Samsung has released a new video in support of Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign which calls for Apple to adopt RCS or “Rich Communication Services,” the cross-platform protocol pitched as a successor to SMS that adopts many of the features found in modern messaging apps… like Apple’s own iMessage.

    • NebLem@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Why not switch to something not owned by Facebook like Signal (or something on an open protocol like Element)?

      • Send_me_nude_girls@feddit.de
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        1 year ago

        No one I know uses Signal or is skilled enough to switch away from Whatsapp. 100% have WhatsApp.

        Trying to switch, would be like talking people into using Linux. Not going to happen unless the current option got much worse.

        • GigglyBobble@kbin.social
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          1 year ago

          skilled enough to switch away from Whatsapp

          Wat? If they managed to register with WhatsApp, they can do so with literally any other messaging service.

        • NebLem@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Yeah that’s a big problem that I’m trying to research solutions for myself too. It was way better when I could tell people to just install Signal and it’d replace their SMS app but be secure when others use it, but unfortunately Signal dropped SMS. Currently I just have all the apps, but since Signal does contact discovery (like Whatsapp) I follow a Signal, Whatsapp, FB Messenger, RCS (via Google Messenger), then SMS pattern and stopping when I can contact someone. Obviously, this has the issue that all these apps are getting far more data than they need and I’d like to look into a multiplatform app that does e2e. From what I’ve researched so far, Matrix bridges (servers that connect your Matrix account to a third party messaging service) might be the answer.

          I haven’t tried it yet but there is a Matrix bridge that you can host if you are selfhosting a Matrix server (or use a commercial Matrix provider that already hosts it) that will allow you to connect to your Whatsapp friends without needing the Whatsapp app yourself that could be interesting for at least that use case https://docs.mau.fi/bridges/go/setup.html?bridge=whatsapp .

        • lolcatnip@reddthat.com
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          1 year ago

          Using Signal is incredibly easy. Unless your friends are too incompetent to even install an app, they can be set up in a couple of minutes.

          Notice I said using and not switching, because there’s no need to pick just one.

          • Send_me_nude_girls@feddit.de
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            1 year ago

            They are incompetent enough. They also see no reason to switch. They will tell you that other apps will also use your data and that Whatsapp is working fine for what they do with it. Doesn’t matter if it’s true.

            Some even use the status to share stuff like Instagram and are addicted to it.

            They’ll tell you that there’s no point in installing two apps. I’ve had that topic often enough.

            • lolcatnip@reddthat.com
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              1 year ago

              You originally said nobody was skilled enough. It seems what you really meant is nobody cares enough.

              • GigglyBobble@kbin.social
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                1 year ago

                Unfortunately, that’s the actual reason in my experience. I got most friends and family to run Signal next to WhatsApp though.

        • Free Palestine 🇵🇸@sh.itjust.works
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          1 year ago

          A few years ago I thought so as well, but today, everyone of my friends and family is on Signal. Also, it’s not complicated to use, it’s basically the exact same user experience as on WhatsApp or Telegram. If normies can figure out WhatsApp, they can figure out Signal.

          • Doubletwist@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            I didn’t say it was FOSS. I said that unlike iMessage, which Apple refuses to allow Android to use, RCS is available to be used by Apple if it so chooses.

            Yes, a FOSS protocol/standard would be better, and I hope we have one done day that is actually available and used by default by both iOS and Android (and any other future players in the field). But until that happens, RCS is at least allowed to be used by other companies so it’s at least a small step in the right direction, even if Apple continues to stubbornly refuse to use it.

            • Aopen@discuss.tchncs.de
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              1 year ago
              1. Google controls RCS servers. Collects data and sales it. Apple adopting RCS would mean monopoly situation

              Yes, a FOSS protocol/standard would be better

              Open standard is the only option

              RCS is at least allowed to be used by other companies so it’s at least a small step in the right direction

              …of a single company controlling major sms functions turned on by default by every phone?

        • Free Palestine 🇵🇸@sh.itjust.works
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          1 year ago

          Signal is also available on every platform, you don’t need to use whatever chat app your phone’s manufacturer wants you to use, it’s your choice. And Signal is probably the best choice right now.

    • Virkkunen@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      The only way something replaces WhatsApp is if WhatsApp stops existing.

      Besides, RCS is not in any shape or form ready to the general public, considering all the blatant inconsistencies and instabilities, let alone replace one of the most used, tried and tested messaging platforms out there.

      • lustrum@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        I switched my parents group chat to RCS from whatsapp after pestering them for ages.

        Over the span of 2 months we had 4-5 inconsistencies where I would recieve a message from my mum or dad in the group that would be in another language or clearly not be written by them. It wouldn’t show up on her phone but my brother and dad would see it.

        Here’s the proof of the last occassion it happened. They’re never going to switch now…