Google's plan for messaging on Android has been convoluted for years, but their latest push has been for RCS in standard messaging applications. You would think they'd want to roll things into Allo, but, you know.
Last month, Google turned on RCS in their Messenger application, starting their plan to standardize rich communication services for the entire world.
In order for RCS to work in Messenger, you also need your carrier to support it. A few carriers have already gotten on board, and the next on the list is Rogers in Canada. That's good news for any Rogers customers, as you'll now be able to download Google Messenger and begin taking advantage of all the extra technologies that it brings, including things like read receipts, group chat, and high resolution photo sharing. It's a pretty drastic improvement over SMS/MMS that most of are familiar with (at least in the US) and brings text messaging more in line with using something like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Rogers is also going to start preloading Google Messenger on their Android devices going forward, similar to the deal Google struck with Spring to put a standardized messenger on carrier-branded phones.
It's a small step towards bringing a more unified messaging experience to Android, but it means we're going to start 2017 off on the right foot. Hopefully within the next year or two Google can finally offer a comprehensive messaging solution to replace everything they're currently offering.
source: Google
I got my prompt this morning. I have a Google Pixel on rogers.
I believe you guys meant “RCS” support (instead of RCP). Regarding the title of the post and shows up in the link as well.
Thanks for pointing that out, Matt. I’ve since fixed it.