Earlier this year, Google announced RCS (Rich Communication Service) for the messaging service. What this meant is that Android users could finally send SMS in the form of chat rather than plain text. Apart from that, users will also be able to send stuff like GIF files and emojis via the RCS. Google had also promised a web-based client for Android Messaging along with Google Assistant support. Google has finally started rolling out the Messages for Web.
The premise of this tool is that it will allow you to send a received text via desktop, pretty much like WhatsApp’s web counterpart (or the iMessages). With RCS in place, Android users can also search for GIFs by tapping the “+” button. Users can also send emojis, and Stickers, features that were missing on the standard SMS platform. Google also has a smart reply that supplements the service with predictive messages. The Smart Reply will automatically suggest replies for the messages.
Yet another useful feature is the Preview Links. Next time you receive a link from your friends, the app will automatically add a snipped with the link preview. Users can also copy OTP or One Time Password with relative ease. The Messages for the web is already being rolled out, and you can update to the latest version of the Android Messaging app here. Currently, Messages for Web supports only the Chrome browser and is expected to add support for all the other browsers in the near future.
The users need to scan the QR code on their phone to sync the Messages for the Web client. Once done, they will be able to send messages and other stuff by using the RCS. It’s worth noting that both the devices should support RCS in order to access the messages.