers. Future updates will include customizable chat themes. Users should be cautious about privacy and potential copyright issues due to the app's close imitation of Samsung's design.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Miss Samsung Messages? This unofficial app brings it back, including RCS

Samsung has officially ceased operations of its Samsung Messages app in the U.S. Users will need to transition to Google Messages, as Samsung Messages is no longer available for sending or receiving texts. A new app called Messages by OzarksMade is in beta testing and aims to replicate the One UI messaging experience, supporting SMS, MMS, RCS, group chats, and conversation categories. However, users must have Google Messages installed for RCS to function, as third-party apps cannot access Google's RCS infrastructure directly. The app is planned for public release at a one-time purchase price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: What you need to know In a notable shift for messaging on Galaxy devices, Samsung has officially ceased operations of its Samsung Messages app in the U.S. However, a promising new contender has emerged to fill the void. The app, aptly named Messages by OzarksMade, seeks to recreate the beloved One UI messaging experience that many users have come to appreciate. This innovative app supports a range of messaging functionalities, including SMS, MMS, RCS, group chats, and even conversation categories. It is important to note that users will still need to have Google Messages installed, as Google's RCS infrastructure remains closed to third-party applications. Currently, the app is in beta testing, with plans for a public release at a modest one-time purchase price of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: What you need to knowSamsung Messages no longer works in the U.S., but a new app aims to recreate the familiar One UI messaging experience.Messages by OzarksMade supports SMS, MMS, RCS, group chats, and conversation categories.You'll still need Google Messages installed since Google's RCS infrastructure isn't open to third-party apps.The app is currently in beta, with a public release planned later for a one-time purchase price of $0.99.Samsung discontinued its Samsung Messages app in the U.S. earlier this month, but a new third-party app aims to bring back the same experience, complete with the familiar One UI design and RCS support.Earlier this year, Samsung confirmed that Samsung Messages would stop working in the U.S. beginning in July 2026, encouraging users to switch to Google Messages instead. That deadline has now passed, and Galaxy users in the U.S. can no longer send or receive messages through Samsung Messages.Samsung Messages features like conversation categories. Chat themes are still missing for now, but the developer says they're already planned for the next update.Since Samsung retired its own messaging app, the company has been directing users towards Google Messages as the default messaging app on Galaxy phones. And while Google Messages has improved significantly over the past few years and now offers many of the same features, it still doesn't completely replicate the Samsung Messages experience. That's exactly the gap this app is trying to fill.Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of AndroidThere is one important limitation, though. Because Google doesn't allow third-party apps direct access to its RCS infrastructure, you'll still need Google Messages installed in the background for RCS to work. Even so, you'll continue using Messages by OzarksMade as your primary messaging app.I haven't had a chance to try the beta myself just yet, but I'll be going hands-on with it very soon. If you're interested, you can already sign up for the beta through the developer's website.Once development is complete and the app leaves beta, the developer says it will be available for a one-time purchase of $0.99." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99. Earlier this year, Samsung announced that its messaging service would be phased out by July 2026, prompting users to transition to Google Messages. That timeline has now elapsed, leaving Galaxy users in the U.S. without access to Samsung Messages for sending or receiving texts. While Google Messages has made significant strides in functionality over recent years, it has yet to fully replicate the user experience that Samsung Messages provided. This is where Messages by OzarksMade aims to bridge the gap, offering a familiar interface and essential features that resonate with former Samsung Messages users. Despite its potential, there is a notable limitation to consider. Due to restrictions imposed by Google, third-party apps cannot directly access RCS capabilities. Therefore, while Messages by OzarksMade can serve as your primary messaging platform, Google Messages must remain installed in the background to facilitate RCS messaging. For those eager to explore this new app, the beta version is available for sign-up through the developer's website. As I prepare to test the app myself, it appears to be an exciting development for users seeking a seamless messaging experience reminiscent of Samsung's original offering. Once the beta phase concludes, the app will be available for a one-time fee, making it an accessible option for many." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99.